Homeschool Reviews for You

Algebra I: A Fresh Approach
Author:  by Christy Walters
Publisher: A+ Education Services
For more information or to order: http://www.aplusses.com/textbook.php

Algebra I: A Fresh Approach by Christy Walters is a workbook-style text which sufficiently covers all topics in a traditional Algebra I course.  As the author indicates, she tries not to bog the student down with excessive formulas, but attempts to give the student just the essential topics necessary.  This is indeed a “fresh approach” and I believe she is successful.

The workbook font is very easy to read and I like the workbook approach as it helps to keep the student’s work organized as he/she works through the problems.  Occasionally more room for work may be needed.  The author will sometimes give a hint/reminder to the student on a particular problem, which is a nice feature.  It was particularly convenient to have the workbook style for problems involving graphing as there is a grid for each problem. 

 There are plenty of example problems given in each section and more importantly the examples represent well the type of problems given in that section.  It was very rare to find a problem that did not have an appropriate example given in the lesson.  I like how the author writes to the student as if she is sitting right beside them, conversing about the problem.

There is a mixed review at the end of each section.   I would love to see a notation as to which section the mixed review problems were reviewing to make it easier to find help if a concept was forgotten.  There are no tests contained within the text, but the author does offer a test packet. The answer key included in the text provides answers for only the odd-numbered problems.  However, there is a solution manual available which provides the answers with solutions for the even-numbered problems.  For either the test packet or solution manual, just email Christy and she will provide you with pricing and ordering info.

Overall, this curriculum does a thorough job of covering a first year Algebra course.  The workbook style is an advantage and I really like the idea of not getting too bogged down with excessive formulas. Christy also has a second year course, Algebra II: A Fresh Approach available through her website.

Making the Grade: A
Cost:  $49.95
Value for your homeschool dollar: 8

Review provided by Kelly Mammott, homeschool mom of 4