Math Lessons for a Living Education takes a living
education approach to math, teaching concepts through real-life situations
rather than in isolation. From Master Books and inspired by Charlotte Mason’s philosophy, this
program uses stories, copywork, narration, and hands-on activities to make math
meaningful and memorable. Students follow the daily lives of twins Charlie and
Charlotte as they explore mathematical concepts through family adventures and
practical experiences.
The program is designed as a 36-week (180-day) course with
five days of instruction per week, but it is easily adaptable to any homeschool
schedule. Each level is consumable and includes a suggested daily schedule,
completion grid, and answer key.
Key Curriculum Features:
Story-based
lessons that connect math to everyday life
Gentle,
hands-on activities using minimal manipulatives (most are printed in the
book or use common household items)
Built-in
copywork, narration, and review
Flexible
pacing that works well for different learning styles
Program Levels:
Available
for Levels 1 through 5
Levels roughly corresponding to Grades 1–5, though levels
are based on skill rather than strict grade
Optional Supplements:
Practice
Makes Perfect Books: Extra practice pages, quizzes, and activities for
greater mastery
Flashcards:
Addition/subtraction and multiplication/division fact cards
K–6
Teaching Companion: Scope & sequence, teaching tips, games,
recipes, readiness tests, and more
Math Lessons for a Living Education is an excellent
choice for families who want a gentle, story-rich, and practical math program
that emphasizes understanding and real-life application rather than rote
memorization.
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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.
