Math U See Homeschooling Math Curriculum

by Nancy Devine
(Bellevue, WA)

We switched to Math U See (MUS) many years ago after struggling to find a homeschooling math curriculum that fit our children's learning styles. Since we had had an eclectic mix of exposure before starting MUS, we chose to start over at the beginning. The first few books flew by with ease as there was a lot of review. We are now using Algebra 2 after having completed Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 and Geometry. My son doesn't want to change and is looking forward to completing the series through Pre-Calculus. (They are now offering an online Calculus course which I haven't investigated yet.)

One of the things that takes some getting used to with MUS is the division of topics throughout the early books. Alpha is strictly about addition, Beta is subtraction, etc. I noticed early on that my children did not score well on standardized math tests because they had yet to be exposed to, say, division. After the six elementary books have been completed, this issue seems to have resolved itself.

I really like that Mr. Demme, the author and video teacher, teaches algebra concepts from the first book. He uses the word algebra and talks to the students about how not to be afraid of it. By the time they reach Algebra 1, they have been "solving equations" for seven years!

The format of the homeschooling math program is a DVD and teacher manual, student workbook and test booklet, and manipulatives. The manipulatives are a key to understanding the underlying concepts.

The way we have used the program is watching the DVD lesson together, letting Mr. Demme have the role of teacher. We then practice the concept together, then the student works on the workbook pages and takes the lesson quiz when they are confident. Some of the lessons are simple enough that they simply show mastery by taking the lesson quiz and moving on. Each of the lessons adds only a small bit of new material, so the student is never overwhelmed.

Overall, I have been extremely happy with Math U See. I recommend it to anyone who asks about a math curriculum. On a personal note, I am a licensed engineer, so math is very important to me.

Wonderful, thorough review of Math U See homeschooling math program – thanks, Nancy! Blessings, Heather :)

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