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Math-U-See Alpha
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Math-U-See Alpha
Alpha focuses on building a solid foundation for single-digit addition and subtraction concepts. It uses systematic teaching strategies to help your student commit addition and subtraction facts to memory.
About Math-U-See Curriculum
For more than 20 years, Math-U-See's renowned mastery-based, multi-sensory, student-paced program has been the answer for countless families.
Math-U-See is a 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.
This manipulative-based curriculum ensures your children will be able to fully understand each mathematical concept before moving on to another one.
Math-U-See is mastery-oriented, clear, to the point, and compelling with simple, uncluttered pages. In Math-U-See, new ideas are introduced step by step logically. At the same time, concepts that have been mastered are reviewed periodically.
The lessons are short, and there are many opportunities for multi-sensory experiences using videos and manipulatives.
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 that be a daily reminder.
Student workbooks 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. Student workbook pages are consumable, so each child will need their own copy.
Instruction manuals include complete answer keys with solutions for all problems. This is more a necessity at the upper levels than the lower ones.
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 Integer Blocks, Fraction Overlays, and Algebra/Decimal Inserts.
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 also show why the problem is solved in this manner and when to apply the concept.
Each lesson is demonstrated on the DVDs 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.
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 can do so with a word problem.
Math-U-See will show you how. So, if you want to give your child a rock-solid mathematical foundation, if your child is shaky on the basics, or just looking for a no-frills, common-sense program, you will be pleased with Math-U-See.
Note: Math-U-See manipulative comes in a standard cardboard box with a lightweight plastic tray. These do not hold up well, either in shipment or daily life, so we'd suggest considering a different long-term storage option, such as a bin or bag. Our crew always does their best, but unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that the packaging will arrive in good condition.
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What Is Taught in the Alpha Level?
Major Concepts and Skills Include:
Additional concepts and skills:
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In What Order Do I Use the Math-U-See Levels?
There are seven books for elementary grades which can be used in the following order: Primer, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, and Zeta. These first seven books are followed by Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, PreCalculus with Trigonometry, and Calculus. Placement tests for the different levels are available here.
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How Do I Choose Which Curriculum Set I Need?
Alpha Universal Set
The Math-U-See Alpha Universal Set includes the Instruction Pack, Student Pack, Integer Block Kit, and lifetime access to the Alpha Digital Pack. (The Digital Pack includes streaming access to the same lesson videos as the DVDs, as well as PDF versions of the instruction materials and other online resources.) If this is your first time using Math-U-See, the Universal Set is for you.
Alpha Level Up Set
The Alpha Level Up Set includes the Instruction Pack, Student Pack, and lifetime access to the Alpha Digital Pack. The Level Up Set is a good fit for families who already have the Integer Block Kit but still need the books and content.
Alpha Instruction Pack
The Instruction Pack includes the Instruction Manual, DVD Instructional videos, and Digital Pack.
Alpha Student Pack
The Student Pack includes only the student workbook and the test booklet. The Student Pack is suitable for families using the Alpha level with a second student.
You must have the Instruction Pack to utilize Math-U-See effectively. If you do not already own the Instruction Pack, you should purchase the Universal Set or Level Up set, not the Student Pack.Alpha Lesson 9 Sample:
Addition:
Subtraction:
View a sample lesson for Math-U-See Alpha.
Table of Contents:
Publisher: Demme Learning
Series: Math-U-See
Faith-Based: No
Please note: Math-U-See comes in a standard cardboard box with lightweight plastic tray. These do not hold up well, either in shipment or in daily life, so we'd suggest considering a different long-term storage option, such as a bin or bag. Our crew always does their best, but unfortunately we cannot guarantee that the packaging will arrive in good condition.
CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. 
review by One Luckey Wife
”Math-U-See Alpha deals with a lot of concepts but it is broken down in such a nice way that it isn’t overwhelming for the student.”
Read the Review