Algebra workbook recommendations?

[lorijds]

My 8th grader is in algebra, and she's struggling. Usually she's an A student. She has a troll for a teacher, but she is also not working as hard as she should.

Specifically, she does okay on homework, usually getting full credit. She doesn't do well on tests. I think part of her problem is she rushes through and makes simple, silly errors; she's not the most meticulous of students.

I'd like to get a workbook that is junior high algebra level, that she can do some practice work out of prior to tests. One problem she has said is that the teacher uses examples out of the book, and so if you don't understand the way the book explains it, you don't get any other sort of explanation. So I *don't* want to use the workbook that could supplement the textbook (we've tried that already). I want to get a workbook from a completely different company.

Any suggestions on workbooks that you've used with your children? She's bringing home her algebra book tomorrow and we're going to borders and the local school supply store, to compare the content of the workbooks and see if there are any workbooks that she thinks will be helpful.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[LovemyBoo]

Hands On Learning Equations may be not be at the correct level but there's plenty of samples on the website to give you an idea. We found it VERY helpful.

[meemee]

some of the beginning algebra students here at the community college has raved about this program. check it out and see if it helps her. there is a section on algebra.

http://www.khanacademy.org/

[lorijds]

Thank you very much!!

Lori

[ChristaN]

Have you seen the book Real World Algebra? It isn't exactly a workbook, but it does have problems and you could certainly write in the book if you so wanted. I don't know if it would be the appropriate level, though. It is stated as for grades 4-9.

[Dar]

I love to Key to Workbooks. They're very friendly and easy to understand...

dar

[Michelle Renee]

Pace maker series is pretty good
The reading level is lower so the information is more broken down,

Check to see if you have specific publishers for your state that gear the books towards required exams.

In Michigan - I have heard glencoe is the way to go.

[NoHiddenFees]

Life of Fred will get her up to speed on theory (don't let the amusing nature of the text fool you). The practice problems are relatively few, but are well chosen and the student cannot move on without true mastery. DD the Elder is working through the pre-algebra series, but I've read through Beginning Algebra. I'm impressed.