Teaching Textbooks (Full Version)

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Homegrownkids -> Teaching Textbooks (6/9/2008 5:09:48 PM)

I see this curriculum choice pop up here and there. Can those that use it tell me more about it?

Does it take up a lot of space on the computer? I have 3 kids that eventually would be using 3 different grades if I go with this.

What grades are you using? Do you still need to help your student with problems? How does it grade? Are they thorough? Can you use them for more than 1 year? (to pass down to the next student).

Any pros and cons you can think of would be appreciated.



cynthia -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/9/2008 6:21:38 PM)

I have not used this, but someone brought it to our homeschool fellowship meeting at church and showed it to us. It is very interactive and gives immediate feedback, when the work is done on the computer. I think it comes with a book too. You can only load it onto a limited number of computers.

Personally, I like the manipulative with Math-U-See. They help me to explain the concepts much better. I don't think I would want my kids doing math on the computer. However, there are a lot of people that love it, so it can be a fantastic program for many people.



earthy -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/9/2008 7:41:10 PM)

Teaching Textbooks doesn't take up any room on your computer. You pop the cd in and watch whatever lesson you are on. Then do the work in the book. You can put in the teacher disk if you want to see the problem worked all the way through. You can use this over and over again for every child. The program does not do the grading, you do it. It comes with an answer key in book form, a student text which you can write in or have your child write on another paper, several cd's for the lessons and solutions. If you go to their site it shows you exactly what it comes with. Yes it is a very thorough program.



Jenny-Fair -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/9/2008 9:46:19 PM)

Ok, I have to post since we love TT, but also 'cause everyone here has it wrong so far....

Math 7 is the only level offered that has the interactive lessons (as far as I know...perhaps they have used that format in the younger grades BUT I don't think so since those don't have the restrictions mentioned later). You listen to the lecture, and then you listen to the problems and do them, and it tells you immediately if you got it wrong, and if you did, you can watch the solution (or many times, try again!). It is also the only level offered that is restricted to 2 computers and has to be installed. And, the only one where they allow you to purchase the disks without the book (and we have only used the book a handful of times, btw).

The remaining levels have two sets of CD-ROMs, one with the lectures and one with the solutions, and these you just put in the disc drive and play. There is no interactive grading--you watch the lecture and then walk away from the computer, open your book, and do you work, get the answer book out, grade your assigment, and go back to the PC and put the solutions disk in and watch the problems that you missed.

You can install Math 7 on a third computer, btw, if you call and get a code from them.

AND, if you go to the website, www.teachingtextbooks.com you can actually watch samples of each level, which I found very handy when making my decisions, and they have placement exams, tables of contents, etc, and a really good FAQ section.



amybreit -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/10/2008 8:07:41 AM)

We've only used Algebra I so far, but love it! Ds does it completely on his own. The only thing I do is check his work. He watches the lecture, does the problems in the book & then I check them. Any he misses, we watch on the solutions CD. I photocopy the tests & there is a separate solutions CD for tests. Most tests have 25 problems, so I've been just counting 4 off for each one wrong (sometimes I give partial credit). This program has made Algebra a breeze!! I would've really struggled if I had to teach it the traditional way (teacher's manual & textbook...). It took a LOT of pressure off me to use this! I don't think I would've attempted Algebra early without it! This is the most expensive one-subject curricula that I've ever bought, but in my estimation it is worth it!!



Homegrownkids -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/10/2008 8:48:36 AM)

Other than being teacher friendly, have you noticed any benefits for the student? Have you noticed an improvement with Math scores? Or, more of a willingness to do Math? I have just purchased a used copy of the pre-algebra for my DD, now I am thinking about my DS for gr. 7. He used Saxon this last year and I am wondering if he would benefit more with having a "tutor". He does okay with Math, but I seldom sat down to go over his work. I fear of having another year like that. He did okay... but I would like to see him do better.



Jenny-Fair -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/10/2008 9:29:29 AM)

Both of my kids are definitely more cheerful about their math. Brandon has still had a couple of struggles, and I have had to spend time helping him, but last night when he said he needed help, he then proceeded to do all the problems he'd had trouble with on his own in front of me. I said, 'So the help you were needing?' LOL and he shrugged.

The Math 7 program keeps a gradebook for you. For Algebra, I printed out a spreadsheet and Brandon corrects his own work, puts the number correct and the total number of problems into the spreadsheet at the back of his binder, and then he figures the percentage (um, yeah, he uses his math skills, lol) and writes it in there. Every so often I sit down and look through his work and initial his scores on the spreadsheet.

Both boys give me a verbal assessment of how they did that day when I get home from work. If Nate has done really well, he calls me at work to tell me, lol.



gail_k -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/10/2008 10:20:09 AM)

This has been my second year of using Teaching Textbook. We've used Alg. I, Geom, & Alg. II with 2 children.

The most important addition I have is that it covers more than some other products. We had used Math U See, for the manipulatives, and for the ability to write in the book, which helps my kids a lot.

My 1st ds, who is in college, and thankfully not going near a math or science major, points out when he's home that he never learned this or that concept that is in the Teaching Textbook his younger siblings are using. He went through Alg. II using Math U See.

Math U See was a good enough foundation for him, but I wouldn't want to use it for a child who may go into a math or science major - it wouldn't give a good enough foundation.

As far as ease, what I do is grade the work, help with wrong answers (I am trying to relearn and keep up on my math ability), but when I can't figure it out, send my child to watch the CD and then come back and teach it to me. That way I know that he or she got it. Evewry problem is explained, as if on a chalkboard, step by step.

It is a lesson a day (and my dd is slow), and the problems review all the concepts taught so far, what Saxon says is so important. My kids tend to enjoy the curriculum, and feel pretty smart when they get it. When they have trouble, I explain that this is a hard program, and they're getting a better math education than a lot of kids do.

I've used a number of math curricula over the years, and each one was missing something and made me keep looking. But there's not one thing in Teaching Textbook I can tell is lacking, or makes me want to find something better. (No, I don't work for them - I'm just happy when I hit on the right curriculum and don't have to look anymore.)

Gail



judii1 -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/10/2008 11:07:17 AM)

I have a couple of questions

1.Has anyone ever used Teaching Textbooks without a computer?
2. Does anyone know how TT Alg 1 compares to Abeka Alg 1?
Ds has used Abeka successfully for the past year so I am wondering if it would be worthwhile to switch math programs again or stay with something that seems to be working?



amybreit -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/10/2008 5:30:47 PM)

Annie - my ds does well in Math, so I haven't really seen any improvement in his scores. As far as willingness goes, he does like doing it "on his own". For him, this is real incentive. BTW - he's motivated to finish up before his mission trip to Mexico, so he's doubling up & doing 2 lessons a day & doing fine with it.

Judii's questions:
1. I've never used it w/o the computer. I suppose you could just use the text book, but the whole appeal to me was that it was all explained in detail on the CDs!

2. I'm not sure how the 2 compare. We did use Abeka all the way through for Math until this year (and I'm still using it with dd). I just knew that I needed something different for Algebra. "I" is the operative word in that sentence! I think ds would've probably done fine with a traditional Algebra curricula, but I needed something that wouldn't be so much work for me! To tell you the truth, I didn't even look at Abeka's Algebra, because I wanted something different.



2jsmom -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/10/2008 5:33:13 PM)

Joe used TT for Geometry, and it was the best program we've found for him. Things are broken down in such a way that he never seemed to hit the wall like he did with other math programs. He's been practicing for the ACT, and I can tell that TT has helped him to think more mathematically and to have more confidence in his ability. You could do the program without a computer if you didn't need to see the problems worked out. Joe only used the computer for the problems he got stuck on. He's going to be doing the pre-calculus next year and the disks aren't available for it yet. We'll see how that goes. I'm guessing we'll buy the cd's as soon as they have them ready.



Jenny-Fair -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/10/2008 8:50:28 PM)

quote:

1.Has anyone ever used Teaching Textbooks without a computer?

That would be a huge waste of money. The value of the program is the thousands of hours of lecture and explanation on the CD Roms.



PankeyN -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/11/2008 9:07:51 AM)

We used Teaching Textbooks Algebra I this year, without the CD's. The book is very good. Easy to understand & follow, good examples, sufficient repetition without overdoing it for fast learners.

The only thing we do not like is that the answer book is answers only. We only felt the need for a full work-out of a problem a couple of times, though, and do not feel it's worth the $$ to purchase the CDs just for a couple of problems a year.

The book itself is designed so the students can use it alone, with minimal help from an adult. I love math, so I taught the lessons and only gave the girls the problems to do.

Previously we used mainly A Beka, which was very good, but frustrated my girls with the amount of repetition. My youngest, who does not particularly love math, has begged me to do Teaching Textbooks again next year (I like to evaluate how it went when switching curriculums), and we are going with the TT geometry.



judii1 -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/11/2008 11:05:38 AM)

Thanks everyone![:D]



cynthia -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/11/2008 3:26:00 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: gail_k
My 1st ds, who is in college, and thankfully not going near a math or science major, points out when he's home that he never learned this or that concept that is in the Teaching Textbook his younger siblings are using. He went through Alg. II using Math U See.

Math U See was a good enough foundation for him, but I wouldn't want to use it for a child who may go into a math or science major - it wouldn't give a good enough foundation.
Gail

Gail,
I am using MUS and am wondering if you could give me some specific examples of what TT covers that MUS doesn't. You are making me think that I should switch after pre-algebra.



amybreit -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/12/2008 8:39:10 AM)

Here's a question for you all. I'm debating whether to hold on to the TT Algebra I after ds is finished with it. Dd is 3 years younger, but may not be ready for Algebra in 7th grade (but she might by 8th grade, not sure yet). Anyway, would you think it would be better to hold on to it for 4 - 5 years or sell it & buy it again when needed. I had set in my mind that I should sell it, but now I'm not so sure.



Jenny-Fair -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/12/2008 9:59:25 AM)

I'd hold onto it. Mainly because I am too German to let it go, lol, but also because they may, in the future, put the install lock on all their programs, limiting you to two installations, and making them un-resaleable.

I am not ANGRY that they have done that with Math 7, I completely understand that people were taking advantage of them and they felt they needed to protect themselves...but I spent a lot of money on a program that we only are using for a year and a half and that I sure would like to give away or sell when through. We have taken great care to only install it on one PC in the hopes that this will leave an install for someone else, but I am not sure how their process works--I know I have to tell their server who I am and so on in order to complete installation.



Homegrownkids -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/12/2008 1:34:08 PM)

Is it like this for all the Math 7's?? Because I was going to spend money on a used one off of ebay.



Jenny-Fair -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/12/2008 8:47:23 PM)

Yeah, all Math 7s are like that...you should definitely find out how many times it's been installed and THEN email the TT people and ask them if you will be able to use it!



amybreit -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/13/2008 8:28:07 AM)

Good point Jen! I think I will hold on to it.



earthy -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/13/2008 10:04:07 AM)

I didn't have it wrong. I've used TT for the past 4 yrs. I'd just never used any of their math programs lower than pre-algebra. So, I didn't kow the younger (and new) levels 5, 6 & 7 you must install on your computer. But, it's good to know.



Jenny-Fair -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/13/2008 11:14:40 AM)

Yeah, I shoulda said, 'not quite right' lol[;)] I didn't mean to offend, and am sorry if I did.



Homegrownkids -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/13/2008 3:01:08 PM)

I contacted TT through email. They said you can use this more than on two computers, you just call their number and they update the serial number. I specifically told them that I was looking at buying a used copy and they said it wasn't a problem. THis is for grades 5-7.



Homegrownkids -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/13/2008 3:26:10 PM)

I just received the pre-algebra in the mail today, a used copy. I am VERY pleased with how it works and how easy it is to use. VERY EASY!!! I would like other's opinions though, does it look grade level to you? I guess I pictured it a tad bit more difficult, or maybe moving a little faster. That is okay though, if she moves through it fast we can just move on to the next grade. Maybe it is tougher than it looks, that is usually how it goes. I think it looks easy, but then it ends up being challenging enough for them.



amybreit -> RE: Teaching Textbooks (6/13/2008 5:14:18 PM)

quote:

I contacted TT through email. They said you can use this more than on two computers, you just call their number and they update the serial number. I specifically told them that I was looking at buying a used copy and they said it wasn't a problem. THis is for grades 5-7.
OOO - that's encouraging Annie! It's nice to know that the option to buy used (and to sell it once we're done) is a viable one!

I can't speak to the Pre-Algebra, but I would say the Algebra I was on level. It was challenging for my ds, but not overwhelming. He usually misses a few on each problem set & test.



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