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 in your brain good and tight before moving on to Algebra 2. That’s another reason I prefer geometry first. But you know, there is some logic in going Algebra 1 then Algebra 2, because it’s just a continuation after all. My preference is just a preference, and other people suggest going the other route. We used Jacob’s Geometry, by the way, and it was wonderful.
This blog post may help explain it: What is the Correct Math Sequence in High School?
I am now the Seattle Homeschool Examiner. You can read my homeschool articles here.
Related posts
- Do Homeschoolers Really Need Algebra and Geometry to Graduate?
- What Is The Correct Math Sequence In High School?
- Should Homeschoolers Take the ACT in 9th grade?
- Is Saxon Good for Geometry?
- Christmas School!
- Homeschooling High School: When Should I Stop for Summer?
- Math for Homeschool Geeks: Free Calculus Resources
- High School Course Planning: Part One
- Planning for SAT Success
- Homeschool Curriculum - How to Fail in High School Math
Christianbook.com Curriculum Page
Kim S. says:
I was just having this discussion this week. I’m trying to make this decision myself. My daughter is a freshman and just finishing Algebra I. She is not strong in math. I am worried about her trying to take Algebra II and Chemistry at the same time during her junior year so I thought I’d go ahead and do Algebra II during sophomore year while she is taking Biology. I know chemistry requires strong algebra skills. Any thoughts about how to match up math and science courses?
May 23rd, 2011 at 9:09 am
Tina says:
My son switched curriculum at a point that seemed to make sense to go from the first quarter of pre-algebra, right into Alg I. The next year he took Alg II. I think his brain wasn’t ready for the concepts. Toward the end of the year, we simply withdrew him from Alg II. The following year, he took Geometry. He did great in Geometry and then retook Alg II this year. He is understanding it all much better this time. I would probably recommend Alg I, Geo, Alg II for my other boys. We used Teaching Textbooks.
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:33 pm
Cindy says:
Lee, my son is gifted in math. He just finished Jacobs Geometry and loved it. Can you recommend an interesting and challenging Algebra II textbook? He learns very well on his own, just by reading a textbook, so we probably don’t need DVD’s. Thanks for any help you can offer!
December 19th, 2011 at 8:22 am
Lee says:
Cindy,
You can get tips on math in this article:
http://www.thehomescholar.com/love-of-math.php
Even a child that learns well on his own may benefit from DVDs, particularly at that level of math.
Blessings,
Lee
December 19th, 2011 at 8:39 am