Best Algebra Homeschool Curriculum for Learning Abled Kids
ALGEBRA! Perhaps the most feared subject by homeschooling moms in general.
Fear NOT, for behold–Here are algebra homeschool curriculum options with features to help your learning abled kid learn algebra.
These algebra homeschool curriculum are selected for their visual and/or hands-on methods for teaching high school students and are commonly used in homeschooling. Some sites are provided for their “FUN” math enrichment, allowing students to explore, play, and enhance their understanding of algebraic concepts. Other sites are complete algebra courses for high school level homeschooling.
Brief Aside for Fearful Parents
Before we talk about algebra homeschool curriculum for your high school student, I wanted to talk to you briefly about your options. If you are apprehensive about teaching your child high school algebra because you don’t remember much from algebra or you doubt your own abilities, you might want to consider a refresher course for yourself. If you plan to teach your child directly, it could save you time to have a review first. The Practical Algebra, Self-Teaching Guide is a well-liked option. It might even be a book your child would like to use. 😉
Resources to Use as or in Addition to Your Algebra Homeschool Curriculum
Many of the algebra homeschool curriculum below include math teaching videos. Your high schooler may be able to learn the algebra more easily through the audio-visual teaching. Sometimes a student gets “stuck,” and the explanation being used doesn’t make sense, so some of the resources can be really helpful.
When my guys got stuck within their algebra homeschool curriculum and I wasn’t sure how to explain the concepts to them we used Purple Math’s and Khan Academy’s free teaching videos online. It is fairly easy to locate videos that teach whatever math concept your child is having trouble understanding through one of these resources or via YouTube videos. We sometimes used one or the other, and sometimes both!
High School Algebra Homeschool Curriculum Choices:
Hands-on Equations is a great multi-sensory program that helps kids conceptualize and understand equations. Since equations are at the very heart of Algebra, Hands-On Equations is an excellent program to use as you transition from division and fractions into equations. While we have pre-calculus programs, one of the biggest math conception jumps actually occurs with the transition from simple computation into application and reasoning using equations. Therefore, I think of Hands-On Equations as a “pre-Algebra” program that will benefit any child who is struggling to make the transition from elementary-middle school math into high school math.
**Coolmath Algebra – hundreds of really easy to follow lessons and examples that can help your child be successful in learning algebra. Coolmath’s Calculators are tools that can help make Algebra visual. It’s not specifically an algebra homeschool curriculum, but it’s definitely a great option for learning and understanding Algebra.
**Math-U-See – A great homeschool curriculum 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. This algebra homeschool curriculum 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.
Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide – If your child is struggling with high school math, this math and algebra curriculum is a mastery-based program that will review basic concepts with your child as needed, and progress through mastery of high school-level algebra. This program is a good overall math program, but is especially good for kids who are struggling with Algebra. The program reviews some basic concepts as needed, so it can help fill in the learning gaps for your child as they work on Algebra.
**A Beka Academy Program – This algebra homeschool curriculum 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 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 program 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. This can be confusing to a child who is watching the videos even though the errors are corrected by the teacher. Therefore, you’ll want to consider how much of a problem this may be for your learning abled kid before selecting this algebra homeschool curriculum.
**Beginning Algebra – by Hornsby, Lial, et al. – This is an excellent option that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, this algebra homeschool curriculum 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 videos are available through Pearson’s MyLab™ Math. This an affordable option for those seeking a “traditional” text book with thorough explanations and teaching videos.
**Saxon Math – Many children benefit from the detailed step-by-step algebra homeschool curriculum 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
Saxon Math on Amazon.com
Uncle Dan’s Algebra – Dan’s Algebra teaching videos are available for free on YouTube. However, this program is NOT really a curriculum you can use as a complete course. The videos are great for learning the presented concepts though. Dan uses incremental steps that are well explained 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. There is nothing fancy about these videos ~ They’re just a great resource!
**AOP’s Monarch Math – Monarch Math is taught through an interactive, visual online program. The program provides instant feedback. This is often essential for children with learning disabilities. Additionally, the Monarch program provides visual and auditory reinforcement. The 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. This program is not highly interactive. If your child needs a more interactive format, one of the preceding math curriculum for dyscalculia may be a better choice.
