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Math-U-See

Math-U-See

See the complete review in 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum.

Math-U-See is a complete math program for K through Precalculus that emphasizes conceptual understanding, particularly through the use of demonstrations with manipulatives in the elementary grades levels through Algebra 1. This is one of the best programs for hands-on or interactive learners. Like the Saxon Math program it also teaches in increments or small steps with plenty of review.

Most levels are titled with the names of Greek letters so grade level is not evident. Students work through each level in sequence, and they might well be ready for Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1 before eighth or ninth grade. Titles in their proper sequence are Primer, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Precalculus.

There is a teacher pack for each level that includes a teacher manual plus a DVD that "teaches the teacher." The student kit for each level includes a student workbook and a test booklet for most levels. Student books are consumable. For kindergarten through Algebra 1, you will also need to purchase the appropriate manipulatives, but these are very reasonably priced. The same basic set of "blocks" is used through the elementary grades, then Fraction Overlays are added at Epsilon level and Algebra/Decimal Inserts are added at the Zeta level. That means, the same sets of manipulatives are each used over at least a few years.

A 2005 addition to the upper level courses is a series of Honors Enhancement Books for Pre-Algebra through Precalculus. These provide more-challenging practice, more critical thinking, practical applications, more complex word problems, test prep practice, and preparation for the math required in advanced science courses. This addition largely alleviates my concerns expressed in my original review about the program' ability to challenge advanced students.

New editions of Math-U-See were starting to be released in 2009 with others due in 2010. New editions are almost identical in content to earlier editions. Some editing and grammatical improvements are being made. Complete solutions are now included for all problems at all levels, an especially helpful feature at upper levels.

For the new editions, the teacher manuals are printed in hardcover books with full-color covers.New student books are perfect-bound with a lay-flat binding. Student pages are perforated and punched so pages might easily be removed and placed in binders. (Test books have been redesigned in this same fashion.) Honors books have been incorporated into the student books for Pre-Algebra and above. Another significant improvement for some will be the addition of subtitles to the DVD's for the hearing impaired.

A Skip-Counting and Addition Songs CD (in either a Bible version or a science/literature version) is also used with students in the earliest grade levels.

One of the things I think makes Math-U-See so popular is that many parents and teachers find that author Steve Demme's presentations of math concepts helps them to finally understand so much they were taught in math but never understood. Parents and teachers with a new or renewed enthusiasm for math then do a much better job teaching their own children.