Miquon Math, an inexpensive program based on the use of Cuisenaire® Rods, is advertised for first through third grades. However, because of unique methods of teaching arithmetic concepts, younger children can begin to learn arithmetic through the hands-on activities, and older children can also benefit from Miquon used as a supplement.
This is a great program for wiggly learners who want to work with their manipulatives rather than paper and pencil. Children use the Cuisenaire Rods to discover mathematical concepts. It's a hands-on approach that is very strong on development of conceptual understanding. However, children also do written work as they record their findings, moving towards more written work as they master concepts.
Every activity/worksheet looks different, so this isn't the type program your child can pick up and do each day independently. Children will need instruction and assistance as they work through the lessons. The Lab Sheet Annotations will likely be your most valuable tool for figuring out how to use the program.
If your child is just beginning in this program at second grade level or higher, whether or not he has used any other math program previously, it would be best to begin in the first books since they introduce the Rods and familiarize children with this method of learning. Older children will move very quickly through early lessons, perhaps skipping those that cover concepts already mastered. Working through this program, children learn some concepts that are actually beyond third grade level.
The complete set includes all six student workbooks plus all three teacher resources but you can also purchase books individually or just a set of workbooks.
