Teaching Textbooks Algebra 1 & 2
Authors: Greg Sabouri and Shawn Sabouri
For more information or to order: www.teachingtextbooks.com

As many of you know from reading previous reviews - I am "math challenged" and not ashamed to admit that I need help when it comes to teaching my sons anything more than basic operations!  After having the opportunity to review several Algebra programs, I decided that this is the one I'll be using next year when my son is ready for higher math.  Why Teaching Textbooks?  First, the textbooks were written specifically for homeschool students.  The lessons are clearly written, directly to the student, which encourages independence and understanding.  Throughout the lessons, key points are highlighted, allowing the student to quickly go back and review concepts.  

The Teaching Textbook Algebra courses are a textbook and a teacher combined into one.  In addition to the easy to understand, conversational tone in the text, the company also offers Lecture CDs which provide a 10- 15 minute audiovisual lesson for each corresponding lesson in the book.  The student is able to hear a teacher providing instruction while examples are shown on their computer monitor, making this program idea for both auditory and visual learners.  Unlike most software that requires users to wade through detailed instruction manuals, the Teaching Textbook CD-ROMs are as easy to use as videotapes.  Just insert the CD, click on the lesson and lecture you want and that's it!  Really - it is that easy!  Your student can proceed through their lessons without needing mom's attention.

I am very impressed with the easy-to-understand explanations used by the instructor - it really feels like someone is right there pointing out all of the important concepts while illustrating their lecture with step-by-step problems that appear right before your eyes.  After viewing/listening to the lecture, the student then reads the lesson in their book, and completes the practice problems (usually 5 per lesson).  Then, using the same lecture CD, the student clicks on the appropriate practice problem and watches/listens as the instructor walks them through each step to the solution, reminding the student along the way of key points from the lesson that are being applied.  The student is then ready to complete the 20 - 25 problems in their textbook for that lesson.  Each lesson includes word problems - an important component to any math program.  When I first began reading through the lessons, I had a hard time with the "highlighting" that is prevalent throughout the book.  Each lesson has several key points, usually several words or longer, highlighted with a light gray rectangle.  However, I do see the benefit of having these important points already marked so the student can quickly review any lesson and find the information they need.

As far as content and lesson structure, Teaching Textbooks Algebra 1 & 2 are right on track.  New concepts are introduced in a systematic fashion and the student is not overloaded with too much new information at once.  Additionally, the author's employ regular, consistent review in each lesson, which is critical for understanding and retention.  The examples used to illustrate concepts are sometimes a bit "wacky", but have definite "grin appeal", which can be a plus when dealing with such a challenging subject.

Okay, all of this sounds pretty good, right?  But, you say, what about answer keys?  How can I help my child when they arrive at an incorrect solution, but don't know where they went wrong?  Remember, I am math challenged myself!  That's why my favorite feature of the Teaching Textbook is the set of Solution CD-ROMs - these are optional, but unless you are very strong in Algebra yourself, I would consider them to be a necessary part of the program.  The Solution CDs provide audiovisual, step-by-step solutions for every one of the 3,400 problems in the book!  Altogether the Lecture CDs and Solution CDs provide over 110 hours of instruction.  When I first tried the Solution CD, I assumed that each problem would simply be visually placed on the screen, which I thought would be a wonderful tool.  Imagine my delight to find the problem "worked out", with each step appearing as the instructor verbally walks us through to the correct answer!  

Although I would never personally consider learning Algebra to be fun, the authors of the Teaching Textbook series have made an effort to use a light, conversational tone so students feel like they have a friendly tutor or coach gently guiding them through each concept and problem type.  Through the use of interesting and sometimes entertaining real-world examples and humorous illustrations, students are put at ease and remain more engaged during the learning process.  Please do not confuse easy-of-use with "simplified" - Teaching Textbooks Algebra 1& 2 are well-written, thorough courses that prepare students for more advanced mathematics and college learning.

Making the Grade: A+
Cost: $69.95 for the Textbook/Answer Key set only, $184.90 for the Textbook/Answer Key & Lecture, Practice & Solution CD Sets
Value for your homeschool dollar: 10