Simply Good and Beautiful Math

Description

Simply Good and Beautiful Math is a gentle, conceptually focused math curriculum that emphasizes understanding and mathematical reasoning rather than rote memorization. Developed by math specialists, it is parent-friendly, affordable, and designed to work well for a wide range of learning styles through stories, games, activities, and visual teaching.

The program is not Common Core aligned but meets or exceeds most state standards.

Two Distinct Formats

1. Grades K–3 (Teacher-Led): Lessons are interactive and taught by the parent. The full-color Course Book uses a simple two-color format: blue text for parent instructions and black text to read aloud to the child. Each lesson includes a short review, a new concept introduced through a short story, and guided practice activities.

  • Kindergarten lessons take about 10 minutes per day.
  • Daily time gradually increases with each grade.
  • 120 lessons per level, allowing flexibility for review or reteaching.
  • Units end with a mastery assessment.

2. Grades 4–8 (More Independent): Students take increasing responsibility for their learning with parent support as needed.

  • Lessons include instructional videos, a short mini-lesson, practice problems, and review.
  • Grade 4–5: 35–45 minutes per lesson
  • Grade 6–8: 45–60 minutes per lesson
  • Grade 7 bridges arithmetic to Pre-Algebra. Grade 8 is Pre-Algebra.
  • A scientific calculator is required for Grades 7–8.

What’s Included

  • Full-color Course Book(s) with 120 lessons per level
  • Answer Key (and Solutions Manual for Grades 7–8)
  • Mental Math Map Mysteries (Grades 4–5) for fun review
  • Access to instructional videos and additional free online resources (printable flashcards, extra practice, etc.)

Simply Good and Beautiful Math is an excellent choice for homeschool families who want a thorough, engaging, and low-stress math program that builds strong conceptual understanding and a positive attitude toward math.

Browse all levels of Simply Good and Beautiful Math, including complete sets and individual components, below!

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.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.