Review: Math-U-See for Homeschool Math

Math-U-See is a unique and engaging homeschool math program that helps students learn and understand math with a hands-on approach. It’s been around for a long time and is well-respected in the homeschool community. This last year, one of my kids hit a wall with our regular math curriculum and I decided it was time for a change. I knew he would love the blocks, videos, and hands-on approach that I had heard about with Math-U-See, so we went ahead and dove right in.

Disclosure: *This post may include affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the disclosures and terms for more information.

(I reached out to Math-U-See to review their curriculum and they sponsored this post. All opinions are my own.)

How Math-U-See Works

Math-U-See is a comprehensive math curriculum for students in grades K through 12 that offers an innovative mastery approach to learning. It incorporates fun elements such as math block manipulatives, video lessons, songs and workbooks into the program so all styles of learners can benefit from it.

Additionally, instead of using traditional grade levels like other curricula do, Math U See has its own unique set up organized by level (Primer, Alpha, Beta, etc.). This way, students can feel more confident as they move through the program at their own pace without feeling like they are behind just because they’re not on the math grade level their age would indicate.

You can use the Math-U-See placement tool to find out where your student should start. When you purchase a level for the first time you’ll get the universal set with the following items:

Instruction Manual with complete solutions
Instruction DVD
Student Workbook
Tests booklet
Integer Block Kit (such a fun kit!)
Lifetime access to the Digital Pack for that level (includes online versions of the lesson videos, skip counting songs, digital manipulatives, a worksheet generator, and more.)

When you purchase subsequent levels there are options to only purchase what you need in order to level up.

We have only used the Beta level of this program thus far, and neither the instruction manual nor test booklets were necessary. However, as we move up in levels these may come in handy! The Digital Pack offers online access to all lessons, which works best for us, but if you prefer a DVD option it is available too — perfect for those with unreliable internet connections.

Our Experience with Math-U-See

As I mentioned, last year one of my sons hit a wall with the math curriculum we typically use. I knew it was coming. He has dyslexia and signs of dyscalculia, and was having trouble holding on to the math concepts. After talking with some friends with similar challenges who found success with Math-U-See I decided we’d give it a try.

My son was so relieved and excited when the big Math-U-See box arrived in the mail! From the beginning it fit his needs well. Of course, it was a huge bonus to him that it included a big Integer Block Kit! He loves building things, so the idea that he could build as a part of his lessons was very motivating.

Getting started with the curriculum was fairly simple for us. We had already become familiar with Math-U-See by taking some months off to work through their AIM math facts program for mastering addition and subtraction math facts. The transition to regular Math-U-See lessons was easy.

Because we started back a level or two in order to strengthen his math concepts and skills, we have been able to move quicker through the lessons. I just keep an eye on how he’s doing as far as understanding and retention, and slow down whenever needed. If I need extra teaching support, I can find it in the Instruction Manual and in the extra resources provided in the Digital Pack.

Each day, his math lessons include watching a video (if it’s a new lesson for him or we need to review the concept) and completing a couple of pages in his student book. Although there are tests, provided I decided we didn’t need those at this stage.

What We Love About Math-U-See

Math-U-See has many strengths. I can see why it is such a popular homeschool curriculum! Here’s what we love about it:

Teaches math conceptually and with helpful strategies – I LOVE the way Math-U-See teaches the math concepts and really maximizes understanding. The blocks and math strategies used really help my student “get” the math and retain it.
Fun and engaging – My son loves using the blocks and I often let him play with them afterward. He also enjoys the short lesson videos by Mr. Demme and they really seem to click with him.
Uses multiple learning styles – I’ve found it helpful to use several teaching methods for my son, so I’m glad that Math-U-See uses visual, hands-on, and audio content to teach the concepts and skills.
Good length lessons – The lessons have sufficient practice and review built-in without being too much. My son is never overwhelmed by the lessons and we’re able to go at his own pace.
Builds confidence and fluency – Overall, my son has been happy with his progress, enjoys math (ENJOYS IT!), and has gained great confidence by using Math-U-See!

I have been so pleased with our experience with Math-U-See, both with their AIM math facts program and with their main math curriculum, that we’ll be starting my upcoming first grader with it instead of what I have used in the past. Can’t wait!

Side note: My family and I recently went to a conference where I was speaking and had the chance to meet Mr. Demme, who was also a speaker there. My son had stars in his eyes. 🙂 Mr. Demme was exceedingly kind to him, spending time chatting and joking with him, sitting with him at the lunch table, and encouraging him. It was such a blessing! I’d buy all the Math-U-See products without hesitation knowing the Demme Learning heart for homeschool families.

Should You Switch to Math-U-See?

If you’re considering a switch, use the Math-U-See placement tool and then reach out to their fantastic customer support to chat about it. (Seriously, they have amazing support.) I do think we have to be careful not to jump around too much with math curricula, especially for older kids. For that reason, I’m not switching some of my other kids who are doing just fine with what they’re using.

BUT if you’re struggling, can’t adapt what you’re currently using to fit your needs, and think Math-U-See may be better your child, definitely consider switching to Math-U-See and see how it goes. I’m glad we switched my son to it!

Let me know if you have any questions! So far, Math-U-See is a big win in our homeschool.

~ Tauna