Blog

Karen on Facebook needed some guidance about math."I would like opinions on the pros and cons of these sequences: (Algebra 1 -Geometry- Algebra 2) versus. (Algebra 1-Algebra 2- Geometry). Your thoughts?" ~ Karen It's best to complete geometry, or at least start it, before the PSAT (when possible). For that reason, I prefer geometry first. Geometry is also a nice review of Algebra 1, so you spend a year getting those Alg 1 concepts all stuck...

I am often asked about a particular homeschool curriculum. Sandy had a great question about Saxon geometry...Lee,We recently watched your Preparing to Homeschool High School videos in our homeschool group. They were great! I have a question about Saxon Math. My 10th grader is taking Advanced Math and has already completed Algebra 1 and 2. Do you have an opinion about Saxon and the way geometry is included? Would you suggest another route? My eighth grader...

When you get into the upper grades for math, it can seem to take FOREVER to get a math lesson done. In fact, sometimes it's so overwhelming it's even ...

Let's talk about frustration with high school math. As a home educator, you have the power to make things better. You can decide on the methods a...

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy I may make a few pennies, but not enough for my own coffee break. Dry Your Tears! Help for Teaching High School Math is Here! What are you using for math next year? Do you get cold sweats just thinking about teaching your teen high school math? Did your last exposure to trigonometry leave you covered in hives? If so, you are not alone! Every homeschool...

Do you get cold sweats just thinking about teaching your teen high school math? Did your last exposure to trigonometry leave you covered in hives? If ...

If Saxon is a good fit for your child, now is a great time to buy.  Saxon Math is having a great sale until 5/31, if you are looking for a d...

This is totally a no judgment zone! Let's talk about homeschool math without making you cry. My article High School Math without the Moaning ...

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy I may make a few pennies, but not enough for a latte. Choosing Homeschool High School Math Curriculum The key to choosing a high school math program is recognizing that your preferences and learning style may not be the same as your teen's. Your child may learn differently, and require a different program than you would choose for yourself. Teenagers sometimes have pet peeves and personality quirks...

The engineering community is very concerned about math. The statistics paint a grim picture. Math is Important! 1. Jobs requiring math are increasing at four times the rate of overall job growth2. American children rank 13th in the world when it comes to basic math skills3. Less than 1/3 of American 8th graders are at least proficient in math4. 93% of American 6th to 8th graders realize they need math skills later in life, but few directly...

Dear Lee,I am worried about math for my 10th grade son. He has struggled in math for years.  Due to some research about dyslexia in my younger son, I stumbled upon something called dyscalculia. I am wondering if my 10th grader has this and how it will affect his chances at getting into a college. My question is, do they really need algebra and geometry to graduate?Thank you for your help,~ Michelle in Oregon Do Homeschoolers...

I receive many questions from homeschoolers about math. This one is about mastery vs. perfection when it comes to math. Mastery vs. Perfection Dear Lee,Thank you very much for sharing so much with the rest of us homeschoolers! I have a question regarding carelessness.  Using math as an example, my 12 yr. old son is working out of Saxon Algebra 1 currently and is understanding everything very well but gets a few wrong (2-4 on average,...

As teenagers struggle to figure out the order of operations in algebra, parents have their own worries.  They are trying to figure out if there’s a specific order to follow for high school math.  It can be confusing!  What comes first? Should you take Algebra 2 after Algebra 1, or should Geometry come next? Each math curriculum will have a their own order of high school classes. Some textbooks do it one way, and some do...

Course descriptions are an important part of your high school student’s records, but sometimes it’s easy to get stumped about what to call certain courses, or what to count them as.  Audrey recently asked me,“What category is ‘Logic’? Math or English?  I want to know where to give my son credit. Our math course (Geometry: Videotext) has logic in it, but I always thought logic was an ‘English’ subject. I also will be using ‘Introductory Logic’ by Wilson...

Great news!  In The Great State of Washington, 24 kids out of 100 don't graduate high school!  Oh, wait... that's not good news!  When you really think of it, a 24% drop out rate is amazingly high! What is YOUR graduation rate?  What is the rate for your local high school?  What is the rate for your own homeschool?I know a LOT of homeschoolers, representing a huge variety of kids and educational styles, and I haven’t...