Our Experience with Homeschool Elementary Math
Overview
- Curriculum Name: Math with Confidence
- Target Age/Grade Range: Kindergarten to 6th Grade
- Format: Physical (with optional PDF version)
- Levels/Modules: Levels K-6 (Level 6 release date Summer 2025)
- Placement Test: No formal placement test, but author Kate Snow provides an outline of prior knowledge needed to excel in each level.
Why We Chose Math with Confidence
We initially picked Math with Confidence (MWC) because we wanted a hands-on, multi-sensory approach to math that would keep my math-loving son engaged. After starting Logic of English, we really appreciated curricula that build skills gradually with plenty of games and manipulatives. This program seemed like the perfect fit!
Our Experience So Far
- Current Level/Stage: We’ve completed Kindergarten, skipped first grade (since my son already knew the material), and used it again for second grade. We’re currently working through the third grade book.
- What We’ve Completed: Kindergarten and second grade.
- What’s Next: We plan to continue with third grade and move on to level 4 next year.
What We Love About Math with Confidence
- Hands-On Learning: MWC includes plenty of hands-on activities and games that make learning math fun and interactive. My son loves the physical manipulatives, and it helps him truly understand the concepts.
- Multi-Sensory Approach: The curriculum caters to different learning styles with a mix of visual and tactile elements. The use of optional suggested picture books aligned with each unit adds another layer of engagement.
- Cost-Effective: I appreciate that while you do need to purchase manipulatives separately, you can look for sales and buy off-brand or used sets. Plus, the PDF version of the teacher’s guide is available at a lower cost, which is a great option for families on a budget.
- Open-and-Go: Once you’ve prepared the math kit, the program is incredibly easy to use. It’s very much open-and-go, which is great for busy homeschool days.
- Gradual Progression: Each lesson builds on the last, making it easy for my son to grasp new concepts without feeling overwhelmed. The curriculum moves at a nice pace that keeps him engaged without rushing through concepts. In third grade there is an instruction page, a practice page, and a review page for each lesson.
What Could Be Improved
- Limited Scope: The program currently only goes up to level 6, which works for us, but we’re already thinking about what comes next. Kate has said she doesn’t plan to release any further levels.
How It Fits Our Homeschooling Journey
MWC is a perfect complement to our other hands-on, play-based learning resources. I love that it incorporates games, physical materials, and even literature to create a well-rounded math experience. It’s been a great fit for my math-y son, keeping him interested and challenged without being overwhelming.
Community & Support
- Facebook Support Group: The community on the MWC Facebook group is fantastic. It’s always reassuring to be able to ask questions or see how other parents are implementing the curriculum.
Progress & Achievements
We celebrated completing Kindergarten with a fun math party, and my son is currently doing really well with the concepts in third grade. He loves the challenges and is gaining confidence in his math skills every day. He was so excited to start division and multiplication.
Conclusion: Would I Recommend Math with Confidence?
I highly recommend MWC for families looking for a hands-on, multi-sensory approach to math that is easy to implement and affordable. The gradual progression, combined with games, manipulatives, and support from the community, makes it a fantastic choice for elementary math.