A "tried and true" homeschool favorite, Math-U-See sets itself apart from other math curricula with its focus on creating effective problem solvers who understand the underlying concepts in math and can apply math to real life situations. Honestly, as an adult, how many of us wish we had learned math in this manner?
Utilizing a Four-Step Approach, Math-U-See provides a K-12 mastery-based math curriculum:
- Step 1 - Prepare for the Lesson
- Step 2 - Present & Explore the New Concept Together (incorporating Build-Write-Say interactive teaching methodology)
- Step 3 - Student Practices for Mastery
- Step 4 - Student Progresses After Mastery
Truly multisensory, each level offers DVD instruction for the parent/teacher and student, manipulatives (through the Algebra level), and worksheets for practice. Mastery of math concepts is evidenced by the student's ability to teach the parent the concept by the end of the lesson. The authors have chosen to use letters of the Greek alphabet (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, and Zeta) to identify the sequence of concepts taught at the elementary level rather than a grade level designation. The Primer level is designed to provide an introductory broad overview and to encourage the love of math. Upper levels are titled more traditionally (Pre-Algebra, Algebra, etc.) Because this program is mastery-based, students may enter the program at any level depending on their concept proficiency. Accordingly, it is highly recommended that all students take a Math-U-See placement test to ensure mastery of any previously taught concepts.
Courses provide 30-35 lessons and will usually take about one year to complete, although with mastery as the goal, this is flexible. Lessons follow a similar pattern. Watch the DVD, work through lesson examples in the instruction manual together with the parent, and have the student complete worktext activities. These include practice, review, and an additional activity called the "application and enrichment page." These contain topics not included in the lesson as well as familiar concepts in a new format. If your child masters the lessons quickly, skip the additional practice sheets and move to the review. Due to the mastery focus of the course, the amount of time to complete a lesson will vary. You may find it necessary to spend 2-3 weeks on one lesson, while others may be grasped quickly and completed in 2-3 days. Each lesson concludes with a test. Cumulative unit tests are scheduled regularly to assure students retain previous teachings. Each level concludes with a final test covering all concepts taught. These tests begin in Alpha rather than in the Primer.
Instructional videos provide parent-teachers an introduction to the Math-U-See vision and methodology before transitioning to the instructional lessons. Teaching lessons are designed to be viewed by the parent first, followed by the student and parent (or student only at the upper levels or as the student demonstrates the ability to view independently). Each teaching segment is 5-8 minutes in length (upper levels are longer; 10-15 minutes) and is taught in front of a group of students and parents, who occasionally you will hear responding. The camera is focused on Mr. Demme, who explains and demonstrates the lessons on a large white board with magnetic manipulatives or drawings. Lessons are clearly explained and easy to follow. Providing much needed teaching support, these videos are a big part of the appeal of the program. Videos are available with the Online Instruction with Video streaming access products and also on DVD. Online Instruction is now the video format included in sets. DVDs are available as a separate purchase.
The Instruction Manual is also essential to the program. This book provides a curriculum sequence and introductory "how-to-use" information that outlines the Math-U-See four-step teaching process. Teaching instruction with example problems for each lesson, solutions for the worksheets and tests, and a helpful glossary and index are included. The instruction is not scripted but is clearly presented and easy to implement.
The consumable Student Worktexts contain a mix of practice problems and word problems. Space is provided to work out the problems, but some students may prefer having access to "scratch paper" to work problems, especially at the higher levels. The front of the Student Worktext includes space to record grades for worksheet pages and tests. Test Booklets are only sold bundled with the Student Worktexts. Tests are provided to evaluate student progress. Parents are encouraged to reteach previous lessons if the student does not do well. Mastery is the goal, and lessons build upon one another so that future success is dependent on students really knowing the previous concept.
Demme Learning's Math-U-See Manipulatives are unique. The Integer Block Set is a 133-piece manipulative blocks set that is used from Primer through Algebra 1. This is a set of plastic interlocking blocks with blocks in different colors designed to represent each number from one through ten (there is a hundred block as well). A Fraction Overlay Kit is utilized in the Epsilon course to teach fractions. This set is color-coordinated with the Integer Block Set to aid students in learning fractions. Beginning with Zeta and utilized through Algebra 1 is the Algebra/Decimal Insert Kit which is used with the Integer Block Kit to teach advanced decimal and algebra concepts.
Products with "Online Instruction w/ Video" in their titles provide lifetime access and include streaming Instruction Videos, an online Instruction Manual, lesson solutions, and other online resources. You'll also have access to the Math-U-See Digital Manipulatives, using Chrome or Safari browsers. Digital content does not include Student Workbook or Test content.
The Skip Count CD and Songbook is optional but a suggested complement to the Primer through Gamma courses. With it your student will learn their skip counting and addition facts. The Skip Counting CD includes Christian lyrics. The Skip Counting songs included in the Digital Toolbox for the Universal and Level-Up sets do not contain any Christian songs, but are neutral, and include Science and Literature lyrics.
Math-U-See is no longer available in Universal Sets or Level Up sets starting in February 2025. Now components from each level are available separately, and we have also put together two sets for each level: one with manipulatives and one without manipulatives. DVDs are not automatically included in sets, but are still available for customers who prefer DVD format. Sets now include Online Instruction with Video access, which has been enhanced.