Resource Description
This is a hands-on curriculum that uses workbooks, videos and manipulative blocks to teach math concepts. Students learn how to perform math operations and understand why they are performing those operations so they can apply them to everyday life. The program was described in 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy as "easier than most." Math·U·See is broken down to teach students specific skills that build as the student progresses. This systematic and cumulative approach uses a definite, logical sequence of concept instruction. The Math·U·See system is structured with step-by-step procedures for introducing, reviewing, and practicing concepts. Students spend as much or as little time as needed on any given concept until it is mastered.
Website: Math-U-See (may contain affiliate links)
(49 Reviews)
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Contributor Reviews
Reviews are solely the opinions of the contributor.
Cons: You might need a little more review of basic skills, since this is mastery you stay on one concept at a time until it is learned then move to the next one. I just like to make sure basic math skills are not forgotten along with learning all the new ones.
Grades Used: Alpha- Epsilon
We started using MUS at the Alpha level but then stopped because I just couldn’t shake the fear of my kids being “behind.” Being new to homeschooling at the time I just didn’t understand the concept of thinking outside the box, and moving at my kids own pace, or the mastery approach. So we switched to Horizons math, then quickly saw that it was a mistake. So we switched back to MUS, and we have no regrets! We have a child now using Epsilon & about to go into Zeta soon, and another child using Gamma. MUS is a very different approach to learning math, in a good way! The DVD’s are excellent! I was never good in math but have learned right along side my kids. If math wasn’t the easiest for you, Mr. Demme teaches it in a way you will catch onto easily so you can teach it & explain it to your kids. We have no complaints! My kids learned early on how to skip count every number 2-10 with ease, from the skip counting CD you can buy, I highly recommend getting it, it has made things even easier! One thing I was concerned about was review of concepts already learned, but what I’ve been doing is having my kids do 1 page of additional math a week with basic things I don’t want them to forget... like time, money, carrying & borrowing, greater than, less than, rounding, multiplication, reading graphs, etc. & it is really working out! We have no plans on switching to any other math program! Keep in mind, being a mastery approach curriculum, you might not want to start it if you don’t plan on homeschooling long term. It will seem like you are behind at first, but by the time you are at the upper elementary levels it evens out. But putting your kids in school mid way through the program, there will definitely be big gaps in their math. It is taught one concept at a time... Beta- Multiple-Digit adding & subtracting,
Gamma- Single & Multiple-Digit Multiplication,
Delta- Single & Multiple-Digit Division, Epsilon- Fractions, Zeta- Decimals & Percents & then all the upper levels. It’s a great math curriculum that we are so thankful for!
Grades Used: Primer - Pre-Algebra
I balked at first because it seemed expensive - but really it's not because all the tears it has saved me having to look for something else or spending time explaining math concepts.
Our family loves Math U See. So far we've used it for 4 different children with my youngest having completed Primer and currently midway through Alpha and the oldest started in Beta and is now in Pre-Algebra. We love it. The combination of seeing it taught, hearing it taught, using the blocks and writing with the worksheets has made math very simple for this Mama who was not a huge math fan.
One thing to note that I do not make my kids do every single worksheet once they grasp the concept - had to learn this the hard way through my poor eldest kid (haha). Now, I'd say mid Beta they are allowed to go at their own pace as long as they can prove they understand and test scores are close to or above 90%. THANK YOU MATH U SEE!
Cons: No guidance
Grades Used: Algebra, Geometry
I do not recommend Math U See for algebra I or II, geometry or trig. The video teaching by Steve Demme is severely lacking. It’s like watching a clip of an entire video that still wouldn’t be useful. The textbook is poorly organized and lacks sufficient information. We’ve had to supplement each week with Kahn Academy videos which are excellent. We are using the workbook but had to find actual teaching elsewhere.
Don’t waste your money on this curriculum.
Cons: Some essential elemants missing in Algebra 1 and Geometry.
Grades Used: 4-11
Great for younger ages, has some shortcomings in Algebra 1 and Geometry as the subjects are not covered to the depth that they would be in a public school. Great if your child is eating up Math very early, as the missing elements are mostly covered in Algebra 2.
Cons: Start up cost
Grades Used: Primer-Gamma
I have used MUS with my 2 boys 6 & 8. The blocks really help them understand the basics of addition, subtraction and place value. Place value was really great with the blocks to have a visual representation. The videos and teacher books are helpful, they give great tips and teach parents how to use math language correctly. As a former 1st grade teacher I wish I had know some of these simple ways to explain the basics. My kids work independently a majority of the time. There are plenty of practice pages so I know they have mastered the skills.
Cons: See below
Grades Used: Primer through Algebra I
We took a gamble and started using MUS with my oldest when we brought her home from school in 3rd grade. We began with Gamma but moved back to Beta. She has now completed Algebra I and will begin Geometry next year. We started MUS from the beginning with my youngest and I will say it is easier to start from the beginning than it is to try and switch mid-elementary, because MUS does not teach to the same scope and sequence as many other conventional math programs. Oldest's standardized test scores were average through 6th grade, to be expected because of MUS's scope and sequence not correlating, however at the end of 6th grade (Zeta, final elementary series) her scores soared 3 grade levels. Our gamble paid off. She was well prepared for Pre-Algebra and Algebra I has been good as well with some minor hiccups in slope and intercept, but customer service was great and they walked her through it. We plan to continue on through Calculus with MUS!
Cons: Can get pricey to start with, if child has to go back to regular school for some reasons some aspects of math might be missing due to how their books are made
Grades Used: Lower Level: Primer, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon and Zeta Upper Level: Pre-Algebra
I really like the fact that MUS is using the manipulation, the hearing, the visual, the saying and writing in order to teach the kids math. Seriously, where were they when I was in primary school?
We have used all levels in the lower level part. Primer was a good springboard to Alpha and all my kids enjoyed it. Alpha - Zeta covers specific aspects of math. For example, the Gamma book is about multiplication from A-Z. I would say the Gamma book is for grade 3 but by the time they have completed it, they have covered multiplicaiton up to grade 6. The next book is all about division. Epsilon is about Fractions and Zeta about decimals. So you see if the child has to go back to school for some reasons, there might be an issue because some knowledge would have not been covered yet.
However, when you hit the upper level books - and we only have done pre-algebra so far - the books follows the math in school I believe. My oldest is in grade 7 and has almost finished his Pre-Algebra book. In the upper level books, you will also have honor lessons exercises in order to practice more complicated problems.
Our experience is fabulous with it. It is pricey to start with this curriculum if you purchase the blocks which I highly recommend. The blocks will be used up to Delta. Then for Epsilon you will have a kit or fractions and another kit to get for Zeta for the decimals.
Cons: Their insistence on charging exorbitant postage/handling on orders
Grades Used: All
I have been homeschooling my grandchildren for over 15 years. The oldest is now doing Geometry and will be doing Algebra II next. She has been doing Math-U-See since about 3rd grade. Her younger sister started with it in Pre-School and is now in Gamma. Although they each have different learning styles, they have both thrived with this curriculum. I love it that Steve Demme does all the explaining for me on the DVD in a logical, cumulative way. I love the blocks and other visuals that come with the program. The workbooks are wonderful and are not full of busy work like some other notable curriculums. The next children in the family will be ready to start preschool soon and they will use these too. I feel so blessed. I wish all the subjects were this easy to teach!
Grades Used: Alpha - Beta
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this program. My daughter doesn't fight me to do math, she understands the concepts and there is not unnecessary busy work. She likes the blocks and uses them now only when necessary. My 4 yr old son loves watching the videos and plays with the blocks even though he hasn't started the program yet. Easy to use. No prep time which I don't have anyway.
I sure wish I had been taught math the way Steve teaches it on the videos. I would have had straight A's and would have actually understood it with about 1/10 of the work I had to do in school.
Cons: a little pricey but worth it!
Grades Used: 1-5
I enjoy the math-u-see series I've been using them since first grade my children are now in fifth grade. They are very understandable I actually get to learn the math I never understood. Having the video helps with explaining the math. Its like having your own math teacher. I can pause the dvd if there is a question. One of my children didn't like using the blocks he said it confuses him, so we dont't use them. Even without them them seem to understand the concepts. They are actually looking forward to meeting Mr. Demme at the homeschool expo next month.
Cons: none
Grades Used: Alpha -Delta
I am so happy that we found MUS. You see, I have special needs children, and sometimes re-teaching them over and over can get quite daunting. Well, to help solve that situation, I just pop in a DVD and the boys get a refresher EVERY day. It doesn't completely solve all the problems, but it sure does help. They enjoy the manipulative and since all modalities (see it, hear it, build it, say it) are used in learning new concepts, they tend to eventually learn it. I am sure that the average student could move through the material much quicker than we do, but that is the beauty of MUS, you can go as fast or slow as you need to go.
I like that with each succeeding chapter, the child learns a new concept and then they review what was learned in previous chapters.
Cons: None
Grades Used: Primer to Zeta
We have always used Math U See and love it. I wouldn't think of switching Math programs. I love that the students can watch a video instruction and then if there are still questions (usually there aren't), I have a teacher's manual to assist me in explaining it. I also love that the children can move at their own pace, as soon as they master it, we move on. It has also been very cost effective for us, having four children we can reuse the teacher's kit and only order student books after the first purchase.
The only area we have had trouble in was multiplication facts and that was easily fixed with some multiplication drill cards. I highly recommend this program.
Cons: Cost
Grades Used: 1-3
This program has saved us! I can't say enough about it! It is costly but WORTH EVERY PENNY! Math used to involve daily tears but now we never have an issue, and I mean NEVER! I will not even consider looking at other options. This will be our math all the way through grade 12.
Cons: upper levels lacking, and not great for a 'non' math teacher
Grades Used: Primary through Algebra
I believe Math-u-see is an awesome math program for younger, foundational grades. I have found no better math program on the market that teaches with hands-on demonstrations as well as Math-u-see does. They also make available free from their website additional practice sheets per level and lesson, alternate test, and drilling games. The only draw back I have found with Math-u-see really lies within the teacher's ability. If you are like me and math is not your strong subject then you might find that the upper levels were challenging if you ran into struggles with your student because there is only a condensed version of the answers available in the answer key. It is not the 'answer' only, but I found that it was not enough for me to thoroughly understand to be able to help my child if they missed a problem. I spent a lot of time myself trying to work through a problem and calling the help hotline to understand a concept or problem which became a burden for me. The newest version may have corrected some of these dilemma. That being said, I still have two older children that used the program through Algebra 1 and have went on to do well with math in the higher level and even into college. So, Math-u-see: a great program, just make sure that your teaching skills, styles, and time commitments match!!
We LOVE MUS!!The only reason I rated it four stars overall is b/c it does take some supplementing, but when you see the way the material is presented and how easy Steve makes it for kids to grasp the concepts, you begin to understand why all that superfluous stuff is stripped away in the early years. It might not work for all learning styles. We initially started with Horizons, but the spiral approach drove my child crazy. He did not want to come back to the same concept over and over again once he understood it. So, I began searching for a program w/ a mastery approach, and found MUS. It worked for us from the start b/c once you learn a concept, you can go right to the review sheets, and if you understand those, you can move on to the next concept. This pace was a much better fit for us. I think my child also likes the clean, uncluttered look of the worksheets which get right to point w/out a lot of fluff. The manipulatives are a must to us, and have really helped in the early years when a child can't visualize, but needs something concrete to see relationships between the numbers. Maybe if your child is older they might not be as essential. As for supplementing things like time, money, early geometry, we use math mammoth concept books. Highly recommend those also. Great fit together to make a comprehensive program that helps w/ standardized test success.
Cons: I haven't found any
Grades Used: Alpha-Pre-Calculus plus Stewardship
My seven kids range from 20-5 and they all love Math-u-see!!I tried several math curriculums with my oldest two and we all cried through them. Then we found Math-u-see and there have been no more tears. My kids get excited about watching the video lessons with Dr. Demme and they love working with the manipulatives. Dr. Demme explains everything step by step and you have the video so you can always refer back to it. We do not consume the student books, the kids just do their work in a notebook. It may take a little longer but it saves us A LOT of money! With Math-u-see it is easy to tell when the child has mastered a concept and then you can move on without tons of busy work. If you have a problem call them - they will help you!
Cons: Workbooks are black and white
Grades Used: K, 1st, 6th, and Geometry (Usually for Sophomores)
I love how the author teaches math concepts. The kids seem to truly understand what he says about how and why math works the way it does.
Grades Used: 1 and 2nd
I love math u see. My daughter was disappointed in math and saying she didn't like it anymore when I decided to change to Math-u-see. After just a few days she changed her attitude towards math and now enjoys her classes most of the time. They are not "fun" per se, but since they are sequential and easy to follow she can do them at her own pace, completing as many worksheets for one lesson as she needs before moving on to the next one. We are completely satisfied.
Cons: Cost-up front. But worth it in the long run.
Have donw kindergarten through 2nd grade so far. Love it! The pages themselves aren't flashy or "exciting" but the teaching games and concepts found in the teacher supplement are great fun. Plus they have "fun pages" in the test booklet.
Grades Used: 1st through 3rd
I have used Alpha through Gamma for my daughter, and I recently started my 5-yr-old son on Alpha. They both do great. I love how he approaches each lesson, making it as easy as possible for the kids to understand the concepts, not just memorize facts.
Cons: the cost up front, but worth it in the long run.
Grades Used: K-7 so fa and continuing
I have been using Math u See for my three children and the five year old has been watching the dvd with his brother and sister and now does the lessons with ease because he has been seeing the concepts along the way which has made it simple so fa for him. My two older children are doing well using this curriculum for math. My daughter was having difficulty with division but when we switched to MUS she got the concept easily and is moving on. When concepts are hard to comprehend for some children this curriculum helps to clear them up.
Cons: none yet
Grades Used: 1st-4th
I was using another math curriculum and my hands on DD could not get the subtraction concept. As soon as the blocks came out, I knew we had a winner. My other DD is working along with her and it works well for her too. I let the girls watch the video for the lesson and I explain whatever is unclear.
Grades Used: 3,4,5,6
My boys liked watching the DVD's (we all watched together) and then being able to go back and review them at any time. They seemed to retain the information better than with other programs that we have tried.
Grades Used: Primer - Gamma
My kids love this. They like using the manipulatives and I have them watch the videos with me and they love that too! As mentioned earlier, the levels do not "mix" so on state testing some math problems children may not know how to do, but in the end I feel they will have a stronger ability in math
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