Memoria Pre-Algebra
is co-authored by Thomas Clark, who is also the author of a longtime homeschool
favorite, Videotext Interactive Math. This pre-algebra course helps
students master advanced computational skills while introducing algebraic
terminology, concepts, and problem-solving techniques. Laying a strong
foundation for algebra with its instruction and exercises, this course also
includes memorization of important terms in the recitation exercises. Students
learn to think conceptually as they learn the why behind every math
concept and see math as a language. The three units include math fundamentals,
first-degree relations with one variable, and an introduction to the Cartesian
coordinate system. Students should be proficient in basic arithmetic facts,
including operations with fractions, decimals, and percents, to be successful
in this course. A Readiness Exam is available at the back of the teacher guide
if you want to ensure your student is ready for the program. Students should
work at their own pace; however, each lesson can be done over two days, with
room left for review and tests/quizzes. The course components include a teacher
manual, student text, solutions key, quizzes & test, instructional videos,
and lesson plans.
The spiral-bound Teacher
Manual serves as the main instructional resource. A reduced copy of the
student pages is also included. Even though the teacher manual is not scripted,
the lesson notes are easy to understand and the answers to the student
exercises are located within each lesson. Supplemental Instructional Videos
are also available and are helpful to reinforce lesson content. The videos are
presented by the co-author, Thomas Sculthorpe, and range approximately from
five to thirty minutes in length per lesson.
The spiral-bound Student
Text includes lesson objectives, introduction and review of important
terms, example problems, and exercises. The Appendix includes the recitation
questions and answers and an answer key to the odd-numbered exercise problems. The
goal for the recitation questions is for the student to master the responses
for each lesson and review the questions as needed until mastery occurs.
Students are evaluated
using the Quizzes & Tests book. There are two forms for each quiz and
test (A and B). Unit I and II include five quizzes (one for each section) and a
unit test. Unit III is shorter and only includes a unit test. Quizzes only
contain material from a specific section, but unit tests are cumulative. There
is also a final exam at the end of the course. Each quiz or test has a certain
value of points and shows you how to score each problem.
Complete and detailed
solutions for the student text exercises and the quizzes & tests are found
in the spiral-bound Solutions Key.
The Lesson Plan Book
includes daily lessons for thirty-five weeks of school. Each day has a simple instruction
box with the lesson and the number of exercises the student should complete in
a day.
The clear and logical
presentation of mathematical concepts in this program ensures students have a
strong foundation in necessary math skills before entering algebra. ~ Gina
