Math-U-See review

Math-U-See suits a child who understands math better by building it with blocks. Demme Learning's curriculum runs from Primer through Calculus, and levels go by concept rather than grade: Gamma, for example, has 30 lessons on single-digit facts and multiple-digit multiplication. To complete a level you need the Instruction Manual, the lesson videos (streaming with a subscription or on DVD), the Student Workbook, the test booklet and the Integer Block Kit. Math-U-See recommends a four-step approach for each lesson, and its instructor materials help the parent decide when the child has mastered a lesson and can move on. A free placement tool and sample lessons help you pick a level. Math-U-See says more than 300 public school districts use it, often in special education and intervention classrooms. Its store showed us Polish zloty, so the US dollar price is pending. The drawback is that a level involves several separate purchases.

Who it is for

hands-on learners who need math made visual

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Levels from Primer through Calculus
• Instruction Manual in print or online with a subscription
• Lesson videos streaming with a subscription or on DVD
• Integer Block Kit manipulatives used from place value to polynomials
• Placement tool to choose the starting level

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Manipulatives make abstract concepts visible
• Strength: Free placement tool and sample lessons for each level
• Strength: Used in more than 300 public school districts as well as homeschools
• Weakness: Math only
• Weakness: Each level needs several items: manual, videos, workbook, tests and blocks
• Weakness: Levels are named Alpha, Beta, Gamma, not by grade, so placement takes care

Key facts

• Levels: Primer to Calculus
• Gamma level: 30 lessons on multiplication
• Manipulatives: Integer Block Kit
• Publisher: Demme Learning

Where it ranks

Math-U-See is No. 10 in our Best Homeschool Curriculum verdict.