Review: Math-U-See Gamma level through the eyes of a 2E child!

Math-U-See

Price: Moderate

Format:(that I reviewed) Hard backed teaching book, 2 consumable workbooks, including a teaching DVD

I was blessed to speak at a conference where Steve Demme the maker of Math-U-See was also speaking. Thankfully the way the conference was laid out I was able to hear him speak. I was impressed not only with his product but the passion behind it.

This review was with my daughter that is twice exceptional. She has autism and is gifted. She had completely mastered addition and subtraction and we were looking for the next step when I was looking through the various math options for a child with her skills.

The Gamma level is focused mainly on multiplication. We received a hard backed teacher’s text, soft backed large practise workbook, a soft backed test booklet, DVD, and manipulates. As we worked through the book I was happy to see math that was not just multiplication but also geometry, pre-algebra, addition and subtraction reviews.

When we started we worked through the first 3 weeks of the text fully using the method Mr Demme has set up. The parent/teacher book lays out exactly how to teach multiplication to your child. I was very pleased with how simple it was to look over on Sunday or per night and within minutes be prepped for the next day.

Gr’s gifted intellect quickly picked up on the system of multiplication and adjusted it to any number. When Gr saw the test she completely the first couple tests on schedule. Then Gr began using the tests only instead of plowing through pages of material she already understood. In the end we came to a compromise.

IF she could finish the test with a 85% or better then she could move on to the next test. I believe that 85% or better shows that she understands the lesson for that week. I also gave her room to make mistakes so she could experience mistakes and understand that it was okay. (my attempt to derail her perfectionism)

This worked wonderfully for her. She flew through the Gamma level in record time. Ready for Delta.

I was so enthralled with this product that I am going to get the workbook and test booklet for my son who needs a more hands on, slow and steady method of teaching. Math-U-See can easily be adjusted either direction.

The simple, clean look to each page keeps down on distractions. Mr Demme told me that it is designed so that the first 2 days would be new concepts and the next 3 days were practise with pop up reviews to keep older material fresh. Then you have the test booklet to get a clear picture of how much your child has understood.

Straight up on how I would recommend Math-U-See to special needs families…

~Many children with special needs at a WIDE range of intellectual abilities can succeed from this math series.

~This is also very helpful for kinetic learners, the manipulative blocks are wonderful! Other learning issues like ADHD, attention challenged, and easily visually distracted will do well with the short, clean, clear cut lessons.

~Gifted children can do wonderful with Math-U-See as well. They can easily use the DVD to continue on at a high pace while you are balancing the rest of the family.

This program gets two thumbs up from me! What do you think? Have you used Math-U-See? What were the perks and pitfalls?

Disclaimer: This is Heather Laurie of SpecialNeedsHomeschooling.com This review provided to me by Math-U-See. In return I promised to accurately and honestly review this book. I will tell you to the best of my ability how it worked for my special needs family.

***You will find this blog post and others talking about special needs and Math-U-See at Special Needs Homeschool Reviews.***