Review: Math-U-See Alpha

After a successful experience with the Primer level, we transitioned into Math-U-See Alpha this year, and it continues to be a cornerstone of our curriculum. As a mastery-based program, Math-U-See ensures that a student fully grasps a concept before moving forward, preventing those "gaps" in knowledge that can cause trouble later. The hallmark of the program is its multisensory approach: by using the specialized blocks, children receive both visual and kinesthetic input, which is reinforced by the auditory component of the lessons. If you ever find that the five or six pages provided in the workbook aren't quite enough for a tricky concept, the Math-U-See website offers additional practice worksheets that are incredibly easy to print and use.

While I generally gravitate toward vibrant, colorful workbooks, Math-U-See’s pages are black and white. However, the program suggests having the student color the squares to match the corresponding integer blocks. We have found this to be an excellent tool for memorization; it turns a simple calculation into a visual association. We choose to complete every page provided—usually one double-sided sheet per day to accommodate our year-round schedule—but the flexibility of the curriculum allows you to move at your own pace. A major highlight for me is the included test booklet; with chapter tests, unit tests, and a final exam, I can rest easy knowing our daughter has truly internalized the material.

The Teacher’s Manual is an absolute necessity, providing clear examples and strategies to maximize the curriculum's effectiveness. Accompanying the manual is a DVD that we find particularly useful; watching the video lessons together helps clarify the "why" behind the math. Although our daughter occasionally finds mathematics a bit dry, the combination of the DVD and the tactile blocks injects a sense of play into the work. I’ve also supplemented with other hands-on activities to keep her energy and interest high throughout the week.

One of the most surprising aspects of the Alpha level was the early introduction of "solving for the unknown" (basic algebra). I certainly don’t remember tackling x + 2 = 5 at age five! I recently spoke with a public school professional who noted that modern standards are introducing these concepts much earlier now, and he was highly impressed that we were already mastering them. It’s a testament to the quality of the Timberdoodle kits that we are able to provide such an advanced foundation at home.

At five years old, our daughter is already developing a sophisticated mathematical intuition—often solving problems mentally without needing the blocks at all. Seeing her build such a rock-solid foundation makes me incredibly confident in our choice to stick with this program for the long haul. Whether you are looking for a primary curriculum or a robust supplement to help your child catch up, I cannot recommend Math-U-See highly enough. It turns the "language of numbers" into something a child can see, touch, and truly understand.