Following the Charlotte Mason philosophy and teaching methods, Making Math Meaningful is a complete math programfor Levels K-6 that focuses on conceptual reasoning from a Biblical Worldview. Levels K-4 are student-teacher interactive, while levels 5-6 are written directly to the student. The Parent Guide (K-4) consists of a series of highly organized activities, or lessons. Chapter objectives are clearly stated. Each lesson is separated into "What I am to Say" and "What I am to Do" sections that the teacher can easily follow. There are three basic lesson types: Observation (Exploring), Interpretation (Explaining) and Application (Expanding) the Concept. While the lesson titles are slightly different between the editions, the instructional focus is the same. In Observation, the child investigates a concept. Manipulatives are used in levels K-4 to provide concrete examples and practice. In Interpretation, math terminology and/or the math formula is given. In Application, the child practices the concept or skill.
A suggested teaching schedule is provided, but the teacher should move at the student's pace. The author recommends that children be taught math during longer periods of time, 1.5-2 hours, for 2-3 days a week. This provides sufficient time for the teacher to introduce whole concepts and the student to digest the information. If a grade level is completed before the school year ends, move to the next level. Otherwise, continue at the student's pace, allowing him as much time as necessary to master the concepts. After completing Level 6, students should be ready for Algebra I.
Level K-4 Sets consist of a Parent-Teacher Guide (includes answers to the workbook exercises) and a Student Workbook. Level 5 has a Student Directed Workbook that only provides answers at the end of the workbook. Level 6 has a Student Directed Text only, with answers at the end of the text. Also available is a Manipulative Kit for grades K-4 that includes 50 Unifix Cubes, 100 Counting Chips, and 100 Connecting Links. Other required materials are listed at the beginning of the Parent Guide and with each lesson and can generally be found around the house.
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
