I have a few methods that I love to use to teach math and we’ve tried a couple of programs. Here are my favorite:
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Math Beast Academy and Art of Problem Solving
This is my favorite for kids that love math. My older two just used the workbooks. My 6th grader is currently using half online and have text book for pre-algebra. My youngest we have to change curriculums frequently due to attention but this is still the base program we use (we just have to circle back to it). The online version is great. Beast Academy is best for kids that like puzzles, grasp concepts quickly and like more complicated material but can also work well for kids who struggle with the way other programs present math. If you’re on a budget, I’d get just the workbooks and puzzle books. The comic books are fun but my kids did not really get into them.
Math-U-See
We do not use this program but it is a manipulatives based program. We do use a lot of manipulatives that I have purchased individually. This is the program that I would get for younger kids that need a stronger foundation, visual learners, dyscalcia students, or for anyone that would like to visually emphasize concepts.
Singapore Math
I have used parts of the Singapore Math Program and I did enjoy it. We got the primary math series. I like the simplicity of the program. It’s one of the easier math programs to understand how to teach. It still teaches math in a way that sets up kids for success. Singapore Math is known to be one of the most effective international math programs. Consider starting with Singapore math then moving to Beast Academy or using both depending on where your child needs the most work.
Learn Math Fast
We have not used this one but Learn Math Fast comes up often for kids that may be a little behind or struggling. It also is recommended for kids who don’t have the attention to put a lot of time into math.
Other Elementary Math Programs
There are many choices for really good math programs out there. Some of the other popular programs include Math Mammoth and Saxon Math.
Middle School and High School Math
Once kids graduate from the elementary programs there are really good options for higher level math curriculums.
Some of the more popular Pre-Algebra and Algebra programs include:
Advanced Learners: Art of Problem Solving or Thinkwell; Other recommended options include Denison (can be helpful for students that might need a little more help), Mr. D, Aleks, and Math Dad.
For college credits: Consider Sophia Courses or dual enrollement. My teen daughter enjoyed the statistics course from Sophia.
Other Additions/supplements for math (but not likely full programs):
My youngest loves Kitten Math as a supplement. It is a really fun program to add on. We also have purchased smaller fun workbooks that focus on gaps.
Zearn: Online program that may work well for kids that need additional math skills but per some reviews can move to slow for other kids
Dreambox Math: Online program with more graphics. It kept my kids attention better than many of the other online programs.
Wild Math: This program covers the skills in each grade but takes the lessons outdoors so that there is more hands on. We didn’t try it but I’ve seen it recommended several areas.
Times Tables the Fun Way: This company has both videos and books that help kids visualize time facts. This method is especially helpful for dyslexic thinkers.
Outschool: Outschool is a wonderful way to fill in gaps and have an interactive experience with math. There are “full curriculum” options but my favorites are smaller interactive and focused sessions. My daughter especially loved math programs that focused around activities that grabbed her interest like this word problem math class that used food for inspiration and this superhero math club.
Use my referral link and we both get $20 off
“White Board Math” – My kids love and actually probably learn the most with what we call white board math. We have lap sized white boards, I make a complicated problem and they learn as they solve it. It’s their favorite way of learning math (but not always the easiest for me to come up with frequently).
Math Manipulative: Manipulatives can be such a fun way to teach math and it really can “stick” better. Using a deck of cards, fraction pieces or base 10 blocks can make a huge difference in understanding.
More Supplements: Critical Thinking Company Balance Books, Logic Books, Supplements for Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication & Fractions
What I don’t recommend for Math Curriculum:
Eureka Math – My son’s school had this program. It has very little actual math and a lot of reading. I call it a dyslexic torture device. We had to change schools because of this math program and it took me a lot of tutoring and even more confidence building for my son. My kid loved math and was a year ahead before this program. After starting this program, he became a year behind within 6 months. There were so many tears (from both of us). When he started his new school with a different program – he was an entirely new kid. We used Beast Academy to reteach the math he unlearned with Eureka. I have a math minor and this program confused me as well. It was shocking how much damage this math program did to my child’s math knowledge and self esteem.
