Rod and Staff Math 8

[anastasia5]

I am leaning toward having my 7th grader do Rod and Staff Math 8 rather than College of the Redwoods Pre-Algebra this year. She is prepared for Pre-Algebra, but I would like to have her cover some of the topics in R&S.

What was the teacher feedback at HLS to the switch to College of the Redwoods? I assume I can still purchase Rod and Staff Math 8 through Memoria Press. Are lesson plans available for this course?

Anastasia Heder

[tanya]

Hello.

We actually never did R&S Math 8. We went from R&S Math 7 into Algebra I, but we decided the College of the Redwoods Pre-Algebra was a better preparation for Algebra I. I don't have any R&S Math 8 books in stock because we have never carried them, but you can order them directly from R&S at 606-522-4348.

I do think that a slower approach to upper level math is not a bad thing. We get a lot of pressure from parents to accelerate our math so that we compete with what the other private high schools are doing in our city, and by doing pre-algebra in 7th grade, it does give our students the opportunity for more AP math courses in high school, but I was always having to hire tutors for my sons because they weren't really prepared to move that quickly in math, and they were never AP math material anyway. By homeschooling, you can pace your student's math based on what works best for her, without the pressure to "keep up."

Regards,

Tanya

[3girlsforus]

Hello.

We actually never did R&S Math 8. We went from R&S Math 7 into Algebra I, but we decided the College of the Redwoods Pre-Algebra was a better preparation for Algebra I. I don't have any R&S Math 8 books in stock because we have never carried them, but you can order them directly from R&S at 606-522-4348.


Regards,

Tanya

Tanya,

Can you explain a bit more what it is about COTR that is better preparation? If I'm reading this correctly R&S 7 has been used in the past as a pre-algebra course (or as the last course prior to Algebra) but you prefer COTR. So it sounds like doing R&S 7 and then COTR would be redundant and I should choose one or the other. Is that correct?

Heather

[momee]

We are finding COTR to be fantastic. I think the explanations being written to the student is excellent prep for years to come. I love that the explanations are thorough. There are no missed steps and in my opinion, this is the first time (2 ahead of this one) I am finding it EASY to teach higher level math.

The way variables and fractions and even decimals are being taught has been painless. Again, I'll have to say this is the FIRST time I've had a student say she likes math.

If you have specific questions I will be glad to answer.
We do write directly in the book and although it looks huge, they only do the odd problems.

I love COTR!

[3girlsforus]

Thanks!!!

What math did you do prior to COTR? Did you use R&S and if so which book did you stop with? Is your student currently using COTR and strong math student? I'm trying to decide if I should use R&S 7 and then COTR with my student or just go straight from 6 to COTR. Math isn't her strongest subject although she's improving.

[momee]

She is in 8th grade, finished with most of the 7th grade core.
We used Saxon until last year, when we switched to MP using their 6th grade core. MP uses Rod and Staff 6. We did that whole book, which was an excellent foundation for what she is doing now (COTR). I was worried about her ability to handle such a large book, and wondering how she would handle pre-algebra topics.

She's done fantastically, and I have to say I attribute it to both programs. Rod and Staff really cemented the basics and COTR has been wonderful at explaining things a bit at a time.

I really couldn't be happier with the progression.
Next year for Algebra, however, we are going to what her older sibling uses which is Chalkdust. The book and accompanying DVDs become my children's teacher as I step out of upper level math teaching. It is NOT my thing.

Of all the things we've used over the last 10 - 12 years, this combo is the best so far!
(We've used Teaching Textbooks, Lial's, Abeka early grades for a bit but mostly Saxon)

You didn't ask but Rod and Staff with my youngest - now moving to 2nd grade has been super! at cementing basic math. I bought Rightstart for the games and we are moving super slowly through that. I didn't need it, this is just a kid who is zooming through everything I throw at her.
Hope this helps.

[3girlsforus]

Thanks - that really does help so much. We are currently in R&S6 and it is going well. I think my plan will be to move to COTR when we are finished. I have been looking at it and it looks like it will be really good for her. She's my youngest and I've done a variety of things with my older two but math has been more challenging for her than the others. She will be in 7th grade so if COTR is too much we can back down to R&S 7 if we need to. I live in an area where kids who aren't in Algebra by 8th (most students take it in 7th) are considered really behind so I get panicked about that but I have to remember it's far more important that she understand and learn it well.

I've heard great things about Chalkdust. My older two used VideoText and my 10th grader is currently using MUS Calculus as an intro until I can figure out what to do next year. My oldest who is now in college did AP Statistics her senior year rather than Calculus because she needed it as a nursing major. I don't think the youngest will use VT. I'm looking at Fresh Approach Algebra for her when we get there. But we'll see. One day at a time :-).

Thanks again for your help