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As a homeschooling parent, selecting the right math curriculum for my kindergartner was a tough but important decision. After thorough research and hands-on experience with a few different math programs, we discovered that Math Mammoth was the perfect fit for our family. In this article, I will share the reasons why I chose Math Mammoth 1 for our children’s kindergarten math education. I will also share some insights into how we have used Math Mammoth this year and what materials we have used alongside the main curriculum to supplement and enhance the learning experience.
What Is Math Mammoth?
Math Mammoth is a series of comprehensive math workbooks and curriculum materials designed for students in approximately grades 1 through 7. It was created by Maria Miller and is known for its focus on conceptual understanding and mastery of mathematical concepts. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics in mathematics, including arithmetic, geometry, measurement, fractions, decimals, and more. It is often used by homeschooling families and educators to provide structured math instruction to students.
The Math Mammoth Light Blue Series is divided into various grade levels, covering grades 1 to 7. Each grade level focuses on different math concepts and skills appropriate for that grade level, ending with pre-algebra for grade 7.
In addition to the Math Mammoth Light Blue Series, there are several other series within the Math Mammoth curriculum, each catering to different aspects of mathematics and different grade levels. Some of the other series offered by Math Mammoth:
1. Blue Series: This series is designed for students who need more practice or review in specific math topics. It covers various grade levels and provides extra practice sheets and materials.
2. Golden Series: The Golden Series consists of worktexts that focus on problem-solving and mathematical thinking skills. It’s designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of math concepts and improve their critical thinking abilities.
3. Green Series: This series covers topics related to fractions, decimals, percents, and proportions. It’s designed to provide a thorough understanding of these foundational concepts.
4. Make It Real Learning Workbooks: These workbooks provide practical, real-world math problems that help students apply mathematical concepts in practical situations.
What is Covered in Math Mammoth 1?
Math Mammoth 1 is a complete math curriculum designed for first grade, though we found that our kindergartner was ready for the material. There are two books in the curriculum: 1-A and 1-B. The three chapters in Math Mammoth Grade 1-A cover the following topics:
- Addition concepts and facts within 0-10
- Subtraction within 0-10
- Connection between addition and subtraction
- Graphs
- Two-digit numbers and place value within 0-100
There is also a “Chapter 0” at the beginning of 1-A that briefly reviews kindergarten math concepts like “same or different,” writing numbers, counting, colors, shapes, and patterns.
The five chapters of Math Mammoth 1-B cover the following topics:
- Addition and subtraction facts within 0-10
- Clock and calendar
- Shapes and measuring
- Adding and subtracting within 0-100
- Counting coins
What Comes With a Level of Math Mammoth?
Math Mammoth comes with the student worktexts, answer keys, tests, and test answer keys. There are also multiple versions of Math Mammoth available for a number of different currencies to make the coin units relevant to international students; these were included in my digital package purchase at no additional cost.
You can buy a digital package for one or multiple grade levels or a physical product for one grade level (1-A, 1-B, Tests). Note that if you print your own materials for Math Mammoth Grade 1-B, the chapter on measurements requires you to print at 100% and not to “fit to page” so the measurements will be accurate.
What Materials are needed for Math Mammoth 1?
The only materials required for Math Mammoth 1 are the two student worktexts, containing both the content and the practice problems, and a 100-bead abacus.
A set of snap-together math link cubes is also suggested but not required. We used these because we already had them on hand from a previous math curriculum.
We also used clock manipulatives (one for the teacher and one for the student) and physical coins during the appropriate chapters, though these are not necessary. While not required, we used a set of addition and subtraction fact cards for extra fact practice.
We also made a game board to play snakes and ladders in our free time since this requires players to add numbers together.
Why We Like Math Mammoth
1. Clarity and Focus
One of the standout features of Math Mammoth 1 is its clear and focused approach to mathematical concepts. The curriculum introduces new topics in a straightforward and sequential manner, ensuring that my child builds a solid foundation in math from the start. This clarity in presentation has made learning math a joyous and engaging experience for my little learner.
2. Conceptual Understanding
Math Mammoth 1 emphasizes conceptual understanding while providing ample math facts practice. This approach helps my child grasp the “why” behind the math, which is important for developing a good number sense and mathematical intuition.
3. Math Facts Practice
Math Mammoth 1 also provides ample practice with addition and subtraction facts and suggestions for ways to practice these facts outside of lessons. A curriculum with both quality conceptual instruction and sufficient practice with math fact memorization is difficult to find, in my experience, but Math Mammoth fits the bill.
3. Variety of Exercises
Math Mammoth suggests a diverse range of exercises for practice, making math fun and exciting for my children. The mix of worksheets, games, and real-world applications keeps my child engaged, allowing for a well-rounded and comprehensive learning experience.
4. Flexible Structure
The curriculum is flexible, allowing us to pace the lessons according to my child’s readiness and interests. While it is written as a mastery curriculum, Math Mammoth gives suggestions for ways to adapt it into a spiral curriculum if desired. Additionally, at some points in Math Mammoth 1, specifically Chapter 4, the guidance for teachers suggests breaking up the material by alternating with another chapter, such as the chapter on clocks, to avoid boredom or frustration from the student. There are a number of ways to do this curriculum.
5. Easy Implementation
The design of Math Mammoth is both student-friendly and teacher-friendly, which makes it easy to implement in our homeschool routine. The clear instructions and helpful examples provide me with the guidance needed to support my child’s learning effectively. There are free instructional videos for each lesson on the Math Mammoth website if needed. Pacing and scheduling suggestions are provided with each chapter and have been spot on in our experience.
6. Independent Learning
The worktexts for Math Mammoth are written to the student, making it so older students could feasibly do large portions of the curriculum independently. My child is a beginning reader and is new to formal schooling so I sit with her and make sure she understands what is being asked of her. However, I anticipate that as she gets older and does future levels of Math Mammoth, she will be able to do more of the work independently with less guidance from me.
7. Inexpensive
Choosing Math Mammoth was a wonderfully frugal solution for our homeschool. Purchasing the digital version of all seven levels of Math Mammoth was less expensive than one level of Saxon Math! Plus, we will be able to use this curriculum for multiple children. The pre-printed workbook packages are also quite affordable for those who prefer not to print their own workbooks. It was surprising to me how high quality the curriculum is for the price.
8. Appealing but Not Distracting Aesthetics
Math Mammoth has simple visuals with color, making it appealing to the eye but not distracting to young students.
9. No Busy Work!
Math Mammoth is purposefully designed and efficient. There are numerous practice problems for each concept; however, the guidance in the text specifies that not every problem is meant to be assigned to the student. Teachers should pick out the problems necessary to allow the student to have ample practice without overwhelming him or her. We also found that each problem or activity in the curriculum has a clear purpose. This was not our experience with early Saxon Math levels (K-3), which are quite repetitive and include a lot of busy work.
Bottom Line: Math Mammoth Builds a Strong Mathematical Foundation
Math Mammoth 1 has been an exceptional choice for our kindergartner’s early math education. The curriculum’s clarity, focus on conceptual understanding, and variety of exercises have transformed math into a delightful adventure of discovery. I look forward to continuing to use Math Mammoth with our children in future years.
Purchase from Math Mammoth (not sponsored):
Math Mammoth Light Blue Series
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