How Will I Teach Algebra? Online Math Classes For Your Homeschool

I dreaded it for years and I know I am not alone.

It’s something that most homeschool moms ask at one time or another as their child gets closer to the high school years.

What am I going to do about algebra?

Or geometry, or any higher level math for that matter!

One mom said it best.

“I barely made it through geometry myself – much less feel comfortable teaching it.”

As I said, I dreaded it for years.

Add to this the fact that my son has learning differences that make some subjects extremely challenging (read algebra), and you had me firmly in denial, wishing that we could go back to using math manipulatives and practicing the times tables.

How Will I Teach Algebra?

My son is not alone in this. Temple Grandin often shares her struggles with higher level math classes. In fact, algebra was a requirement that nearly kept her from moving on to higher level education.

I know my son is at the age to move into more complex math. I know that he aspires to attend college on some level, and that it will require high school math courses.

So this year, we are taking the plunge, thanks in no small part to Mr. D Math.

Mr. D is actually Dennis DiNoia, a former high school math teacher. 10 years ago, Mr. D left the public school system to develop an online curriculum for all levels of high-school math, from pre-algebra to pre-calculus.

What is interesting about his approach, is that he teaches students to understand math as a language – and language is something my son not only understands, but excels in.

He is down to earth, and teaches problem solving skills in a way that are not just specific to the math course, but also translate to everyday life.

Gamified Learning With Mr. D

Before I get into our experience with Mr. D’s math classes, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news that I think will transform your child’s math experience.

Mr. D Math has just unveiled a brand new gamified approach to mathematics. I am a huge fan, as gamification is something that I think transforms learning into something confidence building and fun!

With this new approach, students can:

Collect badges and certificates as they progress
Earn points for completing quizzes, tests, and exams
Make learning fun with a gamified experience

Learning math has never been this rewarding!

Why Gamified Math Works

Studies show that gamification can increase:

Learner engagement by up to 60%
Knowledge retention by 40%
And, of course, overall enjoyment of mathematical concepts

Mr. D’s new gamification provides regular feedback and motivation to help your child learn and enjoy the process all along the way.

Take a look for yourself!

I love that it is seamlessly integrated into the learning. There is nothing gimmicky or cumbersome – this new gamified approach supports learning and increases motivation without complicating things.

Self-Paced And Live Classes For Homeschoolers

The best decision I made was to outsource high school math for my oldest, beginning with Pre-Algebra with Mr. D.

While Mr. D offers self-paced online classes, I signed my son up for the Pre-Alebra online virtual class session on Tuesdays. I wanted him to get used to the idea of having a time commitment, as well as observe how he interacted with Mr.D, and the other kids in the online classroom.

What I Loved About Mr. D Math

Mr. D

The classes themselves were very well done. Mr. D is engaging and funny. The kids LOVE him. (Incidentally, I got a chance to meet him in person in June, and I have to say I can see why. He is warm, friendly and funny, with a dedication to teaching that is palpable.)

My son thinks he is “cool” which is high praise around here. It also means he is willing to listen to him in ways that would never be possible with his “not-so-cool” momma.

The Support

My son began to fall behind relatively quickly – again, algebra and a child on the autism spectrum can be a tough match. Not only was Mr. D available for help and questions anytime throughout the week, he also made suggestions on how we could slow down the curriculum a bit. This has allowed my son to progress at his own pace, and actually make progress with the concepts.

Flexibility For Learning Differences

In addition to being on the spectrum, my son also has generalized anxiety disorder. At one point, I felt like the required quizzes were causing more stress than either one of us really needed. Again, I reached out to Mr. D and he agreed that we should only complete them when necessary, with me instead verbally checking in with my son to confirm his understanding of the material.

Mr. D Math has options for all higher level learners. Classes include:

Preparing for Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra
Algebra
Geomerty
Algebra II
Pre-Calculus/Trig
Calculus
SAT/ACT Math Bootcamps

With Mr.D math, our kids can interact with a teacher (that is not us – WIN) and other students. They can begin to establish study skills that mimic those needed in a college setting. They have access to technology that makes sense to them.

I love sharing this option with you, because it solves so many problems that we face in homeschooling our older children – especially those with learning differences.