1st Grade Math with Confidence REVIEW | FAQs and DETAILS | Did this work for us?

[@laurafeustel1030]

I switched to MWC because I realized that my oldest didn't really know "why" he was doing things. He started to struggle with a previously easy subject as the math got harder and he had memorized steps but didn't know why he was doing it (things like borrowing and carrying). I thought MWC seemed "easier", but I was drawn to the conceptual emphasis. I decided that I don't think it's easy - I think it is simple! It doesn't overcomplicate things. I am so impressed with the mental math strategies and even though you mentioned they do not use big numbers, my second oldest who is almost done with 1st grade MWC (similar in age to your oldest) can do my oldest child's review pages for addition and subtraction (using 3rd grade MWC) that use multiple digits. It doesn't really matter how big the numbers are if you have heard/understand the strategy (which he has overheard from his brother and I working on things) and have a good handle on the basic addition/subtraction facts, you can apply it to the higher level math. And I call that a WIN!

[@SevenInAll]

I think your assessment of "simple" rather than "easy" is very accurate--I have appreciated MWC's approach so much!

[@RaisingThreeMarigolds]

I switched my daughters math to MWC this year after watching one of your reviews (I never switch mid year but she needed something different) and it was the best decision. I first started homeschooling with the original TGTB with the huge box of manipulatives so I actually prefer using visual aids to teach, and I’m so glad I found this curriculum. She has told me almost every other day how much she loves her school since we switched over. Thanks for all of your reviews!

[@SevenInAll]

Oh, that's so wonderful to hear! This has been such an enjoyable curriculum to use, for both myself and my son, and I think it's given him a fantastic math foundation.

[@Grace_Filled_Homeschool]

I love that my math curriculum also starts with mental math, followed by 5 min or flash card practice and then a 2 min drill everyday. My daughter does well on it all because of the strategies she learns in the lessons. This all works together so well.

[@SevenInAll]

Yes, beginning the lesson with quick mental math exercises or reviews...those short review sessions can lead to strong, quick math skills over time!

[@EducationalRoots]

I’m just at the beginning of the video but I love MWC so much that I have adopted it as our curriculum for my school. MWC says they’re a “middle of the road” curriculum, meaning not too hard and not too easy, comparatively to other curricula, that is. I have found it to be pretty spot on with common core standards (which is like a bad word in the homeschool world). I mention that to say that it’s pretty “on par” with public school counter parts. I have used K-3 thus far, and I will say that it truly does help students understand math conceptually, IF you use the program as intended. I feel like lots of parents don’t realize the teacher book is the “gold” and just want to use the student book, but for a solid math education you really need to invest in teaching math conceptually. One thing I add is Cross Seven memory work BEFORE third grade so that the kids can memorize skip counting. When they get to multiplication in 3rd it’s easy because of that. We also did a little challenge at my school this year to see who could memorize the multiplication facts. Also, I love that the amount of actual work gradually increases as they increase in grade and it’s so gradual that the kids don’t even notice! They are fully prepared and ready for each new step. I especially love that 3rd grade has little “tests” and that’s my only complaint about K-2 (that they don’t). They have checkpoints in K-2 but a little assessment is much easier in the school setting (and even at home, a straightforward assessment really can help). Anyway, I love MWC so far, and the plan is to continue to use it through level 6 as each level comes out. I have NEVER stuck with a math curriculum until MWC.

[@SevenInAll]

Yes, MWC cannot be a workbook-only program, or if used that way, students will miss out on most of the benefit. I have absolutely loved using it. My son looks forward to math everyday, and requests to repeat favorite games from past lessons. I hope to be able to continue using it through level 6!

[@Jax-m8b]

Such a helpful video. Thank you!

[@SevenInAll]

You're so welcome!

[@AlysonBrindle]

Excellent review- thank you! I am a first-generation homeschooling parent of an only child. When I asked other homeschooling families what curricula they recommended for Math, Math-U_See was the clear winner. So the plan was to proceed with MUS... until I saw another review on Math with Confidence. MWC looked liked so much fun that I just had to try it! Our son has just finished up MWC Kindergarten, and now we are continuing with the 1st grade level (6yo technically entering 1st grade in 3 mos). As you explain so well, this curriculum seems to do an exceptional job of building deep number sense rather than relying more heavily on rote memorization. Also, I love the combination of a mastery-based approach to teaching MATH along with the spiral method for reviewing previously introduced concepts. So far, we're both loving it!

[@SevenInAll]

I have been very impressed with MWC--we're now nearly halfway through the 2nd grade level and I continue to appreciate how it is both thorough and fun. Our family actually uses Math U See as well--I have math loving children who speed through the worksheets, ha!

[@MyHomeYourHomeOurHome]

Rachel, I want to say thank you! I first heard of Math with Confidence from you (linked with the Gentle + Classical), and my son also LOVES it. Although he doesn't seem to be as enthusiastic about math in general as your eldest does, he has been flying through Kindergarten Math with Confidence this year (still technically our second year of preschool). I love how MWC breaks down the concepts into smaller bite-sized lessons. I purchased Abeka K5 math and plan to try that when we finish MWC (or over the summer--whichever comes first), and I think you're right: Abeka does seem a bit more advanced for the level. Great points and tips! Thanks, as always! ❤

[@SevenInAll]

Abeka definitely adds some challenge, specifically with using bigger numbers and including more handwriting (since many kids don't have a lot of stamina for handwriting early on), but I have found myself really appreciating the depth of MWC--even though it sticks with small numbers, it have given a very thorough and strategic way of working with those small numbers that I hope will build a great foundation for later math. Glad that your son has been having a great year of math!

[@Dreblueskies]

Thank you for sharing your updated review. My son also likes it but I as his mom/teacher sometimes feel a bit concerned with the lack of repetition now granted that is because we came from Rod and Staff. I will continue forward with it because he is learning and enjoying it, can’t ask for more than that. Off topic but I love your hairstyle, so classy.

[@SevenInAll]

Oh, thank you, I appreciate the compliment! Curly hair can have a mind of its own, depending on the day! :P I notice that much of the repetition in MWC comes in the form of the "review" activities that begin every lesson--I don't use every review activity suggested, but when I feel like my son needs more work on a certain skill, I make sure to make use of those reviews.

[@sindyrivera6133]

Very very very good explanation of the curriculum. I am between Saxon, math with confidence and abeka. I really liked math u see for kindergarten but found it sorta dry and my girl loves math is what she says. Thank you so much!

[@SevenInAll]

Glad this is helpful! Math With Confidence, in the long term, is more of a 'conceptual' approach to teaching math, while Saxon and Abeka are both more traditional/procedural, if that helps.

[@rochellearthur1395]

Thanks for this review! I appreciate the comparison to other programs to help me make an educated choice fory kiddos

[@SevenInAll]

Glad it was helpful!

[@budgetnutritionist]

Loved this review! Thank you!! Did you find the scriptedness cumbersome at all?

[@SevenInAll]

I didn't, although I also didn't necessarily stick to the script 100%. I tend to glance over the lesson and say it my own way with my own personalized examples if it's a topic I'm confident in, but if it's a specific solving or thinking strategy that's being taught, I'll probably stick pretty closely to the script.

[@nancystevens8475]

You are so right! Every child is unique and not all children need or enjoy manipulatives. Manipulatives slow my son down and frustrate him. Sorting, counting, moving, picking up etc. annoy him to no end and make him angry. I've learned to just model the lesson with manipulatives and then allow him to solve problems mentally...which works beautifully for him! ❤ We use Saxon.

[@SevenInAll]

Yes, it's very true that manipulatives aren't needed for every child--although many will appreciate them, for others they might end up being a distraction or frustration. Glad you've found a great way to adapt!

[@lindsaypotter3694]

Did you use math 1 with Saxon?

[@nancystevens8475]

@@lindsaypotter3694 Yes, I've used Saxon Math 1 with both my boys. The website Home Blessings offers a great teacher resource printable pack for all of the "night before lesson prep". The majority of Saxon K-3 lessons are not open and go.

[@vivafamilia7867]

Love this math and not going back. I add some books for fun but it is fantastic. Gives me confidence in teaching math as well.

[@SevenInAll]

That's wonderful!

[@lisaroper421]

We are about to start this book with my math minded kinder kiddo too. We enjoyed the K book, and I trust this will continue to do what we need it to do!

[@SevenInAll]

Hope you guys enjoy this one! My son loves all the "game boards" in the workbook.

[@kara3930]

I totally agree with your review. I also have a young math-minded kiddo who flew through MWC K and will be using MWC grade 1 as a kindergartener. I also have an older child with special needs who just completed MWC grade 1 and is moving into grade 2. MWC has been wonderful for both of them. I'm curious to see what you'll be using with your child in the future.

[@SevenInAll]

My 1st grade curriculum choices video will be releasing in a few days! And yes, I think MWC can end up being a good option both with student who need extra help with mastering math concepts, as well as with kids who pick it up very fast--may just need to adjust which level is used and how many of the review activities you do. :)

[@homeschoollifemom]

What a great idea to use base ten blocks instead of the bags of 10 counters. We have found that to be so cumbersome and my daughter can not easily see how many 10s are out. I also didn’t have little bags to use. Will def just use the 10s blocks from now on. My daughter love loves the workbook pages but we were having some struggles with the portion of the lesson from the teachers guide. So I’ve been more intentional about getting everything set up before hand like you said and also just Simplifying the lesson or skipping the lesson activity if it’s a concept she already knows. Like we don’t need to do an activity about measuring an inch. She understands this concept quite easily. And since I’ve started modifying it has gone SO much better!

[@SevenInAll]

Yes, to me, 10 blocks are far more convenient -- I think the author is trying to make it so that you don't need to buy special math manipulatives and can DIY with household items...but if you have base 10 blocks on hand...they are a nice, easy swap! and YES for modifying--especially due to the "leaps" my son had with math this year, we skipped some lesson activities. With others, even when it was something he could do (i.e. subtract 9 from a number), I did do the teaching because the lesson gave him a more strategic way to suptract 9s. And getting materials set up ahead of time is very helpful!

[@cyn8733]

As always another great video 🎉❤

[@SevenInAll]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@nateandrosannaengebretson3996]

I just happened to stumble upon MWC when looking for an alternative to 2nd grade Abeka math last summer. My son and I had a lot of fun with it; it did feel “easy” as he is math-minded, but I think was still beneficial. He finished it by Christmas and has seamlessly moved on to 3rd grade Abeka. (Big numbers fuel him 😄) On the other hand, I have my 5yo, who does not seem to be particularly math-minded (she seems to be my humanities-focused girl.) I wasn’t really going to do formal math with her til next school year, but then I looked at MWC K, saw how gently they taught, and we’re now a month into it. Honestly it’s been perfect for her. I don’t think she even realizes how much she’s learning and she likes using the manipulatives and playing the games. Definitely a new curriculum win!

[@SevenInAll]

Oh, how awesome that it's been a win for you guys!

[@stephstephanie805]

We've really enjoyed MWC 1 after doing the Kindergarten version. I especially appreciate the just enough amount of workbook writing. My child has dyslexia so after the amount of effort required for a reading lesson, MWC is just enough writing to solidify the concepts without being intimidating or overwhelming for my child.

[@SevenInAll]

I think the workbook is a fantastic way to end each lesson!

[@faithfullyinfertile]

That is amazing he is finishing Grade 1 MWC already!!

[@SevenInAll]

We did school through most of the summer last year so our schedule is all a little 'off' from a typical school year, ha! Just a couple more weeks left--it's been such a fun year of math with him.

[@faithfullyinfertile]

@@SevenInAll just curious….has he been working through MUS as well?

[@SevenInAll]

He has, but MUS got shifted into his little stack of schoolwork that he does with grandma so I sometimes forget he's still doing it. Not everyday, but a couple days a week he does some afternoon schoolwork with Grandma while I'm teaching/working/busy at the learning center where I volunteer. When he was younger he would just play while I was busy but with being older now he needs a little bit of structure to keep him from distracting the other kids there into playing with him....hence, Grandma schoolwork!@@faithfullyinfertile

[@faithfullyinfertile]

@@SevenInAll I love that :) So special to be able to do homeschool with grandma too!

[@carlidoepke5131]

We've been using level k and level one with my daughter and we have enjoyed it. ...I also did not want to deal with the little baggies! so, I'm glad I have the tip to get the ten bar blocks! I think we will carry on and use it after they finish up these levels!!

[@SevenInAll]

That's awesome! Yes, we're planning to start 2nd grade soon!

[@elizabethlotus4214]

Thank you for the detailed review

[@SevenInAll]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cyn8733]

Hi Rachel, so my little one just finished mwc K. I keep debating on MWC 1 OR MUS... just because the prep work took forever. I just need to have a math kit and get organized. My daughter loved the math. We tried Abeka k5 it was too easy. So I'm just so uncertain on what to do. MWC work with my little one... Its just too teacher intensive... I loved your math bin ❤

[@SevenInAll]

MUS is definitely less teacher intensive and has less prep, and is a very solid program. Either MWC or MUS offer great grade 1 programs, but they are different. I have an older video comparing the two, I can share the link if you haven't seen it already.

[@cyn8733]

@SevenInAll I think I have seen every video you have done. You're the homeschooling guru 😀 But I will watch it again. I look for it. Thank you, Rachel

[@jessicachiang2566]

Hi Rachel! Loved the insight into the curriculum. My son is 4 1/2 and also gobbles up math. He, like me, is neurodivergent and I try to not require too much sitting or complete focus from him. He loves to use manipulative for short periods and just GETS the concept so quickly and flies with it. Writing and practicing all the time. He already is practicing larger number addition, multiplication and is interested in learning what we call larger numbers as well. Since he also doesn’t seem to prefer scaffolded learning either, I was wondering if you would recommend this grade level curriculum or maybe something different? I’m cautious to go up higher than 1st grade with him, because I’m nervous about the language concepts for 4 yo at those levels, but I also want him to feel challenged to a good degree. For now I’ve made paper manipulative from Montessori curriculum and am teaching in an “a la cart” sort of style for math. Curious what your thoughts might be ❤️

[@SevenInAll]

We have also done some "a la carte" math teaching this year--especially because my son became interested in multiplication and division and...that's not something usually taught to 5 year olds. ha! Have you looked at Beast Academy? I've only started using it (level 2) this week, but many folks have recommended it for kids who enjoy math and need more of a problem-solving challenge.

[@jessicachiang2566]

@@SevenInAll oh, watching these brilliant little minds learn is so fun! Thank you for the recommendation. I’ll definitely check out Beast Academy :)

[@brookeally1346]

Thank you as always! I wanted to like MWC kindergarten for my kid but I feel like it just wasn’t working for either one of us. We tried it for a bit but I ended up taking a break and trying Singapore and we both love the way it works. Have you ever tried anything from Singapore? We did early bird kindergarten and are almost finished and trying to decide if I want to go with primary or dimensions. My point of making this comment though is if maybe one of your viewers don’t like MWC maybe they can look into Singapore ❤️ Thank you for your awesome reviews!

[@SevenInAll]

Singapore was at the top of my list in early homeschool planning, in reality MWC edged it out largely due to the price. I originally got the kindergarten level on their 40% off sale so it was a steal. And the teacher's guide just really 'clicks' for me--which I think it a big factor with any curriculum, the extent to which the teacher connects with the way the guide is set up. I've heard many good things about Singapore!

[@RockSimmer-gal4God]

I’m hoping my younger kids love math books!!! My older kids don’t and we’ve tried different ones!!! I find that math with confidence uses a lot of hands on stuff that is used in other curriculums!!! My older kids love making math hands on!!! My kid in MWC 3 tells me she loves doing the games in her lower Math as it helps with her other math!!! I bought the PDF so she could have her own copy to play with her siblings and I knew my younger kids would use it!!! I love that the mental math just comes!!! My older daughter did the eclipsed time in MWC and was able to do a problem with years and months she had!!!

[@SevenInAll]

Yes, repeating the games really helps with building speed and confidence with mental math! My son has loved all the game boards in this level.

[@kristinabronder8733]

Long nerdy question here: 😅 My daughter is very similar in really grasping math concepts and has great mental math skills. We used MathMammoth for the first 2 levels, then I switched to TGTB level 3 & 4, she is almost finished with level 4. She is 7, in second grade. I usually work through about 2 math curriculums a year with her (we school year round and she really likes school work). My question is suggestions for next curriculum? We really liked MathMammoth but I needed her to practice more skills before going too deep as she was starting to get frustrated because it was getting hard (she was 5/6). She has really liked TGTB but it is way to spiral so I end up crossing out a lot of the review. Do you have a math curriculum you would suggest? I was going to use MathMammoth again but wanted to get a few others opinions on options. We used Saxon(2nd generation also) but I really struggled with it, it did not explain the concepts well for me. Yet, my daughter is math minded...so maybe it would be better for her? I think Im going to switch my son to MWC as he loves games and we use a lot of manipulatives with math currently which he does really well with, he is 5. Thank you SO much for this great review.

[@SevenInAll]

Glad that it's helpful! Saxon isn't be a bad idea, especially for a kid who picks up math fast (I also used Saxon growing up, ha!, but I liked probably the best out of the different math I used back in the day.). I've also heard lots of good things about Math Mammoth (though I don't have experience with it), and perhaps now that she's older it will work better for her.

[@simplycece]

The definition of hard here is tricky. I think that abeka is hard because it’s an advanced scope and sequence. But in that sense, MUS (and rightstart) also have both an advanced and a “behind” scope and sequence because they go farther in addition but not as far in subtraction. But none of those ask any “harder” (more abstract or tricky) questions than one another once those topics are taught, nor do they really ask the child to apply things strategically… I think the way MWC is taught more readily sets students up to apply math to more abstract concepts, but I really wish that was built into the curriculum. Dimensions does have that abstraction and strategizing built into the curriculum, but doesn’t have built in review. Beast academy is MOSTLY abstractions… seems like it could be a great pair with MWC. I might be leaning that way… my son has done a few “trial” weeks from MWC 2 and a few lessons from BA1 and he says this is his favorite math combo ever. But he also doesn’t want to give up Rightstart or dimensions. 😅 I’ll need to decide if I want to invest in the rest of BA 1 and more MWC or if I want to buy the 2nd grade levels of dimensions and rightstart. 2 programs is good. 4 is too many, even for us 😆 . I’m looking forward to your next grade plans! Are you dropping MUS or will you guys be going full on math crazy and doing 3 math curricula 👀😅 can’t wait to find out!

[@SevenInAll]

"4 is too many, even for us." haha! And agreed. 1st Grade curriculum picks coming later this week, then the longer video with more explanations behind my plans and how I envision being able to combine all the things coming next week. :) And "hard" is yes, not so easy to define. I think one of the reasons Abeka comes off as hard in 1st grade is sheerly due to the amount of writing (with some worksheets including tasks like writing the numbers from 100-150), because at this early level, the writing alone can be as challenging or more so than the concepts.

[@papuakacie]

So interesting I’m using MWC 2 now and although it is in bite sized chunks, it’s still a lot for my kiddo and we have to split up lessons into two days often. I wonder what things would have been like had we started with MWC. It feels much more suitable for my tactile and distractible kiddo than the busyness of TG&TB that she did last year.

[@SevenInAll]

I'm very interested to start using MWC 2 and see how the workload changes in the next level. I have very much appreciated the solid, systematic foundation that I have seen the curriculum laying through K and 1.

[@Candielou87]

My four-year-old loves numbers and is at first grade level with math but his writing isn't there. Would you suggest doing it with him but skipping the workbook or doing the workbook verbally? Thanks!

[@SevenInAll]

I wouldn't fully skip the workbook--there really isn't a lot of writing in this compared to other 1st grade programs. Some of the workbook pages are drawing lines to match or coloring. I would do it verbally with you scribing his answers if he's not up for writing numbers yet and maybe just gradually let him write a number or two as his skills grow.

[@Candielou87]

@@SevenInAll ok thanks! He's getting better with shapes but he's not quite forming numbers.

[@amy8071]

Random question- have you had to work with your son at all on humility when he moves to different grades of books? I've felt lucky so far in that most things I've done with my daughter just say "Book 3" or "Level 2." I've used the concepts from other MWC books without actually showing her the book, but am considering jumping into the 2nd Grade MWC more officially for her 1st grade year. I guess I'm nervous that she'll brag to other kiddos or not put in a full effort if she thinks she's "ahead." Hopefully with her love of numbers the latter won't be an issue, but I'm just curious to hear your thoughts!

[@SevenInAll]

Humility is often a character trait that advanced kiddos need to work a little harder on. :) My son doesn't yet have any sense of grade level, he's just really excited to finish one book and start the next one. Where we live, the school system labels grades differently, (Standard 1 vs. 1st Grade)...and as a homeschooled kid, he has it pretty deeply ingrained that we just "do the next thing" vs. focusing on learning certain skills in certain grades. (He has a fascinating with multiplication and division, so, we also started learning those, in kindergarten). Granted--I tutor kids who struggle in math and sometimes he has walked past, seen what they're doing, and made comments like "4x3 is so easy!"....so that's where I've had conversations with him about: some things that are easy for you are hard for others. And some things that are hard for you are easy for others. Is it kind to tell other people who are working hard "that's so easy?" No, it's not. When I was a child, I did struggle with humility. Learning to be able to both appreciate the way my brain works while not "looking down" on others whose brains work differently, but actually appreciate them, was a journey, and one that I'm grateful my mom led me on. (There's a reason that there's a stereotype that really smart, gifted people are usually jerks in TV shows. It takes extra work for gifted folks to learn to be kind and gracious.)

[@JentheBeliever]

Did you read my mind??? I haven’t been able to stop thinking “I need to switch” which is really hard when I have the complete other curriculum sitting in my closet 😢 but it’s for me and her sake that a switch is needed. I think she can be better at Math and I’m using Singapore Primary and it’s is difficult to actually “teach” from. She actually enjoys school so when she says “I don’t like school” I know something needs to change.

[@SevenInAll]

I'm not one to jump to switching curriculum too often, but sometimes a change really is needed. I have found the teacher's guide with this curriculum to be so clear and easy for me to use--it 'clicks' with my brain well. Hopefully you guys can have a better experience with math!

[@themodernhomemaker]

Link to math manipulatives case? I need

[@SevenInAll]

I'm sorry--I picked it up at my local supermarket, it's not any kind of international brand so I don't know how to find one exactly like it--but I have definitely appreciated being able to sort the manipulatives into different compartments!

[@Abelfam5]

I thought this would be a great fit for my daughter but it has not turned out well for us. We are painfully trying to finish 2nd grade. There has been many tears. The warm ups activities, game and then worksheet in one lesson was a bit much for me. ( I really love the mental math warm ups and I find them helpful). I soon realized that my daughter could go through the activities etc but then could not translate what she learned to the worksheet. I've had to supplement with other things in order for the concept to actually make sense to my kid. Combination of lmf ( really was the saving grace for getting those math facts with teaching her little tricks)and shillermath which helped her see the math and then MWC. I have no idea what we are going to do for 3rd grade right now. MUS? Apologia? Mcp? Primary 2022? 😩

[@SevenInAll]

Sorry about the rough year of math! I highly recommend Math U See for kids who struggle with math--it looks 'boring' but the consistency and reliability, combined with great teaching videos, is often a winning combination. It can also be used a little more independently by most students, so less load on the teacher. I've also heard great things about Apologia.

[@Abelfam5]

@@SevenInAll Thank you for the feed back. Math definitely does not come easy to her. So I do think math u see may be worth trying. Seeing how hard getting through addition and subtraction was, I think she would benefit from spending the most part of next year on mastering multiplication.

[@Thejoyfullpursuit]

Im torn between CLE MATH AND MATH U SEE

[@SevenInAll]

Math U See is excellent, and I know many families that love CLE for early elementary. I don't think you could go wrong with either--CLE seems a little bit more "traditional" while Math U See is a more conceptual-based math, and it's famous for it's set of manipulatives, which are used heavily in Primer and Alpha.

[@danahall1282]

Did you use Math u see

[@SevenInAll]

Yes! I have a comparison video with MWC and MUS here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJWZlJhuobukqc0si=AXTZAW-d7eT-jM6h