Math-U-See Elementary

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Math You See

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Elementary levels of Math-U-See:

Primer:  In the Primer level your child will learn not only how to write numerals but also addition and subtraction, basic counting, skip counting, geometric shapes, telling time, and they will be introduced to the manipulative block system. It’s a gentle introduction to "doing math."

AlphaAlpha focuses on teaching the concepts of single digit addition and subtraction. We use systematic teaching strategies to help students commit the addition and subtraction facts to memory.

BetaBeta builds on the foundation in Alpha by applying students’ mastery of single-digit addition and subtraction to multiple-digit addition and subtraction. One of the stepping stones between these two levels is the concept of place value, which is an important milestone for truly grasping any multiple-digit operation.

Gamma:  Once students have mastered the concepts of addition and subtraction (covered in Alpha and Beta), they are ready for multiplication. Gamma teaches single-digit facts and multiple-digit multiplication skills.

Delta: Division is presented as the inverse of multiplication. Single-digit division facts are learned and the concepts of division and place value are applied when solving long division problems.

Epsilon:  Now that students have learned basic operations with whole numbers,Epsilon covers these same operations with fractions. Fractions are presented in an intuitive way with visual explanations of equivalent fractions, common denominators, and fractions and numbers larger than 1. Fractions and operations are illustrated using our proprietary Fraction Overlay manipulatives.

ZetaZeta extends the student’s concept of place value to the right of the decimal point. Students learn to complete core operations with decimals. The connection between fractions and decimals is presented.

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4.6
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4.5
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4.5
Ease of use
 
4.8
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5.0
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5.0
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5.0
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5.0
Math U See is very thorough, easy to understand, with lots of practice sheets and review. Each concept builds on the other. You master one level prior to starting a new level which allows for the child and parent to see math and not just memorize it. Both of my children learn differently yet Math U See teaches to all four methods of learning enabling you to use it for each child. The DVDs are wonderful to watch with your child and sometimes they may not even need your help. If you run into a subject that is difficult their support personnel is extremely helpful. My father that was a professor of math looked at several different curriculum in order to help me select the best one for our family and Math U See was his first choice. It has truly been a blessing.
Grade levels used
  • preK
  • K
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
Pros
Very thorough
Cons
None
Do you recommend?
Yes
A
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Math-U-See has made math possible in our home. Mr. Demme is engaging and his approach has allowed me to learn math in a way that I understand it better now.
Grade levels used
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
Pros
engaging, easy to understand, mastery philosophy
Do you recommend?
yes
IL
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This is one of those programs that may work for some people and not others. It didn't work for us. While my son did LOVE the dvd's for Alpha the work itself was just not what he was interested in, he had started with singapore math in kindergarten and moving to this with him was a huge mistake, way different way of teaching and the manipulatives made no sense to him whatsoever. For my daughter we tried starting her with Primer and she was just really not interested in the DVDs and only wanted to build houses with the blocks. Bummed it didn't work for us since my son likes the DVDs, but it works for most people so it is what it is, maybe just not the right program to go to after starting with a different one.
Grade levels used
  • K
  • 1
Pros
DVD instruction is really good Steve Demme really appeals to the kids
Cons
way too expensive, manipulative intensive
Do you recommend?
Maybe for some people
TM
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This mastery-based curriculum effectively teaches math concepts and skills. We've been using this curricula since my daughter was a toddler (Prima). She zipped through the first couple books. She always asks me to start the next level even though some concepts are difficult. She's 8 years old and will start ZETA next year. She retains MOST of the information taught. The more advanced concepts may require extra practice, but MUS has an Online Worksheet Generator to help you with this. My daughter watches Steve's video lessons with me and sometimes independently. The concepts taught have given her a strong foundation in Math and prepped her for advance math courses. I believe the math manipulatives are essential especially when working with younger learners - they help reinforce and solidify their learning concretely making it easier to move into abstract thinking. They may eventually outgrow the blocks. :) She uses them for the first couple pages and then only uses them when needed during systematic review. Yep! The curricula includes built-in review, tests, unit tests, and enrichment pages. There a fewer problems to complete in a day when compared to other curricula options which makes the lesson more manageable. You can work at your child's individualized pace . . . slowing it down if needed or speeding it up if the materials is already mastered. We love this curriculum!
Grade levels used
  • preK
  • K
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
Pros
Systematically Taught; Strong Math Foundation
Cons
Cost
Do you recommend?
YES ABSOLUTELY!
TM
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My daughter struggled through Math the first year of homeschooling. We tried different math programs and nothing really worked. I actually won a Math-U-See pack from a homeschooling blog. I fell in love with the program. You watch a video, do some worksheets, has blocks to help with the programs and even a teacher's textbook. Math is so much better for us now.

My only issue would be that it can be costly as it teaches by concept and not so much by grade-level. For my family, the cost is worth it as we no longer cry through math. :)
Grade levels used
  • 4
  • 5
Pros
hands-on, easy to understand, mastery based
Cons
Can be costly as it focus on concept not grade level
Do you recommend?
Yes!
JM
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My son enjoys the mus series. Like that it is to mastery.
Grade levels used
1
Pros
Very thorough
Cons
None
Do you recommend?
Yes
B
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My children and I love this program! I love how the creator of the program presents the topics in a way that is very easily understood. My children and I watch each video lesson together and then each child works on their workbook independently. I have learned a lot with my children working through the curriculum. My son said to me how he wished he had Steve Demme as his teacher when he was still in public school!
Grade levels used
  • 4
  • 7
Pros
Hands on, very thorough, mastery approach
Cons
Topics are a little drawn out
Do you recommend?
Yes
EL
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This curriculum really works! My daughter struggles with math, but this program, especially the manipulatives, helped her become much more confident. We took a year off in 3rd grade to try a different approach (more workbook type) and boy, did I regret it. She even asked to get back to Math U See at the end of the year. I love it!
Grade levels used
  • 1
  • 2
  • 4
Pros
It works!
Cons
Costly
Do you recommend?
Yes
TM
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My son loves it! Different approach and not "normal" scope and sequence. But works!
Grade levels used
  • K
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Pros
easy to use and clearly explained
Cons
Not typical math program
Do you recommend?
yes
CP
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I started using math-u-see when I realized I didn't know how to explain math. This program helped me understand how to teach simple (and not so simple) concept. I love it. It really makes sense to me. My kids enjoy watching the video lessons too. There are two things one must know about it- 1. It does not have any type of timed tests, which I think are so important in elementary school, and 2. it does not follow a traditional scope and sequence. I still love it though and supplemented easily as my kids worked through the elementary program. My oldest only has Zeta left!
Grade levels used
  • preK
  • K
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Pros
helps the teacher learn how to teach, visual instruction
Cons
focuses on only one part of math at a time
Do you recommend?
Yes!
JB
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We've finished Alpha, Beta and are part way through Gamma. The manipulatives allow the student to "see" the problems, which is just what my daughter needs. There is some review of previously learned material without being too much. We love Math U See!
Grade levels used
  • 2
  • 3
Pros
Easy to use. Quick but with enough work to learn the topic
Cons
None
Do you recommend?
Yes
CG
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This program, with the manipulatives, provides a great foundation for elementary math facts. Using the blocks, numbers and their relationships are visual instead of just conceptual. The tricks given to memorize the facts are very helpful. I even learned somethings!
Grade levels used
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
Pros
Gives a great foundation
Cons
Worksheets can be repetitive
Do you recommend?
Yes
K
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I LOVE Math U See! It has a great systematic approach to help students commit the addition and subtraction facts to memory. My kids like the DVD instruction and the math blocks =)
Grade levels used
1
Pros
Systematic
Do you recommend?
Yes!
KR
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I used this for my daughter who really struggles with math. I purchased the foundation levels (even though she was older) after realizing that she really did not understand math. It helped her get a good foundation and move ahead.
Grade levels used
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
Pros
Easy to use, mastery
Do you recommend?
yes
A
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I have been homeschooling for 9 years. I used this curriculum with my first born the longest. He got kind-of bored with it, so we tried something else. I think the lessons are taught well on the videos. It is very simple and easy to follow.
Grade levels used
  • K
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Pros
Easy to use, affordable, mastery based
Do you recommend?
sure
CP
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I have ONLY used Math-U-See in our homeschool and have not researched any other math curriculum. That said, my kids and I LOVE Math-U-See. As someone with a minor in mathematics, Math-U-See is how math SHOULD be taught in school. I was the kid who wanted to know the WHY of math (which is actually important) and Math-U-See gives that. I actually can't wait to get into higher mathematics with Math-U-See that I NEVER understood. With Math-U-See I feel like all the blanks I never understood or never had explained during my schooling years (public and private, Kinder thru College) and because of Math-U-See I now have a better understanding and grasp of mathematics!
Grade levels used
  • preK
  • K
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
Pros
Explains the WHY of math
Cons
Sometimes Mr. Steve makes a mistake in the video, however, he usually corrects himself. This COULD cause some confusion with the student. The parent/teacher, however, can pause the video and give the correction.
Do you recommend?
HIGHLY Recommend
GH
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As we are just starting out program this year, I have not personally used this product but, a best friend of mine uses this for her son and it seems really awesome and easy to use and understand.
Do you recommend?
yes
RP
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2014-15 was our first year using this. We used Primer for K and Alpha for 1st. We enjoyed it! The matery of each concept before moving on to something we really liked. Both kids moved to the next book before the school year was over. We are continuing this year!
Grade levels used
  • K
  • 1
Pros
Instructions are clear, move at own pace, manipulatives are fun
Cons
Not right now
Do you recommend?
Very much
HP
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We love MUS! The teacher guide and DVD make it easy to teach. My son loves learning with the blocks too!
Grade levels used
  • K
  • 1
Pros
Hands on learning, easy to teach
Do you recommend?
Yes!!
JN
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My kids used the manipulatives for younger ages but did not need the special kit for learning fractions.
Grade levels used
  • K
  • 1
  • 4
  • 5
Pros
Easy to use for independent learner. Very silent layout. No distracting cartoons.
Cons
Teaches long division and multi different multiplication differently. Had to use another resource.
Do you recommend?
Yes for elementary levels.
D
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