From: Tonda D. (for Teacher2Teacher Service)
Date: May 11, 2001 at 07:33:12
Subject: Re: Changing approaches

Dan - 

A couple of years ago when I was teaching middle school math and we were 
looking for a new text series, we reviewed Saxon and decided that it focused 
too much on the computational and not enough on the conceptual development 
and problem solving needed to meet the new demands in schools.  So it sounds 
like this might be where your son is lacking and that seems to be the 
general consensus from the discussion threads.  One thing you could do is 
look at a program called Hands-On Equations.  Br. Henry Borenson developed 
this hands-on approach to help young students (as young as third grade) 
understand the concept of algebra.  Once a child understands the concept, it 
is much easier to learn to apply it in a problem-solving situation.  I have 
found that students who learn algebra with this program consider algebra to 
be the easiest part of math.  It might be a fun activity for you and your 
son to do together this summer.  Good luck and thank you for being an 
involved parent!

 -Tonda D., for the T2T service
 

Post a public discussion message
Ask Teacher2Teacher a new question