Unknowns and the 29 Articles of Algebra

How Much of Algebra Is Covered In This Book? This second book in the Doodles Do Algebra series teaches the concept of the unknown and then covers the basic vocabulary of algebra (called the 29 Articles). The concept of the unknown, or typically x, is introduced at the start of the book as a transition between the mental math your child did in the first book in this series and the abstract vocabulary in the second part of this book that is necessary for your child to really become proficient with algebra. The entire series of lessons covers Algebra I and Algebra II as well as advanced topics most children today don't learn until college. What Is In This Book? This book includes the student work pages, teacher's notes, and answer key. Unlike most curricula for homeschooling that seems to include teacher's notes as an afterthought, this series is focused heavily on notes to the teacher. We provide alternatives for teaching each lesson so that you can adjust the material to fit your child. No matter how your child learns and understands math best, we have a suggestion. The Approach Answers The Question We All Hear: "Why Do I Have To Learn This?" All of us, at one time or another, have asked, "But why do I have to know this?" This curriculum is designed to eliminate those questions. Children begin solving real life problems that get progressively harder, perhaps even pushing your own limits of concentration but I guarantee your child will breeze through the material. At the end of this book, we introduce the concept of the unknown as a way to keep track of the bits and parts of a problem. Then your child will fully understand why they are learning algebra, not just how to do the problems. A Lesson A Day Is The Best Way! Each lesson is meant to be done in one day and is designed to be flexible. If your child understands right away, then encourage them and move on. If, however, your child doesn't understand a topic, then I provide alternative teaching methods for you to try in the teacher's guide section at the end of this book. Curricula Designed For Both Independent Learning Or Working With You, Whatever Is Best For Your Child. The lessons are laid out in a fashion that allows your child to work independently as much as possible. You generally need to spend a few minutes with your child prior to any independent work in order to set the stage for the day's learning. Depending on your child's age and ability to work independently, you may feel most comfortable working through the entire lesson each day with your child. I have found with my own kids that on some days they really want to work by themselves, and on others they really want to do the lesson together. This curriculum is designed to handle both scenarios and allows you to be completely flexible.
About the Author: Kirsten West, PhD is a former senior market research analyst and Biophysicist (with many, many esoteric publications to her name) who has abandoned the corporate and academic worlds to homeschool her wonderful children in a perfectly noisy house filled with the real-life versions of the cartoon characters featured in her "Doodles Do Algebra" series of math books.