Welcome to the Math-U-See community!

Here at Math-U-See, we trust parents. Every child is different; we recognize that. That’s one of the reasons our curriculum gives parents the tools they need to teach their child successfully. We know no one knows your child like you. Although we give you the tools to succeed, there is a method to our curriculum. We’ve gathered 16 tips for new Math-U-See users like you. The best part – the tips are coming from actual parents using the curriculum.

If you’ve ever wondered: Do I really need the blocks? or Can I switch to Math-U-See this late in the year?, then keep reading – this blog post was written for you.

16 Tips for New Math-U-See Users

1) Prepare for Math

Your preparation matters! Read the teacher’s manual. Watch the DVD lesson. Then work with your child. Also, use the blocks, use the blocks, use the blocks. Or in the older levels, use the fraction overlays, or the algebra inserts.

2) Follow the Instructions

Really follow all of the instructions, and don’t let them take the test until they really understand the concept and do well on the practice pages. Let them watch the DVD and also read the new concept in the teachers manual for review and reinforcement.

3) Buy the Blocks

Buy the blocks. I know a few people who think they’ll save money by just not using them…but the program does not work without owning the blocks.

4) Introduce Math in Advance With the Blocks

Give your kids the blocks long before you plan to start using them. Let them have some time to play with them. They will play with them for HOURS when you’d rather they did the math problems otherwise.

5) Watch the Intro Videos

Watch the intro video on every DVD. Yes there is some material repeated and yes it’s longer than the normal lesson videos. Don’t skip it. There are golden nuggets of wisdom and reminders you need in each one.

6) Read the Instruction Manual

Even if you use the videos, still read the teacher manual before each lesson. There is a lot of information you might miss as out on if not.

7) Don’t Skip the Word Problems

Don’t skip the word problems! In fact, do those first! Real life problems reinforce real life skills!

8) Repeat As Needed

Repeat videos of concepts (like long division) SEVERAL TIMES if they are struggling, or if they need review. Let them know that it’s OK to go back and review; even adults need that help.

9) Remember That Primer Isn’t Focused on Mastery

If you do Primer, don’t worry about them understanding the material. Just help them through the worksheets and move on. I know the manual says this, but it needs said again and again for hard-headed parents like myself. 🙂

10) Don’t Move On Until Your Child Really Gets It

Don’t move on until your child really gets it. Even if you run out of pages. Don’t stay on a chapter that your child already gets even if you still have empty pages to fill in.

11) Let Your Child Play with the Blocks

Let ‘em play with the blocks. They’ll want to build things, and it’ll feel like they shouldn’t…but really, it’s ok. They are blocks after all. 😄

12) Don’t Worry About Joining Late

If you are coming into this program late in the stage – don’t worry. This is the best program I have found, and it worked well with my special needs child. Utilize everything available – the blocks, the teachers book, the DVD, and even the test books. Watch the videos with your child. You may learn something in there that you can build upon with your child, never get rid of the text books, blocks, or DVD- sometimes my special needs child would need to look back on something we did previously. The online drills were great as well!

13) Check Off Skipped Worksheets

If you’re a list checker (like me) and it makes you uncomfortable to skip worksheets, go ahead and literally check off those pages. ✔️

14) Use the Online Math Tools

The online worksheet generator and drills are great! My kids love to play with the blocks! We built our own Decimal Street on Cardboard. Very sturdy. 😀

15) It’s OK to Take a Math Break

Do not force your child to learn. If they are getting frustrated take a break – or go to a review page. There were times we would take weeks off (mostly because another baby was being born here) and when we came back they could easily learn it. Remember: Boys can sometimes be behind girls in what age they want to learn something. The number one problem I have heard about public school is that the kids hate school because they are pushed to learn something by a deadline. They cannot learn as they are ready. This causes children to hate the subject.

16) Don’t Stop.

Don’t stop.