No-Nonsense Algebra

by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | May 13, 2020 | Education Materials

(Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way).

Math Essentials No-Nonsense Algebra

My son really struggles with math. For example, this year we have been working through pre-algebra but have not been able to completely finish the first semester. In the state of Oregon where we live, a standard diploma (SD) requires three (3) full years of math with Algebra 1 being the first class and the other 2 classes following after. In other words, pre-algebra doesn't even count as a year of math for the standard diploma (SD).

As you can imagine, my original goal was for my son to get through pre-algebra this year and then follow up with the next three math year requirements. However, I've finally accepted the fact that this is not a realistic goal for him. Nonetheless, we have spent some time together working through Math Essentials No-Nonsense Algebra workbook.

I believe Math Essentials No-Nonsense Algebra workbook is perfect for kids who like math and who are going to take Algebra 1 and beyond for high school graduation.

I compared this Math Essentials No-Nonsense Algebra to other Algebra 1 textbooks and it is right on. The subjects covered are:

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

Chapter Quizzes are included as well as a Final Review/Test and all Solutions.

Also included are the following teaching aids and tables:

• A glossary
• Important Formulas
• Important Symbols
• Multiplication Table
• Commonly Used Prime Numbers
• Squares and Square Roots
• Fraction/Decimal Equivalents
• A Link and Password to Access the Online Videos, which are available for every lesson.

One of the things I appreciated the most while going through the Math Essentials No-Nonsense Algebra lessons are the videos.

After I watched the first video, I was sold.

First of all, the style of teaching is visual, so I could see the instructor working through the problems on the white board. Secondly, he instructs students to have a notebook and to write everything down. He also explains why writing everything down is helpful in the learning process. Plus, watching the videos gave me insights on how to reduce the confusion my son has with some of his basic math concepts.

For example, adding and subtracting negative integers.

Math Essentials No-Nonsense Algebra is also a great way for me to review my algebra.

For example, the quadratic equation and slope. I recently signed up to be a tutor and got qualified for middle school math. However, when I took the pre-algebra assessment I didn't pass. This is because I couldn't remember the formula for slope and I've completely forgotten how to use the quadratic equation. So, I obviously need to brush up on my Algebra. And I am using this book to do just that.

Another awesome thing about No-Nonsense Algebra is how inexpensive the text book is.

I don't know if you've priced Algebra textbooks lately, but they can run close to $100. In contrast, Math Essentials No-Nonsense Algebra is less than $40.   Not only that, but there is a Spanish version available. By the way, there are other books in the series, including a practice textbook to go along with the main textbook. (This is not necessary because there are math problems in the textbook, the practice companion is just what it says–opportunity for further practice).

Other books in this series include Mastering Essential Math Skills books, which provide practice with division, multiplication, fractions, geometry, and more. And the videos are included with the price of the textbooks.

Speaking of the videos. Richard W. Fisher is an excellent teacher and when I watch the videos, I get insights into how to better explain confusing concepts to my son.

You might have noticed by now that every time you start a new year in math, the review makes the class seem almost identical to the previous year. This is why I thought my son might be ready for Algebra.

If he liked math, that would be a different story.

However, the amount of time it takes to convince him to do the work combined with the amount of time it takes for him to actually complete the assignments just isn't a long-term solution. It will only make him hate school. And this is definitely not my goal!

We've discussed the fact that if he decides to become an engineer, then he will need higher level math. He has no intention to enter a university straight out of high school (and neither do we).

So, if he decides when he is older to become a train conductor or other type of engineer, he can take the math classes required then.

I was given a choice regarding which level I wanted to review, and I probably should have picked one of the more basic Mastering Essential Math Series. However, one really good thing about having this book available to me is to realize that Nathan's energy is better spent elsewhere, than on higher level math–at least at this point of his life.

Math Essentials No-Nonsense Algebra helped me to teach my son the basic concepts that he has difficulty with such as adding and subtracting integers. However, the more difficult concepts such as the quadratic equation are overwhelming to him at this time.

He is just barely starting to master his single-digit math facts, so that he can better add, subtract, multiply, and divide without a calculator. And he's gaining confidence along the way.

Math Essentials helped me with the process of what to do for math with my son. This is because it gave me the final clue I needed to realize that my son is just not ready for Algebra 1.

I'm looking at the other books, knowing the style of this one, and I just may decide to purchase one of the other Mastering Essential Math Skills Series.

 

You can see all of the Math Essentials Products here.

Don't forget to check out the other awesome Homeschool Review Crew reviews here.

Complete Drawing Course and More

by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | May 11, 2020 | Education Materials

(Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way).

Beyond the Stick Figure Complete Drawing Course PLUS 3 Bonus Courses by Beyond the Stick Figure Art School is an online drawing class. But it is so much more!

In addition to drawing, your budding artist will learn and practice pen and ink, watercolor, acrylic, and 3D.

Beyond the Stick Figure Complete Drawing Course PLUS 3 Bonus courses is appropriate for your first time art student as well as your seasoned artsy student. For example, my son, who loves art, is experienced in some aspects. However, he did not mind at all going through the basics all the way from the introduction of shapes.

Sally, the artist and teacher gives you a materials list that is very specific because she wants to make sure that your student purchases high quality art materials from the start. This is one of the things you learn as an experienced artist. The quality of materials you use can make a HUGE difference in the experience.

Beyond the Stick Figure Art School is basic and non-intimidating.

The drawing course starts out very basic, from the beginning.  However, even if your budding artist has experience with lines, shapes, colors, and the color wheel, it’s still a really good review.

The drawing portion of the course is extensive and complete.

For instance, part one covers 17 topics, part 2 covers 133 topics, and part 3 covers 5 topics.

What I think is a really good thing about the course, especially from my son's perspective, is that Sally shows the work and her two hands and you’re looking down at the paper almost as if you were the one drawing and she shows you exactly what to do and my son doesn’t like looking at peoples faces so this is a really good thing because whenever there’s a face in a video it always distracts him and so he actually is enjoying this course immensely and it even seems to calm him down as he’s following along.

Video screenshot of Sally showing the pen strokes. This picture shows the end of the video.

The following four pictures show my son’s circle, dot, wavy line, and straight line projects. Sally encourages the students to do several of them. However, my son only wanted to do one. This was fine for us because he has actually learned some of the concepts. While he was working on them I sense that it was having a calming effect on him.

Circles – According to Sally, circles don't have to be round to be considered circles.

Dots – The basic difference between dots and circles is that dots are filled in. Again, they don't have to be circular per se.

Wavy Lines Practice

Straight Line Practice

Notice that all lines are integrated here. Circles, dots, wavy lines, and straight lines.

And the videos are pretty much five minutes or less so broken down into small chunks. This is perfect if you or your child have a short attention span.

The course is currently set up so that you have to go in order. 6/29/2020 UPDATE – This has been fixed so that you DON'T have to go in order! Yay!!! 😁

However, nothing says that you can’t skip through all the lessons.

For example, simply mark as complete the lessons you want to skip over, and then return to them later. Of course, this requires a bit of work to make sure you start in the right place when you back. However, I didn't think it was a big deal.

Especially since with the Covid-19 thing going on. We're not able to run to the craft store and buy what we need. For example, last week I went through all of the drawing lessons so that I could get to the pen and ink lessons. By doing this, was able to determine which materials my son would need, make printer copies, and such. I needed to have for those lessons and sure enough I can get them through Amazon but obviously I had to wait for them to be delivered one of them may not come here for a week.

Bonus #1 Pen and Ink Techniques Course and Complete Watercolor Course

We’ve been working through the “Pen and Ink” lessons this week and last. Learning how to transfer an image from paper to another page and pen strokes.

Here is what Nathan did on Friday using an ultra-fine Sharpie.

Bonus #2 – Acrylic will give your student even more experience with individual art media. There's nothing like hands-on experience to help differentiate between different types of paint. The hands-on experience your budding artist receives here will help them better determine which type of paint is better to use depending on the goals.

Bonus #3 – 3D art is a completely different form of art and includes clay, paper, and other types of sculpture. This bonus course provides 30 days of design in 3D instruction.

Bottom line for us is that my son is really enjoying the courses. And, in my opinion, they are really well done. Since the courses are fairly new, and they have recently transferred to a new forum, they are still working out a few things. However, rest assured, if you find something missing or you’re having technical difficulties, they have really good customer service. They will help you with any questions or concerns you have.

Don’t forget to check out Beyond the Stick Complete Drawing Course Plus Three Bonus Courses from Beyond the Stick Figure Art School by clicking here.

And don’t forget to check out the other reviews from the homeschool review crew by clicking the image below.