Math U See: Delta Review

I am on the hunt for a new math curriculum!  Funny Bunny has been using the same curriculum since PreK but it's finally time for a change.  That's one reason I was excited when I found out I would be reviewing Math U See.   

Math-U-See is a comprehensive K-12 math curriculum that uses manipulatives to illustrate and teach math concepts. They strive toward “Building Understanding” by using a multi-sensory, mastery-based approach suitable for all levels and learning styles.

I received Math U See's Delta level.  Delta focuses mainly on division for single and multiple-digit numbers, along with other topics.

The Instruction Pack contains an Instruction Manual with lesson-by-lesson instructions and full solutions and a DVD with lesson-by-lesson video instruction.

The Student Pack contains the Student Workbook with lesson-by-lesson worksheets, systematic review pages, and Application & Enrichment pages as well as Tests.

I also received the Manipulative Block Set.  These blocks are used in all levels from Primer through Algebra 1, except Epsilon, and include colorful 88-piece base-10 stacking blocks.

So how did we use it and what did we think?

Starting with Lesson 1, we watched the DVD instruction together and Funny Bunny would then work on the lesson in the Student Workbook.  Each lesson includes the following:

*  Lesson Practice {A, B, C}
*  Systematic Review {D, E, F}
*  Application & Enrichment {G}

Steve Demme, author, founder, and instructor on the DVD, teaches that if the child can complete the first page in the Lesson Practice {A} with no issues, they can move on to the Systematic Review.  And if they can complete the first page in the Systematic Review {D} with no issues, they can move on again, without completing the additional pages.  Basically, if they master the concept they do not have to continue with additional work, but it's there for those who need the help.

Funny Bunny finished the following lessons for this review {completing only the first page of both the Lesson Practice and Systematic Review and the Application & Enrichment}: 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16.  Delta is probably where she would have started at the beginning of this school year, so most of it has been a review and that is why we skipped around a little.

My Thoughts:  I think the DVD instruction is excellent!  Steve explains each concept very well and the instruction is short and to the point.  In fact it was done so well, I didn't have to use the Instruction Manual at all, except for checking answers. 

This is the first time that I have ever used a mastery-based approach math program.  That being said, there is the Systematic Review for each lesson, so Delta is not all division.  For instance, Lesson 15D reviews standard notation, division, 4-digit addition, multiplication, and there are a couple word problems.  Other review pages cover finding the average, area, and 4-digit subtraction.  Here you can learn more about Math U See's Approach.

It is actually my understanding that Math U See has added more review and word problems to their elementary products with this latest edition.

So did this work for us?  I was hoping it would.  I'm not sure what it is.  Like I said, I loved the DVD instruction, which is something we have never had.  I was wanting more from it though.  I can't put my finger on it.  Maybe I just prefer spiral-based programs.  Regardless, I know that Math U See is the answer for many families.

Find Out More:  You can find out more online at Math U See.  The Delta Instruction Pack, which includes the Instruction Manual and DVD is $44.  The Delta Student Pack, which includes the Student Workbook and Test Booklet is $30.  The Manipulative Block Set is $38.  Math U See has a variety of free resources on their website, so make sure to check those out!  And if you are wondering where you should start your child since their levels are not necessarily by grade, you can have your them take a placement test.

My Crewmates are also reviewing Math U See, so you can check out what they think HERE.

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