Is Pre-Algebra necessary for algebraic success? Join our team as they discuss the skill set your child needs to step into Pre-Algebra with confidence and to be ready and prepared for Algebra 1.

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Show Notes

Some math programs will tell you that you can skip Pre-Algebra and still have success in Algebra 1. Math-U-See is not that program.

Before you begin Pre-Algebra, check to see that your student is strong in the following areas:

• Computational facts: if they are still counting, skip counting, or relying on an aid for facts, now is the time to resolve that and give them a solid foundation.
• Fractions: much of what a student does in Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 is predicated on a solid understanding of fractions. If your student is not confident with all fraction operations, now is the time to shore up their confidence.
• Distributive Property: students who are successful in Algebra 1 should be proficient with this.
• Order of Operations: it will be vital for your student to understand the order of operations as they step into the world of theoretical math.

Success in Pre-Algebra will be determined by using all of the elements together, written instructions as well as video lessons. Don’t skip the skill reviews and the quick tips. They are there to help your student succeed in subsequent lessons.

We also mentioned the necessity of mastery in the explanation of understanding. If that is something your child has not developed proficiency with as yet, we suggest you watch or listen to this episode on what mastery is and how to know if you are seeing it in your student.

Danielle provided us with this terrific observation: “A problem is a situation that needs some imagination.”