Algebra Curricula and
Learning Tools
L. A. Kids Home Page
These Algebra curriculums are selected for their visual and/or hands-on methods for teaching. Some sites are provided for their "FUN" enrichment, allowing students to explore, play, and enhance their understanding of algebraic concepts.
Switched-On
Schoolhouse Rē Math
-
We switched to the S.O.S. Math
programs after difficulty with careless errors in a large number of
traditional text-based problems. S.O.S.
provides immediate feedback by giving a "correct" or "try
again" response to the student in the interactive problems.
S.O.S. is a visual software
program which provides the instant feedback that is often essential
for children with learning disabilities. Additonally, the S.O.S.
software provides visual and auditory reinforcement through
teaching text, text-to-speech features, and teaching video clips. The
S.O.S. programs are available for all
grades up through Pre-Algebra (8th), Algebra I (9th), Algebra II (11th),
Geometry(10th), and Pre-Calculus (12th) in High School.
Algebra-World - A proven and dynamic learning environment that motivates students to succeed. The major topics covered in Algebra World are: Expressions, Variables, Algebra Notation, Pattern Recognition, Integers, One Variable Equations, Two Step Equations, Ratio, Proportion and Percent, and Geometry. Each topic has a series of detailed lessons designed to teach key mathematical concepts. The lessons are followed by challenges in three skill levels that assess understanding of the subject and mathematical reasoning ability.
(continued below..)
Coolmath Algebra - hundreds of really easy to follow lessons and examples that can make your child a successful algebra student.
Coolmath's Graphing Calculator
Hands on Equations - Algebra for elementary and middle school students. Young students are fascinated by this program. They are impressed with their ability to solve algebraic linear equations in a game-like manner. The "legal moves" provide students with a sound, intuitive understanding of fundamental algebraic properties.
A Beka Academy DVD Program - This Algebra program is provided at a college preparatory level and is my favorite of the Algebra I & II video-based programs. It has a lot of neat elements, like having the DVD instructor show the word "parenthesis" when she introduces parenthesis. This helps a 2e child see how the word is spelled, hear what it sounds like, and to see what parenthesis look like at the time of introduction. The book is colorful, with many visual drawings & diagrams to demonstrate concepts, and presented in a clear, concise manner. I did not, however, care for the Pre-Algebra (as of May 2005), as the text was black-and-white with few visual aids. While the program is pricey, I think it will be worth the money for any college-bound student needing to learn Algebra. The only downfall of Abeka's teaching DVDs is using a real classroom setting.. Sometimes the showing of other students can be a distraction to the viewer. This is particularly true when a student in the video works a problem incorrectly, it can be confusing to a child who is watching the DVD even though the errors are corrected by the teacher.
Chalkdust
Algebra - Larson, Roland, & Hostetler
- Chalkdust videos and most texts provide excellent presentation of
Algebra. The Pre-Algebra is, in my opinion, better than A Beka's Pre-Algebra,
and the Chalkdust Algebra is equal to A Beka's. Chalkdust uses accredited
Houghton-Mifflin textbooks and primarily provides the accompanying teaching
videos. The videos feature an instructor who works through the samples
step-by-step and the videos focus solely on the instructor and problem
being solved. There are no "distractions" in the Chalkdust
videos, but students using the program have complained of always seeing
the back of the instructor's head. The price of this program is also
a hindrance to many parents, but it is well worth the money if you can
manage it.
Chalkdust PreAlgebra Books- Aufmann, Barker, & Lockwood
Great
Chalkdust Video Demos and Reviews
See
the Algebra textbooks by Larson, Roland, & Hostetler
(continued below..)
Addison-Wesley
Algebra - Hornsby, Lial, & McGinnis
- An excellent option that won't cost you an arm and a leg, this Algebra
program is provided at a college preparatory level. Some of the college
level texts have horrible reviews, but the Beginning Algebra and other
High School level courses have excellent reviews. The teaching DVD set
is available for less than fifty dollars. Even though the textbook itself
is pricey, the low price of the DVDs make this an affordable option
for those seeking a "traditional" text book with thorough
explanations and teaching DVDs. You'll pay about half as much for the
text, solutions, and teaching DVDs for Lial's mathematics than you will
for Chalkdust or Abeka. In comparison, the DVDs are equal in quality,
but the text is slightly less appealing, visually speaking. The print
is small and there is a lot of text packed on each page. There are a
reasonable number of visual diagrams and other visual elements.
Lial
Introductory Algebra Video Sample
Or
see Margaret Lial's Algebra Books Listed
Math-U-See
- A great program at the elementary levels, but somewhat less rigorous
at the upper math levels. The explanatory DVDs and Videos are great.
The texts are plain. The printing is all black and white, uncluttered,
and very straightforward. These texts may be the best of the lot for
those wanting simple presentation where the child does not require visual
graphics to understand the content. If you need in depth explanation
or visual diagrams, you will likely find the program falls short of
your needs.
Saxon
Math and D.I.V.E. DVDs -
Many children benefit from the detailed step-by-step program that Saxon
offers. This math program builds upon itself with plenty of repetitive
practice, cementing the concepts cognitively. The Algebra texts are
plain. Little in the way of visual content is provided. While the program
provides in-depth explanations and spiral teaching of concepts, the
lack of visuals may be an issue for highly visual learners.
Buy through ChristianBook.com
Or
see Amazon's availability of Saxon Algebra
Uncle Dan's Algebra - If you are looking for a low-cost, complete, Algebra solution, "Uncle Dan's Algebra" may suit your needs. Costs a fraction of the price of many other programs offering complete videos and text. Uses incremental steps that are well explained by Dan in the videos. His slow speech provides ample processing time for kids who process information slowly, particularly those with auditory processing issues. Instructions are specific on the videos, leaving no doubt about when to stop the tape to work problems. The (Workbook and Solution Key) texts are "print-it-yourself" documents on CD and are straightforward and uncluttered, providing practice problems, quizzes, and tests. Dan will send anyone a FREE copy of the Algebra Workbook file via email attachment. You get video lessons that are as good as any. It's a good package for the money, but nothing fancy at all. "Uncle Dan's Algebra" is definitely "Homespun", not a commercially published program in that there is no fancy packaging or DVD labels, etc. Dan copies the DVD's himself, labels them, and ships them, keeping the price low. It's a one-man operation. Dan will answer your questions by e-mail, probably making him one of the more reachable producers of such a package.
