Math Essentials - No-Nonsense Algebra Review

Math programs can be hard to decide upon.  We recently had an opportunity review the No-Nonsense Algebra book written by Richard W. Fisher and published by Math Essentials.  The guesswork has been taken out of teaching algebra!!

The thought of teaching Algebra has me scared senseless.  I didn't do great with this in either high school or college.  I personally feel that letters and numbers should be kept separate in their own worlds... 😂😂😂

No-Nonsense Algebra has been a great addition to our homeschool.  This super-affordable math option for middle school to high school level algebra (depending on where your student is in math).  It's only $28.95 and you get a full algebra course, and even better ... you get full access to tutorial videos on how to complete the problems in each lesson!!

Each tutorial video is roughly 5 to 10 minutes long, provide a thorough explanation and show examples for your student so they can understand it better.

The No-Nonsense Algebra has 10 chapters that start with Adding/Subtracting Integers and takes your students through graphing, inequalities, polynomials, rational expressions, radical expressions and even quadratic equations.  There is a video lesson for each of the more than 90 lessons that are provided in No-Nonsense Algebra.

Each lesson has review of previous lessons, so that your student is able to continue to strengthen the skills they are learning.

No-Nonsense Algebra is a consumable book that walks your student through step-by-step solutions.  Each chapter is broken down into four sections.  The Introduction lets your student know what they will be covering and it gives the student examples of the new concept they are learning.  After the Introduction, student's will get to see an example of problems.  This is when you can hop over and watch the video lesson if your student is struggle.  They'll see more shortcuts and tips in this area also.

Next the student will have exercises to complete with the examples to look at.  This area could be 10 to 20 minutes for them to complete with up to 20 problems to complete.  The end of the lesson is more review problems for you student to complete.

 My favorite part of using No-Nonsense Algebra is the amount of time each lesson takes.  You can expand out the lessons for as long as your student needs as they work toward mastery.  But each lesson is short and helps your attention-deprived student to master their math without staring at a textbook for hours.

As we are working our way through Algebra with the boys, I am very grateful that we have been able to discover the Mastering Essential Math Skills series from Math Essentials.  I am not afraid of teach algebra anymore, and even better .... I'm actually learning more now than I did in high school!!

Math Essentials offers books that help your students from as young as upper elementary, Grades 4-5, through high school.  It also breaks down essential skills that your student might be struggling with like fractions, decimals and geometry.  Math Essentials has you covered from upper elementary through graduation!!  Prices are also reasonable and affordable for families!!

Several members of the Homeschool Review Crew got to experiment the world of Math Essentials with No-Nonsense Algebra.  Take some time to click on the link below and see how they have used this program in their home.

UnLock Math - UnLock Pre-Algebra Review

Upper level math can be a difficult subject to teach, especially if you are not a math fan yourself.  So I was super excited to get the opportunity to review the UnLock Math online math program, UnLock Pre-Algebra.
UnLock Math brings the math teacher into your home.  Your student can work through their math in about 30 minutes each day.  We have been using the UnLock Pre-Algebra level with Lydia now for a few weeks.  I have seen her blossoming in her math skills, where before she was struggling.  

UnLock Pre-Algebra is a straight-forward program.  There's not any cutesy cartoon characters to distract from what really needs to be taught.  I really like this aspect of Unlock math.  There are no distractions.  We have used other online programs and this was a real issue.  It is a full math curriculum or you can use it as a supplement.  We are using it as full curriculum.  

UnLock Pre-Algebra covers Integers, Decimals, Coordinates, Polynomials, 2D/3D Geometry, Equations, Rational Numbers, Percentages, Analyzing Data, and Probability and Statistics.  

Each day either myself or my husband sits down with Lydia (mainly to keep her on track), and we start math.  Login is very easy with a student code and password.  You can print off the lesson notes, which we do for reference as each new lesson has review from what the student has previously been learning.

The interface is simple to use.  This was from one of Lydia's a previous lessons.... each lesson, she starts with the Warm Up exercises (which are review) and then watches her video.  I make sure she has scrap paper available for her to figure problems as she starts on the Practice problems of what she has learned.

The Stay Sharp and Challenge Yourself sections are just what they mean, they can really challenge critical thinking skills.  I like that she gets instant feedback when she submits her assignment and she also can see what problems she has missed.

Each video lesson has been between 7 - 10 minutes long, and very clear in explanation and examples.  Unlock Pre-Algebra works out great for visual learners.  

UnLock Pre-Algebra also provides a grade area, so I can track this for her assessment if I would like to.

It also gives me an idea if she is working independently that day, if she is grasping the material and actually ready to move on to the next lesson or if we should re-watch the video together.  So far Lydia has not had any issues with needing much review.  Each lesson has review from previous lessons, so she is getting review with new lesson.  This is another great aspect of UnLock Pre-Algebra, lots of review built right in.

Before starting UnLock Algebra, I was afraid she was behind in math. Lydia has ADHD and also has struggled to overcome some other learning disabilities, one that mimics dyslexia.  She has worked hard and struggles to keep herself organized.  As she moves into Middle School, a struggle with math is one of the things that made me most nervous.  

But after using UnLock Pre-Algebra things have starting clicking together and she is progressing very well.  So to see her smile at "getting it", has been wonderful!! This program has been an excellent addition to her homeschool curriculum.  She doesn't argue about math, because after just a few weeks her confidence has grown.  I am thankful that we have gotten the opportunity to review it.  We plan on sticking with Unlock Math for her and continue to the next level when she has completed UnLock Pre-Algebra.

UnLock Math has several levels, UnLock Pre-Algebra being the first.  They also offer UnLock Algebra 1, UnLock Algebra 2, and UnLock Geometry (Their newest program.)  You no longer need to be afraid to teach math!  The challenge of upper level math has been taken on by Unlock Math and made it easier for us as homeschool parents.


If you are still not sure, UnLock Math does offer a sample lesson that you can preview.

Several members of the Homeschool Review Crew were given the opportunity to review the various levels of UnLock Math.  Be sure to click the link below to see how they used this program in their homes.