Math mammoth is a simple math program, designed by a math teacher turned homeschool mom, Maria Miller. Mrs. Miller is obviously passionate about math and aims to teach it in a way that children (and adults) can understand. Her emphasis is on the understanding of concepts, not just memorization of facts.
We received the Grade 2 complete curriculum (Lightblue series) to review. However, it just so happens that we have been using the Math Mammoth Grade 1 curriculum for the past year.
These particular programs are in e-book format, however they can be purchased as physical books if preferred. I like about these being electronic because they are reusable. Since the programs are saved on my computer I will be able to print out the math pages in the years to come when my son reaches grades 1 and 2.
I like Math Mammoth because it is written in a straight forward manner. No teacher’s manual is necessary as the instructions or explanations are written directly to the student. Some students will be able go through these texts without much help. I sit with my daughter as she works through the problems, explaining and guiding as necessary (she’s only 7).
Some other aspects of Math Mammoth that I enjoy are:
- Pages are not full of extra pictures or distracting decorations. This helps my daughter stay focused on the task at hand.
- Lessons are customizable. There is freedom to move from one topic to another as the need or desire arises.
- At the beginning of each chapter (or topic) there are a few pages explaining how to teach the subject. A list of website links are also included. These links are specific to the topic at hand and provide opportunity for practice and reinforcement through online games and activities.
- Thorough.
Each topic is covered in-depth. I much prefer this to the way we were doing things with Saxon math (which changed subjects too quickly for us). Even with the topics being covered in this way, there is still the freedom to change course for a day or two if something different is desired. For example, we spent many weeks on subtraction and I felt it was getting a little tiresome. It was simple for me to print out a few pages on telling time and work on those for a while. We enjoyed the break then went back to subtraction.
- Mastery is the goal.
Math Mammoth covers a limited number of subjects per year. Students work on a specific subject for a long time, leading to mastery of that particular topic.
- Affordable.
There are a number of other Math programs I have considered trying, but cost prohibited me from doing so. Math Mammoth Lightblue series (complete curriculum) is $27. This fits into the homeschool budget much more easily (unless your printer cartridge is very expensive - then you may want to try the printed format which is $52. Find out more here)
- Little teacher preparation is required.
Besides printing out the lesson there is very little for me to do beforehand. I appreciate this a great deal. When we were using Saxon K and 1, I found myself busy measuring and cutting paper, hunting down items, and copying pages).
What I don’t like:
- Honestly, there is very little I dislike about Math Mammoth. I could always use a little extra help in HOW to teach math. Sometimes I really struggle with finding the words to explain mathematical concepts. I think I struggle with this more than most so it should not be considered a big strike against Math Mammoth. As I stated previously, there are a few pages of explanation at the beginning of each topic and the text written directly to the student is quite clear. I will also add that Maria Miller has another website with a lot of information on the how of teaching math: Homeschoolmath.net
- Printer malfunctions can delay Math lessons!
Obviously this is not a problem with Math Mammoth specifically, just one that arises from time to time when using electronic products that need to be printed. I am still glad to have this product on my computer and printable since it can be used repeatedly.
- Would like more hands-on lessons.
I mentioned above that I didn’t like cutting and hunting for things when we used Saxon, and that is true, but I do like to have a little hands on learning when it comes to math. Sometimes I add in manipulatives or use some of the suggestions at the beginning of the topic to add more hands-on activity to our lesson.
Here are a few details about what is actually contained in the Math Mammoth Lightblue Series Grade 2:
When using Grade 2 A and Grade 2 B, this program is considered to be a complete curriculum. They can be purchased separately or together.
Grade 2 A is 136 pages, 121 of which are lesson pages.
Lessons cover: halves, fourths and other parts, clock, addition and subtraction, carrying, borrowing, coins.
Grade 2 B is 143 pages, 128 are lesson pages.
Lessons cover: geometry, fractions, place value till 1000, mental math, measuring, carrying and borrowing, multiplication.
Part A alone is $14.
Part B alone is $14.
A and B purchased together is $27.
To find out more about the Lightblue series, Grade 2 curriculum, and to see sample pages, click here
Complete Math curriculum is available for Grades 1- 4 (and part A is available for Grade 5). Learn more here
Besides complete curriculum, Math Mammoth also offers topic specific books such as: Place value, addition, subtraction, clock, money (U.S., Canadian, and Euro), measuring, division, multiplication, and more (find out about these topic specific books here - they are called the Blue Series).
Be sure to visit MathMammoth.com to see what they have to offer. Also check out homeschoolmath.net for lots of helpful tips, free worksheets, links to math games, and much more.
Find out what others think about Math Mammoth at the Homeschool Crew |
