Home School Algebra Courses Are Not Created Equal

Home School Algebra Courses Are Not Created Equal

Article by Cassie Flanigan

Teaching algebra to home school students can be a challenge. No matter what type of curriculum you might be using, explaining the processes and concepts of algebra is difficult – even teachers in traditional school settings can find it problematic. Add to that the possibility that you have forgotten much about the subject yourself, and you can see just how hard it can be. However, there are home school algebra courses available that can make it simpler and easier to teach your children this subject. The problem is that not all courses are equal – you must ensure that you choose the best possible course.

Visual Lessons

Bookwork is not something that most students love. In addition, while some students can excel in this manner, most find it intimidating and less than engaging. However, home school algebra courses that offer visual lessons can provide the engagement that your student needs to really “get” the subject.When learning directly from a textbook, students can become frustrated. While the concepts might be explained in black and white, this is not necessarily the best way to get that information embedded in your child’s mind. You will also find that many home school algebra books seem to leave something out – that vital element that will really make this math “click” in your child’s mind.

Visual lessons help your child see how the process works. Animated lessons walk your child through the process of problem solving and illustrate underlying tenets of algebra that get lots in mere text.

Enrichment Activities

Another vital part of choosing the best home school algebra courses is to consider the additional work for the course. Many course options omit any form of enrichment activity – relying solely on bookwork or lessons to impart the required knowledge. However, the right solution will provide engaging enrichment activities that your child will not only find enjoyable, but will help to cement concepts and processes in his or her mind, too.

Testing Is Good

Your child will likely find that moving from one topic to another within algebra is frustrating. It can be daunting to even think about. However, some home school algebra courses offer pre-testing that is designed not to discourage your student, but to encourage him or her by “getting their feet wet” with the concepts and processes that will be covered in the upcoming unitIn addition, post-tests help to ensure that your student fully understands the previous unit before moving on to another. This will make certain that your child has a firm understanding of what they should know at each key point in their education.

Choosing the right option here is vital, not only to your child, but to you as the teacher. With the right algebra course to help you, there is no need to worry that you or your child will be left behind. Feelings of inadequacy can be put to rest and the process of learning can truly begin in earnest. The right algebra course can be all that you need to ensure comprehension and even enjoyment of this subject.

About the Author

Cassie Flanigan is a Marketing Coordinator at the Cleveland based WRIS Web Services. Power Algebra is an online homeschool algebra course that helps students better understand and enjoy their homeschool math curriculum.