Can I teach my child algebra?

Homeschoolers often wonder if they are capable of teaching algebra or high school geometry to their child. You know, maybe your own knowledge on those areas is a little shaky, so you're not so sure what to do when the time comes.

I'd like to ease your worries:

First of all, maybe you don't have to do all the teaching, after all.
Quite recently, it seems, companies have popped up with products where you see an experienced teacher solving algebra or trig or geometry problems, from start to finish.

You're watching little video clips on your computer but it's like sitting in a classroom, almost. There's HomeworkTV.com and MathTV.com. These would work as a supplement to your algebra book.

And there's Math U See of course, a whole curriculum with videos.

And, there exist online animated lessons of great quality, for example our current advertiser MathFoundation.com.

Or, software that solves algebra problems for you.

Then there are lots of online tutoring services, and they can definitely be cheaper than hiring a live tutor.

And, if you are doing alright with teaching, for the most part, but once in a while get stuck with an algebra problem, there are MANY totally free message boards where you can just post your math question.

Hope this helps! Feel free to comment.

Tags:

Comments

Anonymous said…
I think that the question is underpinned by a sense that the teaching relationship is about an expert imparting knowledge to a novice. This is sometimes the case.

But teaching can also work very well as an exercise in learning together. The parent has more experience of learning and of solving problems which s/he brings to the relationship. And the benefit of this method is that the 'student' doesn't have to feel like there is something wrong with her/him for not knowing this stuff or for finding it difficult to figure out.

Education should be about imparting a love of learning and the skills to keep learning throughout life. So do algebra together. You'll both learn something.
5:13 PM, January 27, 2006
Anne said…
Aloha! This post is in the 5th Carnival of Homeschooling here.
4:31 AM, January 31, 2006
Anonymous said…
Jove, I agree with you that teaching can work well as an exercise in learning together. However, when it comes to subjects like math, and topics like Algebra 1, Algbra 2, Calculus etc, it's not easy to learn these subjects on your own. It's rather easy to get frustrated with these topics and going down the path of "putting it aside for the moment" than complete the learning effectively.
Every year at MassHOPE, I hear from numerous parents face -to-face the problems they have with teaching Algebra and other complex math topics to their kids. In fact, that is precisely the reason why most families that work with our tutors at clickandclimb.com enjoy the 1-on-1 and personalized learning experience.

Parents also find it comforting that they are getting help from a professional who knows what he is doing and the frequent evaluation with worksheets and practice tests, re-enforces the confidence.
12:18 PM, February 09, 2009
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Conversion chart for measuring units

Image
I was just sent a link to this site; all it is, is a handy one-page printable conversion chart for various US measures, metric measures, and US vs. metric measures. Includes even a comparative Fahrenheit vs. Celsius thermometer. http://metricconversioncharts.org/
Read more

Meaning of factors in multiplication: four groups of 2, or 4 taken two times?

Someone asked me about the interpretation or meaning of the two numbers in multiplication, such as 4 × 2. Do you view it as four groups of 2 , or as four, taken two times ? Here's their question: "...I noticed that your explanation about how to interpret a math phrase, such as 4 × 2, is different from how I have understood it and taught it to my older daughter who was using RightStart Math at this level. Let me explain:  I see that you are using the first factor to denote number of groups and the second factor tells how many are in each group (4 × 2 would be interpreted 4 groups of 2).  On the other hand, I have taught and thought of it reversed, with the first factor telling how many are in each group and the second factor telling you how many groups (4 × 2 would be 4 taken 2 times).  I know that the difference in explanations does not ultimately change the product, but I am wondering what you thoughts are.  When I conceptually picture what I'm doing I see i...
Read more

Geometric art project: seven-circle flower design

Image
I got inspired by the blogpost Art School | Geometric Design with Islamic Art where Deborah shows how to make a neat flower design with seven circles , using a compass, and then coloring it using 2, 3, or 4 colors (or however many of your own). I think it ties in neatly with mathematics, and lets students practice drawing circles with a compass.  My girls loved the art/math project. Here are pictures they made: Here are step-by-step instructions for the flower design: 1.  Draw a line and a circle so that the circle's center point is on the line. Then mark the points where this circle intersects the line. 2. Use those points as center points, and draw two more circles. The radius is the same all the time, so make sure you don't change it on your compass!We used 5 cm as the radius, and that made the whole design fit neatly on a regular letter size paper. 3. Now note the two points marked in the picture. They will be used as center points in the next...
Read more