Posted 4/20/07:
This is the best program out there for upper math students. It is great for the
literary student and is story based. Fred being the main character. Life of Fred
has opened up Algebra and upper math to my students.
It is based on a cycle of
telling a story, presenting a problem and then presenting how you solve the
problem. It creates a need for the math prior to teaching the skill. I have not
heard, "What am I ever going to use this for?" after the basic lesson or
concept is taught in the chapter.
The student cycles through different 'citys'
- the first will have answers provide to set the goal, the second set gives half
the answers and the last set no answers, this being the test set if you will.
Brilliant strategy and I often hear my students cheering that they got the right
answer and seeing the puzzle to algebra in place of the work. It has also helped
with understanding the application of the math to other subjects, Chemistry for
one building my new garden for another.
We have used Beginning Algebra and
Advanced Algebra and plan to continue. The author is pleasant, approachable, and
ready to help. The program is designed not to need parental involvement and to
encourage self learning and creates an interest in the subject and others also
along the way. The Author has put together both an excellent program and very
cost effective. You do not need the homeschool edition but it is very helpful
with answers and giving the student a daily goal, although my students often get
tied up in the tale and do five lessons at a time.
There are aprox 108 lessons
and students as young as 11 can begin algebra without worry once the basic math,
including fractions and decimals. is mastered.
Ber