Stuck in Saxon Algebra 1

[Cindy Lou]

Hello,
I am so stuck in Algebra 1 with my daughter who is amazingly precious and patient with her mother. I have not told her that she has done so horribly as she caves and focuses on her failures more than her accomplishments. Carry over from her public school days. I have spoken to her regarding trying another curriculum, but she is adamant about Saxon due to the Dive cd. The thing is this, she can do it with the cd but when it comes to the book she is so totally thrown off by the way it is worded. I am at a stale mate with this subject as I did not take nor do I want to take algebra when I was in school. Won't mention my date of graduation, but will state that I have a nice little patch of white hair right in the middle of my head. :) I would appreciate any advice from a mother who has had experience with high school algebra, especially Saxon Algebra.
Anxiously awaiting response,
Cindy Lou in Sandy Run Community, Swansea

[Dianna]

Cindy, I've read that many students who were fine in Saxon during the elementary and middle school years reach a roadblock in the high school years. You said that your daughter doesn't want to give up on Saxon because of the Dive CDs. Have you heard about or considered the math series authored by Margaret Lial (and others)? Many students who don't like Saxon's approach really do well with Lial, and to make it even better, there are Digital Video Tutor DVDs that go with the books to walk students through the text. Here's a link to my Math links page:

http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/links2.htm

Click on the Introductory Algebra link to read more about it on the Amazon site. Consider buying just the worktext first, and then buying the DVT dvds if she needs more help. If you decide to buy it, don't get the latest edition because it's more expensive. I've linked you to the 7th edition, paperback "worktext" version. It's my preference because students can write directly in the text. Make sure before you buy that there's no writing in the text.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Warmly,
Dianna

[Cindy Lou]

Diana,
Thank yo so much for your advice. I am going to research this math curriculum. I am going to have to speak with Allie about this math today. My husband and I are going to sit her down over the weekend and discuss this with her. She is so hard on herself and I don't want her to feel she is inadequate with her math skills. She is my grammar queen and I firmly believe that God has blessed her with some amazing talents. She is so very soft hearted and compassionate toward everyone. Again, I thank you so very much for your help. I do have to tell you that this is the first site that I have actually been directed to a math curriculum. I was beginning to think that I need to go back to school so I can teach Allie Algebra. It ws not mandatory when I was in high school. Oh well, I feel so much more at ease now and will follow your advice.

Thank you again,
Cindy

[Dianna]

Cindy, if you help your daughter with the Lial's, you'll probably learn it right along with her. If you're math-phobic and would like to learn Algebra in a gentle way, try the Key to Algebra workbooks. There's a link to them in my Resources & Links math area.

Warmly,
Dianna