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January 26, 2005

Advanced Math for Kids

I'm looking for the solution to the problem that I had in the 5th grade. I got completely bored with all the math they threw at me. Pre-Algebra never made sense to me until Algebra did. For four years, there was essentially no math except for screwy word problems. I'd like to move my kids through this gap as quickly as possible. Is it reasonable to just start straight in with variables and expressions? I think so. In fact, I guess I've already made up my mind about it. I'm just looking for some validation, and the name of a good text.

Posted by mbowen at January 26, 2005 03:15 PM

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Comments

Posted by: craig at January 26, 2005 08:32 PM

There's very little difference in math texts at that level. The math is what it is, having someone to explain it when they run into trouble is more important.

I started taking Algebra in the 7th grade. And yeah, a lot of it makes more sense once you've moved on and it becomes one part of a larger problem.

The biggest thing is how well your kids can grasp abstract concepts like "X". But by all means, can't hurt to get them started... The sooner anyone learns problem solving skills the better. And it sounds corny, but those word problems, once they get them down, are unbelievably valuable.

Posted by: Kirk at January 26, 2005 09:17 PM

Let me suggest that you pay close, close, close attention to their homework through late elementary school and middle school. Getting concepts wrong in those years can cause big problems later, and the teachers may not catch this, not knowing your kids and their abilities as well as you do. I found this out the hard way, having to help my daughter do a whole lot of catching up in 7th grade, of stuff she should have learned in elementary school.

Posted by: Laura at January 29, 2005 11:53 AM