While Math-U-See is a mastery-based math program, it does follow a cyclical pattern; this allows is to fit into the rhythm of many of our customer’s weeks.

In this blog post we will present one family’s plan for working through a Math-U-See lesson in a week; you can tweak to fit your individual family’s schedule and student’s pacing.

Amanda Capps is a homeschooling mom who has used Math-U-See with her own children. I’ve incorporated many of her ideas below as she explained to me what a typical week looks like for her family.

An Average Math-U-See Week

Monday

Monday is concept day! This is when we learn the new concepts presented in the lesson. First, my student and I watch the DVD lesson together; then, depending on the student’s age and level, either my student or I read through the written lesson in the Instruction Manual. We then work with the new concept using the example problems, making sure we’re following the Build, Write, Say model.

(NOTE: If you’re new to Math-U-See or need a math refresher, you might find it helpful to watch the DVD and read the Instruction Manual before working with your student.)

Tuesday

If the student hasn’t already completed Lesson Practice A, that’s the first assignment. Then the student can continue working on Lesson Practice B. You will want to provide as much support as needed but encourage as much independence as possible. The completion of the B page is generally the fork in the road. If the student is able to complete the B page independently and with confidence, it’s time to check for mastery.

This is very important! My student gets to be the teacher and teach me the concept. I always make sure they build it, say it, and write it for me. Only after the student can teach back the concepts with confidence and accuracy and can solve problems without using the manipulatives will I move on.

Wednesday-Thursday

If the student did not demonstrate mastery, you should plan on continuing your week with Lesson Practice C and additional practice problems until her or she is able to work independently.

If I am noticing that they have struggled, are making significant errors when I check their work, or do not teach back well, then I might go ahead and utilize the online worksheet generator, reviewing the DVD and sample problems again as needed.

However, if the student is able to teach back the concept, you can spend these two days on the Systematic Review pages for the lesson. Don’t be tempted to skip the Systematic Review pages. It’s essential that your student work through at least one to apply new concepts in the context of previously learned material and to keep skills sharp.

Friday

If your student has mastered the lesson concepts, it’s time to bring the week to a close. You can administer the Lesson Test if you would like a record of your student’s achievement; you can also continue with the Application and Enrichment/Honors page to extend learning. Then it’s time to congratulate your student on a job well done!

We’re presenting our ideas here as a “recipe” to get you started. Again, it cannot be stressed enough that Math-U-See is not a “cookie-cutter” program but one that is meant to be adapted to ensure that your child attains mastery. However you tweak the “recipe”, when you are planning your homeschool instruction for the week, your eye should be on your student, not on the calendar. Let your schedule work for you as you use Math-U-See, and you will help your student achieve mastery and become a confident problem solver who enjoys math.