Homeschool World Forum

ladibugg · User Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 6 Location: texas

Im hsing 3 kids,11,13 and 15. Im not good in Math AT ALL! How do I teach them when Im in the dark about it???? I hope Im not the ONLY one! In TEXAS SM

elliemaejune · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:04 am Post subject:

No, you're not the only one Smile

Happily, there are several very excellent publishers and products to help those of us who are inept in turn help our children.

Teaching Textbooks and Chalkdust Math both use computer/DVD to teach. D.I.V.E. DVDs are available for Saxon.

Those three should keep you going Smile

_________________
Married to Mr. Ellie for over 30 years
Mother to 2 dds and 2 dsil
Grandmother to 1 sweet boy
Caretaker of 2 dear kitties, 1 French bulldog, 1 dachsund, and 3 budgies

ladibugg · User Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 6 Location: texas

Thankyou, thats nice to know. You are in central TX? So am I Laughing

gellegbs · User Joined: 11 Dec 2007 Posts: 60 Location: Texas, USA

I'm in TX south east part. I'm pretty good in math ( I know algebra like quadratic equations, graphing linear and quadratic equations, matrices, geometry like finding angles and sides and Pythagorean theorem), maybe you could somehow post questions through the forum messaging system.

Ophelia · User Joined: 20 Nov 2007 Posts: 105 Location: Ohio

I don't know how good this site is, as I haven't really checked it out yet, someone just sent me the link last night. I only skimmed over it briefly.

http://www.homeschoolmath.net/

mschickie · User Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 136

You could try using Saxon math. Their program is incremental and they give very good examples. Their solutions guide also goes through the problems step by step and that can help alot.

Shari Nielsen · User Joined: 20 Jan 2008 Posts: 56 Location: CT

There are so many resources out there on the web that are meant to explain things to kids that you will surely be able to find something to help you understand it also.

Just google whatever topic you are working on and the words "explanation, "examples", "help", etc.
_________________
Free Report! Start your own online tutoring business & earn $25 -$75/hour from home. Get your free report at http://www.TutorFi.com/freereport.asp

You Enjoy Myself · User Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 5

You also might try hiring a tutor. You might be able to find a math/physics/computer science student from a local college. It would be cheaper than hiring a 'professional' and also more money for the student than most campus jobs pay.

oneofthegirls · User Joined: 03 Oct 2008 Posts: 22 Location: Louisiana

I started hs my girls last year- and I am the queen of math disaster, lol.
In school I did not pass algebra and was put in general math classes.
I suspect that I was dislexic also because I was in math lab and also reading lab.
Looking back, I had one parent who was also math challenged, and both lacking in the patience department. When I did struggle in math, I had no one to show me I could work through it-and build up my confidence.
"I can't" was a word I would always fall back on, and so my brain would follow.
I said all that to ask- what is your math background growing up? This could be an opportunity to build yourself up and do things that you thought not possible. Also, to show your kids how working at something over time brings positive results. When they see you trying, it encourages them.
We used Abeka last year and the step by step approach plus the parent manuals were a valuable asset. I learned prealgebra and things that I thought I could never do myself, or teach. I even learned how to decipher some word problems- for me that is BIG. Now I have friends call me and ask how to work a problem- that is too neat.
Math tutoring is a great idea, also, until you get the hang of the math that you are teaching. Usually once you know the basics, most math will repeat/review and build on next year's curriculum. I know this is the case with Abeka. I also kept my math parent manual from last year as a reference.
I've heard great things about Saxon Math, also. Just finding the one that you can understand the directions best is the key.
_________________
“When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.”
Corrie Ten Boom

Minniewannabe · User Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 113 Location: Florida

oneofthegirls,

Congratulations on your new math success! I've also found that I'm learning so much by homeschooling. What a blessing for us to get a second chance at knowledge.

oneofthegirls · User Joined: 03 Oct 2008 Posts: 22 Location: Louisiana

minniewannabe,
If you would have told me I would have learned something and benefited from my girls being homeschooled a couple years ago, I would not have believed you, lol. That's how hopeless and math defeated I was.
Isn't it neat how the right atmosphere can bring about so much good results in education? I've seen my girls blossom and grow and for myself, it is an added blessing to the mix. I tell people all the time- if I can learn something in math- then anything is possible, lol.
I'm excited that you are learning and growing too! I think it's great for our kids to know that this process doesn't stop. Thanks for sharing that.
_________________
“When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.”
Corrie Ten Boom

karin · Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 12:43 pm Post subject:

The best way to REALLY learn something is to teach it! As you start learning the basic concepts and teaching them to your children, I think you will find that you gain a deeper understanding of that concept! This in turn will not only give you a greater sense of self confidence, but will motivate you to learn more! The best thing about homeschooling is that you continue to learn right along with your children!

If you need help, please email me! I will be glad to help!
_________________
Karin Hutchinson
http://www.algebra-class.com
email: karin_hutchinson@algebra-class.com