Math U See Review - Pros and Cons

[@515aleon]

I have an unusual comment--but it might help someone. I am an adult and a number of years ago, I was in a teacher science program at a tech college. I was required to take some math courses, but I have what I believe is probably dyscalcula (general math disability). I never got a higher than D grade. I learned about MathUSee at conference. I bought can't recall I think fractions and worked up thru Alegebra 1, I think though, not sure. I did very well on all the tests, and never ran into difficulties. I really enjoyed working with it, and didn't get bored.

[@Dreblueskies]

I too have dyscalculia and just the thought of math scares me 😱 this is just the message I needed to read. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@515aleon]

@@Dreblueskies I was a special ed teacher. I didn't want to pass along my math dislike either. Honestly I did pretty well. Took the little tests after each chapter and never got lower than a C. I encourage you. One thing I would caution. Do NOT over emphasize your math ability in getting the program. My math level actually was fractions. I was glad I started there.

[@Dreblueskies]

@@515aleon Thank you very much for that additional information. 👍

[@angelaschaefer5883]

Thank you I also have the condition and now 50. I want so desperately to improve. My math skills and I am embarrassed that. I need something like this.

[@515aleon]

One thing I should point out, I'm a visual learner and on the autism spectrum. I think the program is particularly strong for visual learners or people with other learning styles who learn well visually--of course there are videos and text, so it isn't that you have no other input (and rarely is that the case anyway). I''m pretty convinced after working with this that I do NOT have a math disability---I had a severe mismatch between how I learn and how I was taught. I stopped at algebra one but no reason I could not have gone further, there just wasn't that much reason for doing so. I feel I could have learned algebra 2, trig, and calculus, given the time.

[@tsucube4377]

As a student from alpha to pre-calc, math-u-see is an amazing tool that makes math actually fun I actually like math and have learned a lot

[@homeschoolpeace]

That is so awesome to hear! I'm excited to see my kids progress through the program. We love Math U See!

[@camerokid78]

What kit should I get for this? I need to relearn multiplication all the way to algebra 2. But I’m confused as to what block set to purchase.

[@colesonamission]

Curious if you went to college and how you did there with math having used math u see all the way. Did it ever bore you to work on the same thing all year?

[@rachelreinbold2685]

I used math-u-see growing up and now homeschooling my own children, I see so much value in the "bland" look of this curriculum! I hate all the visual clutter that so many curriculums have! I hope they don't change it because that's the thing I love most about math-u-see!

[@homeschoolpeace]

So good! I will look at other flashy math student workbooks and wonder for a moment if my kids would enjoy them more. Then, I will remind myself how well MUS is working and how my kids enjoy math! I don't want to mess up what is working! I used Alpha and Omega when I was homeschooled as a kid. I would have preferred MUS. It is so cool to hear that you are teaching what you used!

[@hirahassan3140]

I started using Mathusee after watching this video! We started with Alpha, did Beta, and now starting Gamma! My son enjoys it so much and has actually mastered all the concepts! Thankyou so much!!!

[@homeschoolpeace]

Great! So glad to hear.

[@denisea.9033]

Thank you so much for this great and objective review! We have used MUS for 7 of our 8 homeschool years from Alpha to Pre-Algebra and have loved it, my kids have a great foundation in math. This year we have one starting Algebra and I'm hesitant to continue with it though not because I doubt the program, but because I doubt my ability to help if my child gets stuck. We started out doing every single page in the workbook which I guess was ok in the beginning for the memorization of math facts aspect, but as they got older we moved to doing A, if they got them all right, move on to D (Systematic Review) and if they got them all right there, move on to G and then the quiz. This has them covering sometimes 2 or 3 lessons per week when they really get a concept and frees up other weeks for when something takes longer to understand.

[@homeschoolpeace]

I'm so glad to hear you have loved MUS for so long! It works so well in our home. I agree with moving ahead if they already know the material. I like having that extra time to spend on topics that they need more help on! Thank you!!

[@ninakitchens5098]

Wow, you are great at getting down to it and really sharing what people need to know. I'm excited that I was able to hear this before I make this HUGE decision. Thank you SO MUCH! Subscribing and looking forward to watching all your content!

[@selenasparks207]

Same! I’ve been going back and forth on mastery vs spiral, plus we really need a kinesthetic program that is good for neurodivergence. I was stuck between TGATB Simply Math and MUS, not anymore!

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you for your feedback! I am so glad the video helped.

[@sundasa3799]

this was such an amazing video, you explained it just perfectly. thank you so much

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you!

[@sofiyaskachko8170]

Thank you this is what I needed to know about the curriculum. Thank you for taking the time to review this.

[@homeschoolpeace]

Great! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@HerChildrenCallHerBlessed]

We switched mid year to MUS for my oldest and he picked up so quickly. I bought primer and alpha for my younger kids. And I always look at these new flashy math curriculums coming out and I want to try them so bad, but always come back to MUS. Because I am a mama of 7 and honestly MUS is just easy and my kids can do alot of it independently. I also LOVE the way he teaches in the DVD I've learned so much myself.

[@homeschoolpeace]

I completely agree! I love the MUS videos. I was taught math differently so it really helps me teach it better! I'm glad it is working for your family too.

[@h.sabbah9571]

I was just about to ask this question actually. I already purchased Singapore Math & TGTB math for my kindergartener this year but I really LOVE the look of mathusee. If we switched him next year, would that be okay?

[@HerChildrenCallHerBlessed]

@@h.sabbah9571 yup! You could switch to Math U See for 1st easily.

[@faithfullyinfertile]

I am switching over to this! This was super helpful and sounds like it’s going to be a perfect fit for us. Just ordered today!

[@arielstewart232]

We're new homeschoolers. We chose to start off with Math-u-see and my 5 and 3 year olds love the blocks. I bought both Primer and Alpha because Mr. 5 tested at alpha, but I wanted to make sure he had a good foundation before I overwhelmed him with challenging material. Now they're doing primer together and it's really working out. My only complaint is it's a bit dry.

[@homeschoolpeace]

I do have lessons that can feel a bit dry. I like to use the Math U See Drill page or pull out math games when we need to change it up. I love using a deck of cards to practice math facts or I will write numbers on the sidewalk. My kids will jump from number to number to practice facts. Maybe you can try to add in some games!

[@meaganhall7502]

Thank you for this review! I’ve been agonizing over choosing a math curriculum for my family. After watching a bunch of demos from Steve and actually watching him teach, I started to feel a lot more comfortable with math I see, and learning right along side it. I actually really like that it isn’t colorful as I personally find that distracting. I would like to know how it works among multiple ages though. I only have 2 in school, but so far have 5 sons, and only so much time in the day that I can reasonably devote to homeschool.

[@homeschoolpeace]

Hi! I am glad the video was helpful! I had two kids in Math U See last year and this year I will have three. It isn't too hard to have multiple kids in MUS, at different levels. I would recommend staggering the start of a new lesson/ new video, so that your kids aren't starting new topics on the same day. The first day in a new chapter does take longer, and needs more teacher involvement, than a systematic review day. If my oldest started chapter 1 of Beta, I would wait until the next day to start chapter 1 of Alpha with my younger child. I might have one kid have an extra review day, just so new lessons don't hit on the same day. Once we have gone though 1-2 days into a new topic/chapter, I can just hand my child their worksheet for the day and they can pretty much do it on their own. I will monitor them and they will come back to me for help. This gives me a great day to start a new lesson with the other child. We had a nice groove last year. I hope you have a fantastic school year!!

[@brandeewhite3194]

Amazing review. You covered every single question that I had.

[@homeschoolpeace]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Built_Resilient]

This was super helpful! I’m a first-time homeschool mom. Thank you so much for the in-depth review!

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you!

[@ForgivenbyGod-t7p]

Thank you for this video! It reaffirmed my choice of MUS. I debated long and hard over which math curriculum to pick, went back and forth, but ultimately went with this. We just began Primer and are on lesson 4 and are enjoying it so far. All of the cons that you mentioned aren’t cons for us, leaving only pros so I was happy to see this! I am a box checker though so your advice on that will be helpful to me so that that won’t become a con. Thank you!

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you! I am glad it is working well for you! My youngest is starting Primer this fall too! It is such a great intro to math.

[@Cocreatewithus]

I used it with my kids over 15 years ago. Loved it! And a lot has changed due to keeping up with tech. I also noticed a change with teaching multiplication, that I don't like, and that is it's now resembling the "common core" concepts. common core didnt even exist quite yet. And, the student books used to be spiral, which was a lot easier to work with than bound books. Personally I like that the text isn't flashy. It's simple and not distracting. Besides, if a kid wants to be creative and draw or color in it, they can. When I have kids again I will definitely use it again, but I'll have to change up some things within myself lol.

[@nicolentwiga7049]

This was a great review. We are first time homeschoolers (kindergarten) and I struggled to pick a curriculum. We think we will homeschool longterm, but are open to public school if that ends up being a better fit.. I went with TGATB new math because it looked so beautiful and fun. I had friends say the math u see is boring. My concern now is about spiral vs mastery. Maybe math u see would have been a better fit. We are going to give TGATB a chance but if it seems like not a good fit, I think we will try Math U See.

[@jessicaduffield1899]

How did tgtb fit for you and your kids? Curious if you went with this course. I'm looking at this too

[@nicolentwiga7049]

@@jessicaduffield1899 so TGTB math (level k) didn't work for us (though I know many who absolutely love it). My daughter just couldn't grasp things and there was no extra help for me as mom. The only teaching info they have is what is right in the lesson. It also spiraled too fast (I think spiral is good just not too quickly). I'm not counting it out for the future because I think now that my daughter has a better grasp on numbers in general, she would probably do better. My daughter loved how beautiful it was and the built in activities. The good thing is they now have Math as a free download so you can print a couple of lessons and see what you think! We ended up going with Math with Confidence. It's more game based, but mastery with some built in review like Math U See. I think Math U See is awesome though, especially if your kid would benefit from the blocks and seeing the numbers in a physical way.

[@jessicaduffield1899]

Thank you so much! I wish I could to out math u see before purchasing. But my daughter 5yo is a very auditory learner. I do have 2 other younger so we will see. But it's very hard to pick and spend the money. I did print some tgtb out and they were not for us.

[@nicolentwiga7049]

Take a look at math with confidence. It's not expensive. The manipulatives are cheap or can be replaced with things from your house. Very interactive, play based.

[@quaintprintsboutique]

Soooooo The good and the beautiful has the worst math curriculum in my opinion. I’ve seen other spiral methods that are much better. TGATB jumps around so much but it misses key concepts before teaching a new skill. It’s very poorly done. I wanted to love it so badly but I just can’t. Trying to search for a curriculum is so hard! I hope you find one that works for you and your children!

[@wellergurl]

Girrrrrrlllllll... This was a FANTASTIC video! Thank you soooo much for your time. 👌👏🤗

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you so much!! I am glad you liked it!! 😊

[@royalcats2249]

Thank you so much for doing this review!! It has helped so much understanding there isn’t grade levels.

[@homeschoolpeace]

I am glad it helped!

[@msdfdasda6800]

I don't mind the lack of color on the pages at all. Right now, we're using Beast Academy, but just ordered Math-U-See. I have ADHD, and my son has dyslexia and probably ADHD as well, and the format, reading, colors, etc in the Beast Academy workbooks were too cluttered for us. I'm really hoping that because Math-U-See uses videos and manipulatives, it'll work better for him. 💗

[@elliecarpenter3303]

Thank you for your honest review! I feel like we are always drawn to the “colorful” math curriculums and end up struggling because they lack mastery. This is amazing information ❤️

[@homeschoolpeace]

I get tempted every year but MUS just works so well for us, I don't even know why I look! Haha! I love looking at pretty curriculum!!!

[@teya3141]

Thank you for the review. It gives more info than the website!

[@vickynasepulveda]

Thank you for your honest review 🙏🏾

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you!

[@rykermiklos7083]

New home school mom and this video is the best I have seen so far thank you for sharing all your knowledge, I know you mentioned the DVD's being helpful but do I need the digital pack?

[@hirahassan3140]

Excellent review! Very helpful. Thanks a lot!

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you!

[@MyGreenNest]

This was an excellent review I think I’ll try it out!

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you!

[@sewobsessedmama8851]

Oh thank you for the review. I was planning on using Saxon but to be honest am dreading it because of how labour intensive it is. I'm considering switching to this as mastery is so important.

[@homeschoolpeace]

I'm glad this video helped. Thanks!

[@PollyPatriot]

Very helpful as usual. Thank you

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you.

[@petranott1648]

Excellent and concise review; very helpful! Thank you.

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you for the feedback. I am glad it helped!

[@melissamoore280]

My 4 year old daughter breezed through Primer. She is 5 now and we are working through Alpha. We are on lesson 7. Now when they say “master” before moving on, does that mean she needs to know without using the blocks what 7+2 is?

[@homeschoolpeace]

Hi. They do want the student to know the facts without the blocks before moving on in Alpha. I would suggest slowing down and practicing until they master the facts. We like using a deck of cards, writing facts with chalk on a sidewalk, using songs, or the math u see drill page. I hope that helps!

[@NYMusic89563]

It looks like math u see could benefit from a spiral binding so kids can use the blocks on the top of the books a little easier.

[@homeschoolpeace]

That would be a great idea! When teaching, we pull out the worksheets so they lay flat. You can always tear out if needed.

[@amandagrande7123]

This was a great video! Thank you so much!

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you!

[@AM-xi1lh]

Excellent review. My child has holes in her math class but refuses to use MUS. She finds the pages dull and the blocks work. Like, seriously? LA is more work. ;) I wish I put my foot down instead but I bought into the “if it’s not fun they won’t listen” trope. She’s got the flashy math and can’t picture it. Ironically. That said, lesson learned and my youngest is starting in Alpha and this review and enthusiasm helps me stick to it

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you! Glad to hear you are going back to MUS! Every year I see the flashy colorful math books and feel tempted for a minute but then I remind myself how well MUS works for us. For days that my kids aren't that into it, I use the Math U See online drill page (link below), we will use the blocks, I will pull out a deck of cards, or we use or math scale (link below). I'll still do the same problems from the work book page, but use cards or the scale to mix it up! "Math·U·See Drill Page" mathusee.com/wp-includes/popup_math_drill.php www.amazon.com/dp/B000QDZYCK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_ST7G3J89E2KW0W1Q218C

[@IndiBex86]

Thank you for this video. You mentioned that you got your blocks from a used homeschool curriculum website. Are there some websites you'd recommend for finding used curriculum?

[@shweecarpenter493]

I am trying to use the program and I am having a lot of difficulty teaching it. I am using the primer set. Do you have any videos on the best way to teach it on a daily basis or any advice please? I already called customer service and they said I was doing it the right way (read the instruction manual, play the video, and then help my son with the workbook pages)....I just feel like I am missing something, like the lessons are not complete or they are too short and dry.

[@sorangelsanchez6327]

Amazing review 😊

[@peggystarling]

This was super helpful! Thank you!

[@homeschoolpeace]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chdao]

Could you elaborate on some of the other curricula? Which ones are more story? Which ones more colorful?

[@amandashaulis6598]

Masterbooks math lessons for a living are story based and horizons math and bju press math are very busy and colorful.

[@ldv02]

They teach multiplication different, right?

[@jenniferatkinsreptileart]

Thanks for the review. I've been debating on getting this or Singapore math. Now I am leaning towards both 😂.

[@homeschoolpeace]

It is always hard to choose curriculum! Too many choices!

[@amycharpie1305]

No captions available for the video :-(

[@YonelaLavisa]

This is really a helpful video, thanks so much.

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you! I am glad it helped.

[@jazminreyes9623]

I love your video! Thank you! Am a new homeschool mom (3 years) and still need help. Am creating videos for new mom that need help. And your video is awesome!

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you!

[@karla514gc2]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@homeschoolpeace]

Great! Thank you!

[@srayec.7741]

Is this common core learning?

[@bretonbranches9980]

Thank you for this!

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you! I am glad it was helpful!

[@aliciadiaz6699]

Hi! This will be my first year homeschooling (with 1st grade and 3rd grade ages). My daughter hates math and somewhat struggles, my son likes to find patterns and repeat without understanding...so as soon as the format changes he has no clue what he’s doing. Ok, my question is...in between math you see and math mammoth. I really liked your video I just didn’t understand something if you have time to explain I’d really appreciate it. You said 30 lessons? I haven’t looked at the book but I looked at the video demo of the teacher and if you mean 30 of those then I imagine kids can zoom by these pretty quick? I plan on doing math every day...does this mean I would finish a level (or book like alpha...) in a month? I think I heard you say in the video one hundred and something days? But also, a lesson a week only? I am asking all this because even though my daughter is at double digits and Gould really move on to multiplication and larger digits I would then start her at alpha with her younger brother to try and see if she can develop better strategies...sorry for the long post!

[@homeschoolpeace]

Hi. For each level there are 30 chapters, and each chapter has 7 worksheets and a chapter test. There are also unit tests and a final test. If moving quickly, you could potentially get through 1 chapter per week. I wouldn't recommend moving any faster. For MUS, you need to make sure the child masters the material before you move on. If doing a chapter each week, you would then watch one video each week. You would want to plan only one MUS level per school year. Typically there are 36 weeks in a school year, or 180 days. You may hit a topic that is a little harder for your child, so you may have a chapter that you need to spend more than one week. I would recommend taking the Math U See placement test for each of your kids. I hope this helps! placement.mathusee.com

[@amandadangerfieldpiano]

Thank you. I had my kids watch this video as I was nearby, able to hear it, as I squeezed and drank my celery juice that I make in my blender. Anyway, our oldest is liking Math U See and I'm going to buy a lower level for our second-oldest. (Our 8-year-old is doing The Good and the Beautiful math for now.)

[@homeschoolpeace]

Great! I hope Math U See works well for your family too!!

[@sarahsharp8512]

Hi, if i am planning on putting my kid in school during middle school or maybe highschool, would this program help or hinder ? thanks

[@karendavis4793]

I haven't taken a good look at Math U See until now and I'm intrigued. It looks like there's a certain way of teaching since the beginning so would it be difficult for an upcoming 3rd grader to jump in with Beta or even Gamma? We're looking for a change.

[@homeschoolpeace]

Hi! I know of other homeschool families that have switched to Math U See. It wouldn't be that hard of transition. I would recommend taking the placement test. placement.mathusee.com Since it's mastery, you'll want to make sure your student is comfortable with the previous level materials. The placement test will help with that. I hope this helps! Thanks!

[@niakochandler2172]

Does this program have word problems for real life scenarios in which to use math concepts? From what I saw in this video it looks like just computations.

[@homeschoolpeace]

Hi! There is word problems for most worksheets. There are about 3-4 for most sheets. There are other activity and story problems on the enrichment sheet for many lessons. I hope that helps!

[@niakochandler2172]

@@homeschoolpeace Thank you for the information!

[@irodashamurotova4968]

Can I still used the math u see program with my first grader even though she is attending a public school? Or would that be too much or conflict with her school work? I just really want her to master ther math and not just have vague understanding like I did. I don't ahev the means to fully homeschool her though

[@homeschoolpeace]

I haven't used MUS while using another math program, or in your case public school. I have only used it homeschooling my kids. It may be worth reaching out to MUS customer service to see what they would suggest. Here is their contact us page! www.mathusee.com/parents/parent-resources/customer-support/

[@Kindlycallmecarebear]

Thank you 🙏

[@FeatherrBrain]

hI, until what level do the kids use the blocks?

[@homeschoolpeace]

Hi. The blocks are still used through Pre Algebra. I haven't taught the secondary math levels yet but we are still using the blocks. My kids are currently in Beta, Gamma, and Epsilon. I hope that helps!

[@rweseloh1]

What sites do you use for used manipulatives?

[@homeschoolpeace]

Hi. There is a MUS used Facebook group. 'Math U See Community Buy/Sell'. I have also bought used MUS books from Sonlight Used curriculum Facebook group. I hope that helps!

[@katiejon17]

Is Math U See "common core"?

[@homeschoolpeace]

MUS is aligned with common core standards. Though they confirmed their material meets the requirements, they still teach using the specific MUS approach. Here is info regarding the standards on the MUS website. mathusee.com/state-standards-ccss-correlation/ You could also reach out to their customer support team for additional info. [e-mail]

[@Dreblueskies]

I was understanding it was not aligned, that’s a con for me as I do not want CC.

[@katiejon17]

@@Dreblueskies I ended up going with old-school Saxon.

[@annacbrown1986]

I think the blandness of the workbooks is a pro not a con 😅 I find the flashy colors so distracting. However, I ended up buying Right Start Math 😁

[@homeschoolpeace]

I am sometimes tempted by flashy colors! Haha! I am though glad we have kept with Math U See. I also looked Right Start. It looks like so much fun!

[@CEcreations]

Thank you for your video!! My I will have a 1st grad daughter and a 4th grade son this year. My son struggles in math and grasping some of the concepts. We did Abeka last year (it was our 1st year homeschooling) I really think this is the way we should go. Question do we order it and then just start in Primer or since my son is probably past level with being in 4th grade this next year have him do the next one up (Alpha)? Is Primer where a 1st grader would start? Thank you so much for any help I really appreciate any help in this area!

[@homeschoolpeace]

Hi! I would recommend going though the MUS placement test. placement.mathusee.com/ You wouldn't want to start in Primer for 4th grade. I would suggest going through the placement and see what level they'd suggest. For 1st grade, Alpha would be a great starting point for your daughter. For your 4th grader, it would really be starting at the point of what they have mastered or not mastered. Alpha is single digit addition/ subtraction. Beta is multi digit addition/subtraction. Gamma is single/ multi digit multiplication. Delta is division. They recommend that your student has mastered the level concepts before moving to the next level. I hope that helps!

[@sarahsmith5077]

My first grade daughter placed in Alpha. My 4th grade daughter placed in Gamma just because she struggles with certain concepts and needed extra practice and review. Hope this helps!

[@whitneysnowden3004]

I was considering using this curriculum for my 4 year old so I took the placement test and it suggested alpha. Do you think this would be to challenging for a 4 year old?

[@homeschoolpeace]

For 4 years old, I would highly recommend Primer! In Primer, the child does not need to master their math facts. It is a light introduction to math. If your 4 year is advanced, you could quickly go through the first 10 chapters in Primer. Maybe 1-2 worksheets for each chapter, if they know the material. After chapter 10, once they start place value, the lessons get a little harder. You could slow down at that point. Alpha has about 18-20 problems per worksheet, while Primer is more around 8-10 problems. In Alpha kids need to master their addition and subtraction facts before they can move on. That may be too much for 4 years old. Primer does not have tests, while Alpha does. I feel Primer would be a great fit for 4!

[@whitneysnowden3004]

@@homeschoolpeace ok thank you that's soooo helpful and reassuring!!!! I ordered primer so we'll start with that. Thank you for your suggestions 😃

[@4Christ7]

Does math u see teach metric?

[@homeschoolpeace]

Hi! Math U See teaches metric in their Zeta level. I hope that helps!

[@Dreblueskies]

Excellent video, thank you for sharing. No cons imo. 👍

[@homeschoolpeace]

Great! I am glad you liked the video. Thanks!!

[@aroundtheworld1692]

I feel like watching a promo video. I don't hear con, you sound like a typical salesperson selling or promoting a product. I would appreciate it if you make an honest review.

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you for your feedback. I have my cons in the second half of this video. Were you able to watch through to the end? Though I have some cons, my family really loves MUS! This is my honest review of the program. I did not receive anything for this video from MUS and I do not receive free material from them. I just purchased my material for next school year and it will be the 5th year I'll be using MUS. Thank you!

[@williamrgrant]

This was an excellent video. Thank you!

[@homeschoolpeace]

Thank you!

[@LauraDiaz597]

Thanks for your review, was very helpful!!

[@homeschoolpeace]

Great! I'm glad it could help! Thanks.

[@gret1234]

This was so helpful! Thank you