Skip to main content

Math-U-See {Schoolhouse Review}


With my two kiddos starting multiplication this year, we have dabbled in many different math curriculums looking for the perfect match. We've used our tried-and-true math facts, a systematic approach, and an online program. And then we were given the opportunity to review the hands-on approach of Math-U-See. I had wanted to try Math-U-See products for some time, and now I SEE what we have been missing! For one of my kids, especially, this program is a great fit!

 photo MathUSeelogo3_zps75a0efc5.gif

As Math-U-See is not set up as a grade-level program, I did not know which level I should request. After taking the free placement test, I determined that both of my children (ages 9 and 7, both doing primarily third grade work) would benefit most from the Gamma level.

 photo gamma-Book-and-DVD_zps42359aeb.gif

The primary concepts covered in the Gamma level are single- and double-digit multiplication including (from the website):


  • Using strategies based on place value and properties of operations to multiply
  • Fluently multiplying any combination of whole numbers
  • Solving for an unknown factor
  • Solving abstract and real-world problems involving addition, subtraction, and multiplication
  • Measuring and computing area
  • Relating concepts of area to addition and multiplication


  • To view a sample lesson from Math-U-See ~ Gamma, you can go to THIS LINK.

    For the Math-U-See Gamma level, the "Essential Products" needed are the:
    • Instruction Pack (includes the Instruction Manual and Instruction DVD, both with lesson-by-lesson instructions and solutions) which sells for $44.00;
    • Student Pack (includes student worksheets and review pages, Application and Enrichments Pages, and tests) which sells for $30.00; and
    • Manipulative Block Set (can be used on all primary levels up to Algebra 1) which sells for $38.00.
    As part of the review, we received all of the "Essential Products" listed above. Not only did we receive one manipulative block set, but the vendor graciously gave us TWO sets! This was a huge blessing for us since we have two children and they could do their assignments at the same time without having to share the one set of blocks. I tell you this as a way to recommend that if you have more than one child using Math U See, that you should get a Manipulative Block Set for each child.

     photo m-blocks_zps252c4656.jpg


    How We Used the Product:

    On the first day of the new lesson, we watched the video for instruction. After the video instruction, I briefly covered the material in the Instruction Manual and then had the kids get started on their lessons. We did one, sometimes two, lessons per day. In the Gamma level there are 6 Lesson Practices and 1 Application and Enrichment assignment (that is set out in more of a word problem format). The lessons were easy enough, and the instructions clear enough, that they were able to easily understand how to work the problems and were able to work independently.


    They loved the blocks! Actually SEEING the problem worked out made it make so much more sense to them, especially in dealing with multiplication. Sometimes, however, they were having so much fun building the problems with their blocks that they asked to just build with the blocks for play at lunch time.

    At the conclusion of each set of lessons, there is a chapter test.


    My Opinion:

    I actually love this program. So far it has been pretty easy, but with multiplication I think starting out easy is the way to go. We are supplementing with practicing multiplication facts every day, just to keep them constantly fresh.


    I plan to use this Math-U-See Gamma curriculum through the end of the school year, and then start back up with it in the Fall. (This summer we will just continue to review multiplication facts.)

    While we were previously using an online math program, my 7 year old kept saying that she wanted to go back to "paper math". My 9 year old, however, enjoyed the online program and works better with visualizations and a hands-on approach. Math-U-See caters to both of their learning strengths and preferences in the same program! On the problems that Brynne doesn't need the manipulatives, she just skips using them and works the problems out on paper. But, when she is stuck on something, the manipulatives are there to help. Eli uses the manipulatives with every problem, even if he can work it out in his head. Seeing the problem worked out in front of him helps to drive it home in his mind.



    The kids say, "This math is fun!" I think it's wonderful! And, the price is right!

    To see what other Crew Members thought of the Math-U-See products, including the Gamma level, go to the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog.

    Photobucket

    ********************


    Comments

    Popular posts from this blog

    ABCya

    Eli's reading resource teacher shared a website with me yesterday that I would like to pass along. It's called ABCya . There are separate educational sections with fantastic games for ages kindergarten through 5th grade. I browsed the 2nd grade level, and it includes age-appropriate games about Letters, Numbers, Shapes, Geometry, Patterns, Mouse Manipulation, Art and Holiday games. There are lots and lots of fun and creative games for children to play. They are fun, but oh, so educational. Eli's favorite, in his short time playing it, was Create a Car . A lot of the games also have Apps available for purchase (99 cents for most of them) for the iPad and iPhone. I have been looking for another free website for games similar to Starfall , for some time. I think I have found it. I can feel confident having Eli and Brynne play these games.

    A Thomas Jefferson Education "This Week in History" ~ Schoolhouse Review

    Talk about a GOLD MINE! A Thomas Jefferson Education's This Week in History by Rachel DeMille is her "labor of love" ... and I absolutely LOVE it! " This Week in History is a daily resource that brings your home school or classroom to life." For just $9.99 per month, you can log onto TJEd.com and click the "This Week in History" link to obtain many, many, many resources tied to specific events that occurred in the upcoming week in history. Or even better, you can receive the summaries and links to ALL resources right in your email Inbox each week! It doesn't get any easier than that! What does this really look like in real life? Each week, I receive an email from Rachel DeMille that sets out each date of the coming week. Under the date, there are listed anywhere from one to several events that occurred in history on that date. THEN there are ALL kinds of things to do related to that event, such as books to read, websites to visit, ac

    Cells ~ It's What's for Dinner

    Dawson made edible cells on Friday. He made an animal cell pizza ... and a plant cell chocolate chip cookie ... He reviewed what he's learned about cells the past two weeks, and I had dinner made by someone else. Win, win!! I am linking up at Science Sunday at Adventures in Mommydom.