Apr. 17, 2006 - Today (and Friday) ~ How we finally found a way to do algebra with no tears!

At least thus far... I found a video series at the library called "ACE-MATH" prealgebra.  It works GREAT for Sprite, and it works for Kainan as well, so Yay!  I think it works for Sprite, first because the woman goes slowly, explains the same concept with three or so problems, and mostly, because Sprite can't interrupt her to ask questions and make it seem harder than it is.

So ~ Sprite and Kainan are doing pre-algebra from here on out, probably only 3 days a week, because I do want them to do some practical application math as well over the summer especially.  However, I want them to be getting a taste of algebra, because Sprite really needs to be able to tackle that full time in the fall.  She'll already have her plate full with Biology co-op, so I don't want her to have to start two hard subjects at the same time.  It would just send her into a funk.

With Kainan its no big deal, since he'll just turn 11 this summer, but he just flows with it so naturally, I'm letting him go ahead and do it with Sprite.  It might make it a little easier for him to get in all the advanced math courses later on.

The rest of our day(s) just included math for the other kids (including a Reading Rainbow on Math, and a cyberchase marathon that we just happened to catch on Friday right after school! ) 

Paris got a Jumpstart Typing Cdrom & Grammar Rock Cdrom in her Easter basket.  She really wants to learn to type so she can have her own blog/livejournal.  As a matter of fact, she wants to start learning it RIGHT NOW, so I may have to get off the computer:)