Algebra the *No-Nonsense* Way–and Geometry Essentials {Schoolhouse Review Crew}

Features of Math Essentials Math programs:

• Short, concise, self-contained lessons
• Easy to follow program
• Daily exercises to help students master, maintain, and reinforce math skills through consistent review
• Dramatic results

No-Nonsense Algebra
ISBN: 978-0-9743629-9-8
Paperback, 280 pages
Retails: $27.95

Age range- if your child (or yourself) are working on Algebra1, this book will work for them (or you ).

Algebra doesn’t need to be long and drawn out. This book, written by “America’s Math Teacher”, Richard W. Fisher, proves that. Each lesson is very to the point and short. There is a video that corresponds to every lesson. The book actually contains the code you need to get to the lessons online.

Table of Contents

  Chapter  1            Necessary Tools for  Algebra
  Chapter  2            Solving Equations
  Chapter  3            Graphing and Analyzing Linear Equations
  Chapter  4            Solving and Graphing Inequalities
  Chapter  5            Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
  Chapter  6            Polynomials
  Chapter  7            Rational Expressions (Algebraic Fractions)
  Chapter  8            Radical Expressions and Geometry
  Chapter  9            Quadratic Equations
  Chapter 10          Algebra Word Problems

I had my ds, who is in 8th grade work through this program. It was quite easy for me to sign up and register for the video lessons. Each day he worked on the lesson, he signed in on the website, http://www.nononsensealgebra.com, and chose which lesson to view. The amount of time per lesson averaged about 6 minutes {some were upwards of 10 minutes} and then the assignment ranged from 9 to 20 problems. There are four practice problems first, then assigned problems followed by four review problems.

It really goes quite quick. I think the website says “20 minutes”.

The videos are clear, without any fluff- nothing distracting. The background is white with visible black writing. The teacher, Richard W. Fisher, does well  explaining the concepts. Also the videos are meant to be worked along with –the student should do the problem while it is being worked out in the video.

We are still in the first chapter {math was assigned 2-3 days a week and we had a ‘vacation’ during the review time} and haven’t done a chapter review. But looking ahead at the reviews, they are not overkill. Chapter 1 review is a total of 34 problems; chapter 2 has 18. There is also a final exam and solutions are given for all problems.

What I think of this program:

Videos, although meant to not be distracting, are somewhat boring at times {I found myself tuning them out at points- hopefully when I had a good grasp, eh?} and I know my ds did as well. I suppose I felt they weren’t ‘visually appealing’ although they definitely keep on track. Good but could possibly be improved.

Perhaps extra problems could be included for when a concept isn’t grasped at first. Doing the original problems over…well, I don’t like that idea {especially since one of my kids almost has a photographic memory- it wouldn’t be learning, just writing what they’d captured in ‘image’}. Just a few extra problems for just in case would be nice. Could be an improvement.

Quick lessons that do not take hours to work through. When the student has the concept down and they’ve shown it by mastering the problems, they can move on. There aren’t fifty more problems just like the last twenty-five. Good!

Reasonable price for the book and videos. It could be the saving piece for some families that are struggling with Algebra and finances. Good!

My son didn’t complain to do this math. Wow. Perhaps that should be at the top of this little list. He still didn’t love math and I’m not entirely sure that his scores improved greatly {he does alright in math- has good days and bad lol} but it was so nice not to hear the moaning and groaning while he was working on it. Good!

*******************************

Mastering Essential Math Skills: Geometry

Mastering Essentials Math Skills: Geometry
ISBN: 978-0-9666211-7-4
Paperback, 80 pages
Retail: $11.95

See Table of Contents and Sample Pages.

This is suitable for upper elementary/middle school grades/ages- it is not a high school Geometry course {the website doesn’t say that anywhere that I could find} but I am actually having my dd, who is in 10th grade, use it to refresh her skills in this particular area. I do think that a high schooler and higher would be able to use this as well to help with ‘mastering’ the basics of geometry.

The lessons are very to the point- actually there isn’t a ‘lesson’, imho. Look at the sample pages and you will see what I mean. The “Helpful Hints” is the lesson. The first page of the ‘lesson’ is new information and the second page is using what has been learned- or review. Each page also has six review exercises at the top of the page and at the very bottom is a “Problem Solving” exercise. Personally, my favorite thing is the “Problem Solving”. Word problems have always been, well, a problem {pun slightly intended *wink*}.

I chose to have my dd use this book because we cannot recall her really covering much geometry thus far. We’ve used various programs for math and they most likely touched on it a bit here and there but not much. She is going through it independently, I should add. The book starts with a “Notes to the Teacher or Parent” and “How to Use This Book” that I did read. I suppose we skipped Step 3 of the “How to…” Since we are using it as a refresher, I figured my dd could do these without my going over problems with her. Of course, if she has a problem, or questions, I am right beside her.

What I think of this program:

It is very simply laid out. It doesn’t have anything that is unnecessary. I like that. I really have nothing to suggest as an improvement. It is quick, as it advertising. It never takes my dd more than 20 minutes to do a lesson. She has always been more inclined to do math than her brother so I didn’t expect to hear any complaining from her –and I didn’t. This will help her fill in the gaps, I believe, that may be present and prepare her to move onto high school Geometry. And the price is great.

**************************

Math Essentials offers math resources for grades 4 through high school. See the offerings at the website. Many come with a companion DVD.

UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE –THERE IS NO RISK
Use Rick Fisher's Mastering Essential Math Skills for 20 minutes a day as directed. If you don't see what you feel are dramatically improved math test scores, send us a note saying so. You'll receive a prompt, complete refund - no questions asked! (from the website)

Contact Information:
Richard W. Fisher, Owner/Author
Math Essentials
P.O. Box 1723
Los Gatos, CA 95031

Email: math.essentials@verizon.net
Phone: 866.444.MATH     
Fax: 408.358.3738
Speak to the Author: 408.358.6586     

***Disclaimer: I received the above reviewed items free from Math Essentials via the Schoolhouse Review Crew. No other compensation was given. All opinions stated are my own or those of my family. I only recommend products that I feel would truly be of benefit to others based on my own experiences. See Disclosure/Policies.***