I’m a homeschooler with one boy in college and another in public high school. I’m also math challenged so teaching algebra was a nightmare and I felt that my very bright older boys suffered because of it (though they are now both near the top of their classes). I was fine with teaching basic math skills as I know exactly where math falls apart for most kids who learn to hate it. Algebra was an entirely different story. I simply didn’t get it, and consequently, neither did my boys. What they did get was that algebra was a horrible subject that should be hated. This feeling was not on the list of things I wanted my sons to inherit from me.

I was determined that it would be better for my younger two and I went in search of a user friendly book that would break it down to manageable steps so that I could teach it effectively and they could master it comfortably.

Enter Algebra Survival Handbook and Workbook. Combined, these two are an unbeatable teaching tool. My third born (who dislikes math intensely) has grown confident enough to teach himself with only occasional help from me. When I do have to step in, I’m able to quickly scan the previous pages and explain what he’s missing without feeling like I’m all thumbs. I am learning as much as he is.

Each lesson carefully builds on the concepts you learned previously, just a few problems at a time, with only one or two steps added. His “ohh this is so easy–watch this–” approach builds concepts in the student. He also admits when something is confusing and then goes on to make sure that the student doesn’t stay that way.

If you are a homeschooler, you should add this tool to your arsenal.