Moving With Math

Math Teachers Press

This is one of my 100 Top Picks!

See the complete review in 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum.

Moving with Math is one of the most flexible math programs available to homeschoolers. It uses both workbooks and manipulatives, allowing you to choose either type (or both types of ) lesson depending upon the needs of the student. While it focuses on a single topic in each lesson, it also has a component for daily review of previously learned concepts.

This is a K-8 program, and it is one of the very few that offers manipulative-based options for children in the upper elementary-junior high grades.

The program has two options for K-2, but one option for grades 3-8. For grades 3-8, the program is packaged as levels B (grades 3-4), C (grades 5-6), and D (grades 7-8). In the early grades there are either separate programs for K, 1, and 2 or level A, a combination package for grades 1-2. The biggest difference with the separate grade level programs for K-2 are that they incorporate children's literature and interdisciplinary learning-an unusual "unit study" style expansion for a math program. Also, the separate levels make it easier to jump into the program if you are past kindergarten or first grade level. However, the separate programs are more expensive, so it still might be better to begin with Level A.

The entire scope and sequence of Moving with Math is slower than other programs. The level designations rather than grade level numbers make it easier to use this program with students working below level. The manipulatives and multiple approaches for teaching concepts are also a plus for students who have difficulty learning math.

The Kindergarten level might be skipped since it really covers PreK topics. Most homeschoolers can begin with level A. Students might complete level D by the end of sixth or seventh grade. But they should probably take another pre-algebra course before moving on to algebra since most other programs are covering more challenging concepts in junior high.