Math-U-See Alpha

Alpha: Addition & subtraction for single-digit numbers and other topics.
Math-U-See Alpha is typically a good fit for a student entering first grade; to find the Math-U-See level that best fits your child you can try the placement test here. (Link temporarily down. Will be back soon.)

You’re Going to Love This Multisensory, Manipulative-Based Curriculum!
If you are looking for a manipulative-based curriculum that ensures your children will be able to fully understand each mathematical concept before moving on to another one, you have found it. For more than 20 years Math-U-See’s renowned mastery-based, multisensory, student-paced program has been the answer for countless families. Math-U-See is a complete, comprehensive K-12 math curriculum that uses manipulatives to illustrate and teach the concepts. If you regularly experience tears from your child whenever new mathematical topics are introduced, you need Math-U-See’s systematic, precept-upon-precept math program.

The Tools and Format You Need to Master Math
With simple, uncluttered pages, Math-U-See is mastery-oriented, clear, to the point, and effective. In Math-U-See, new ideas are introduced step by step in a logical order, while concepts that have been mastered are reviewed periodically. The lessons are short and there are lots of opportunities for multisensory experiences, using tools such as videos and manipulatives.

About the Books
Math-U-See books are organized into levels, not grades, so students can proceed at their own pace as they master concepts. This is particularly helpful for the child that is not performing at grade level but would rather not have a daily reminder. Student workbooks and test booklets are softcover, and the pages are perforated and punched so they can be removed, completed, and placed in binders if you choose. Occasional fun exercises, like dot-to-dots and crossword puzzles have been incorporated into the student workbooks. Test booklets for each course have tests to be used at the end of each lesson, plus four unit tests and a final exam. Student workbook pages and tests are consumable, so each child will need their own copy. Instruction manuals, however, are hardcover books and should last the life of your teaching career. Complete answer keys with solutions are included for all problems at all levels, more a necessity at the upper levels than the lower ones.

Magnificent Manipulatives
The Math-U-See Manipulatives are more than a supplement, they are an integral part of the curriculum. Used from the Primer through Algebra 1 levels, the manipulatives build each concept from place value through polynomials through the use of Integer Blocks, Fraction Overlays, and Algebra/Decimal Inserts.

For the Parents
Unlike our other math programs, Math-U-See does require a fair amount of parental involvement, especially in the younger grades. They have bent over backwards to make the lesson planning as painless as possible, but to get the most out of Math-U-See, parents should be prepared to plan, and not start the lessons unprepared. Math-U-See’s teacher guide and supplemental DVD will teach you, the parent, more than just how to solve a math problem, they will also show why the problem is solved in this manner, and when to apply the concept. On the DVDs, each lesson is demonstrated with such kind-hearted enthusiasm, I now understand why children line up at homeschool conferences to give the instructor, Steve Demme, a hug. DVDs can be played on a DVD player or computer; however, Windows 10 users will need to download a separate video player.

Digital Pack Included!
Every Math-U-See Alpha set purchased from us will also include the new Digital Pack. Accessible through any internet browser, you will have streaming video versions of Math-U-See’s Instructional DVD, a PDF of the Instruction Manual, access to an online version of their Digital Manipulatives, and convenient links to a number of their free online resources. The Alpha Digital Pack also includes Skip Count Songs mp3s. Access to all of these resources is included free for twelve months with the purchase of the Math-U-See Alpha Curriculum set.

Feel Good About Knowing Your Child Is Really Getting It
Math-U-See is laid out with step-by-step procedures for introducing, practicing, mastering, and reviewing concepts. How do you know when your child has “mastered” a math concept? Not just when he gets the answers right but when he can teach the concept back to you, especially if he is able to do so with a word problem. Math-U-See will show you how. So, if you want to give your child an exceptionally solid mathematical foundation; if your child is shaky on the basics; or if you are just looking a no-frills, common sense program; you are sure to be pleased with Math-U-See.

What Is Taught in the Alpha Level?

Major Concepts and Skills Include:
Understanding place value
Extending the counting sequence
Fluently adding all single-digit numbers
Solving for an unknown addend
Understanding the relationship between addition and subtraction
Fluently subtracting all single-digit numbers

Additional concepts and skills:
Telling and writing time by hours and minutes
Recognizing & drawing rectangles, squares, and circles
Measuring length by repeating units
Introducing halves and fourths
Counting by 2s, 5s, 10s, and 100s
Reading, writing, & interpreting word problems