Algebra 1/2: An Incremental Development (Saxon Algebra 1/2, 3rd Edition)

I bought used, like new. It was so much cheaper, but I was worried it would be a mistake. Would it be the right edition? Would it be the workbook? Add to that I had never used Saxon Math. My daughter is using this book for her home school math this year, and I was terrified it would be a mistake...hence why I bought used... Well, next time, I want to buy new...because the text is so wonderful by itself, I can just imagine what the whole kit would be like. The text takes you through step by step to show you everything, plus it teachers proper math jargon. This makes kids use both the left and right side of their brain. To be honest I have never seen a more effective math text. I currently make Power Points for each class and cover the bold faced material, plus whatever examples they cover in the book. Then I do the practice problems at the end of each chapter with my daughter. After that I assign her the questions at the end of the chapter, which there are usually 30 or so. By the end of the chapter she has it drilled in her head. You can't go wrong with this book really.

I have used Saxon with my own students, and I tutor Pre-algebra using this text as well. I have a few thoughts to share, mostly in response to a few of the reviews on this site. Yes, Algebra 1/2 is a small step between 8/7 and Algebra I - however I have found it to be a very, very necessary step for most students. Algebra I does require a certain level of mental development - abstract thinking - that many 12, 13 and even 14 year olds may just not be ready to handle. Of course many are ready, and that is fine, but if you have any doubts take the extra year to work on automaticity of the process. Secondly, never judge a Saxon text from the first dozen, two dozen, or even three dozen lessons. Saxon's strong point is the spiral method, whereby every year they solidfy and expand upon previously taught concepts. Therefore, some of the lessons make appear just to be review, but built into the problem sets are small incremental advances in technique and concept. Finally, please please...have your student work every problem in every set if at all possible. The problems do increase in difficulty as they go along, introducing new angles on old topics. In addition, the idea is for the students to become totally proficient, able to solve the problems almost without having to think about what to do. This type of comfort is only gained through practice, no matter how bright the student. My son's brillant calculus professor at a well-known University just told the students this semester that the key to understanding Calculus is to do a thousand problems a week. He wasn't kidding. Math is a language of sorts - the language of science - and must be practiced and worked with daily to increase fluency.

Very nice and functional for homeschooling pre-algebra. Found the solutions manual free at my local library and just needed to match it up with the correct edition hard cover, which will be reused for several children, unlike workbooks. Basically, I spent about $12, shipping included, for a $71 math curriculum to reuse over and over again! Clear solutions in solutions manual, showing how to reach each correct answer. Our family is very satisfied with this book. It begins with a review of basic mathematics, and continues introducing algebraic concepts throughout, while reviewing past questions and concepts along the way. Very good math book! I HIGHLY recommend it .

I’ve been tutoring and teaching math for 15+ years, and Saxon is, hands down, the best math curriculum. I love that the assignments repeat previously learned skills, and I love that the books are straightforward and not busy with pictures or useless info.Saxon is not “sexy/fun” curriculum, so it gets a bad rap. This is unfortunate because students who come out of Saxon Algebra 1 are significantly more prepared than any of my other algebra 1 students.

Saxon's famous reiterative teaching method really pays off. The review lessons add a new level of sophistication to the arithmetic functions for the students (e.g., the etymology of "perimeter"). Each lesson only moves a small step ahead, with playful learning in lots of the word problems ("their approach was inexorable, and there were 14,007,920 hungry locusts in the first wave"). But suddenly the student finds he can solve for x when 6/x = 1/4 / 7/8, and he is confident of the method and the answer. I wouldn't use any other curriculum.

This book is definitely user friendly. The font is not too big or small, so it doesn't hurt my child's eyes to read it nor does it feel too cumbersome to complete multiple pages because the font is so big. The examples are well explained. I love this math program!

My kids have been using iPads for math instruction since common core. I have had real issues trying to help them or getting help from their teachers. Teachers can't tell you what they are teaching as they just point their finger to the iPad or tell you to ask your child. Really? These books are as they should be; they are like how it was when I grew up. At the beginning of the chapter, there is a lesson, explanation and examples on how to solve the problems. Easy to teach and easier for the child to independently figure it out, unlike what my kids were getting in common core math.

Pretty handy book to practice algebra.

Le prix du livre n'est pas cher et le livre est en bon état.J'aime vraiment cette expérience de magasinage.