Best math curriculum for first grade

Top Homeschool Math Curriculum & Programs (2023 and Beyond)

So, you’ve made the big step and are choosing to homeschool your child. Congratulations! 🎉

You’re probably familiar with the many benefits of homeschooling — including customized learning, a targeted homeschool curriculum and maybe even higher test scores.

But how can you best help your child achieve these benefits, especially with a hard subject like math?

One solution for homeschooling parents is to use math programs. Not only do math programs take the pressure off you as a homeschool educator, but they also keep your child engaged and eager to learn!

Find out more about the best homeschool math programs and how to choose the right one for your child below!

Math programs are resources and plans you can use to deliver your child’s math curriculum. They set up your child’s math lessons, including learning goals, activities and assessments.   

Math programs are a great alternative to traditional math textbooks because they offer a more complete package to teach your child math at home. Many include extra resources like DVDs and manipulatives to use in your lessons.

Another perk of math programs is that they’re designed for a wide range of grades, abilities and even learning styles. Math programs have features like:

• Video lessons – Ideal for visual and auditory learners!
• Math games – Perfect for engaging all types of learners!
• Manipulatives – Great for kinesthetic learners who learn by doing!

When choosing a math program, pair it with another enrichment tool to diversify your child's learning. Prodigy Math Game is a great standalone program or enrichment tool for any homeschool math program. 

Jump ahead and find out why!

The 10 best homeschool math curriculum programs

Here are 10 leading math curriculum programs suitable for homeschooling:

1. Math-U-See

Grades: K-12 (equivalent in levels)

Benefits:

• Aligned with Common Core standards.
• Offers instructional DVDs, video lessons and placement tests.
• Blocks and manipulatives are great for visual and kinesthetic learners.
• Skills-based approach helps you customize your child’s math learning.

Good for: A child who learns by doing and enjoys conquering challenges to the full.

Price range: Expect to spend $140-$180 for each level.

Math-U-See takes a multisensory approach to learning math with manipulatives called Blocks. Educators use these blocks to help students visualize a math problem. They then ask them to manipulate the blocks to find the solution. 

Math-U-See also organizes learning math by level rather than by grade. Students start at Primer level and make their way to Zeta before going on to advanced levels that include algebra and calculus.  

Unlike traditional schooling, Math-U-See uses a mastery approach to learning math. This means the teacher attempts to maximize a student’s understanding of a topic before moving onto a different one. 

Grades: K-12

Benefits:

• Manipulatives for elementary levels.
• Aligned with Common Core standards.
• Placement tests are available for new homeschoolers.
• Instructional DVDs and video lessons to help students.

Good for: A child who may need extra math support and responds well to drills.

Price range: Expect to spend around $100 per grade level.

Saxon Math is another all-inclusive math program for homeschoolers. The curriculum uses drills to teach math skills and concepts, which may help students who learn through repetition. 

The first three grade levels are delivered through workbooks and manipulatives, before introducing teaching textbooks and CDs at level four. These grade levels are blended, meaning Level 5/4 is geared to 4th graders as well as 5th graders who need extra support. 

Like many other math programs, Saxon Math uses the spiral method. This method introduces the student to a math topic, teaching them an aspect of it, and revisits it over time while bringing in new knowledge. 

Grades: K-12

Benefits:

• Short yet productive lesson format.
• Spiral approach for a balanced curriculum coverage.
• Colorful workbooks suited to visual and independent learners.
• Fast-paced curriculum ideal for students who want to be challenged.

Good for: A child who can comfortably work on their own and thrives from a challenge.

Price range: Expect to spend around $90 per math set.

Horizons Math uses colorful workbooks to help teach children math. Each lesson is short and designed to keep a student focused without boring them. 

The math program is part of a self-described Christian homeschool curriculum, useful if you’re choosing to homeschool for religious reasons. 

Horizons Math is not aligned with Common Core Math Standards and often goes above the expected level for the child’s grade. This math program also uses the spiral method – ideal for homeschool educators wanting to gradually introduce their child to a topic. 

Although a Teacher’s Guide is included, Horizons Math has no script. So if you’re confident in teaching math and want to lead the lesson independently, you may prefer a scriptless math program like this. 

Grades: 1-12

Benefits:

• Affordable approach for students and educators.
• Suitable for independent learners who can read alone.
• Entertaining story format, ideal for creative and visual learners.
• Teaches conceptual understanding rather than memorization of math skills.

Good for: A child who prefers learning through stories and enjoys independent reading of word problems.

Price range: Expect to spend $20 per book.

Life of Fred is a very unique math program. Written by Dr. Stanley Schmidt, a retired math teacher, this program presents math lessons through a story format. Rather than focusing on set lessons, learners make their way through math topics as they read through the hardcover books. 

The stories follow the title character Fred and his adventures, with each story blended into a math problem. 

The story format means there’s no guide or script needed for homeschool educators. It also means the curriculum isn’t dedicated to a spiral or mastery method, nor is it Common Core. Students should aim to complete two books per year in pre-algebra, decreasing to one book as they learn algebra.  

Grades: PreK-8

Benefits:

• Affordable textbooks and workbooks.
• Develops critical thinking skills in math.
• Teaches the meaning of math rather than memorizing techniques.
• Aims to take the student to ability levels above the national average.

Good for: A child who grasps concepts quickly and a homeschool educator who is able to deliver learning without manuals or guides. 

Price range: Expect to spend $50 for each math set.

Singapore Math provides the Primary Mathematics curriculum used in Singapore. Singapore is renowned for its top scores in global math tests and this course aims to replicate that.

This program is different from the traditional US math program because it focuses on encouraging students to think like a mathematician. So instead of memorizing concepts, the student learns how to understand them.  

Singapore Math has different versions of its program, including one to align with Common Core standards. Early levels include a teacher’s manual, but homeschooling parents have said they still need to plan ahead with Singapore Math’s curriculum.

Grades: K-12

Benefits:

• Aligned with Common Core standards.
• Interactive, hands-on learning with plenty of manipulatives.
• Inductive approach to learning that encourages critical thinking. 
• Aims to take the student to ability levels above the national average.

Good for: A child who is a visual learner and inquisitive, as well as an educator who likes to be actively involved in homeschool lessons.

Price range: Expect to spend $110-$120 for each math set.

Influenced by the Montessori method, this math program emphasizes a hands-on approach. It encourages students to discover solutions to math problems through experiments — creating plenty of "eureka!" moments! This is known as inductive learning.

One of Rightstart Math’s key features is the AL Abacus, a simplified abacus used to simulate math problems. The Rightstart Math program is well suited for visual and kinesthetic learners who prefer interactive sessions over workbooks and drills. 

This non-traditional approach means homeschool educators should expect to be heavily involved in each lesson. This is where math games and other activities may help balance your teaching time effectively, especially if you have to teach another child too. 

Grades: K-12 (inc. pre-college)

Benefits:

• Wide math topic coverage across all grades.
• Delivered online with no manipulatives or workbooks needed.
• Free video lessons and exercises delivered in a tutorial format.
• Video instruction that walks students through each math concept.

Good for: A child who responds well to video lessons and is able to sit and learn on their own for long periods of time.

Price range: Lessons are currently free.

Khan Academy is a free online math program that teaches math to a wide audience, including adults!

Lessons on Khan Academy work like online math tutoring, where the student sits through an instructional video and is then given exercises to complete. The platform aims to encourage more learning through badges and experience points. 

Khan Academy delivers math lessons without the need for teacher instruction. This could be useful to parents who need to homeschool more than one child at the same time. 

Grades: 8-12

Benefits:

• Multimedia format may suit visual and auditory learners.
• Mastery method useful for intensive, dedicated learning.
• Focused on teaching algebra and critical thinking of math.
• Less parental instruction needed than other math programs.

Good for: A child enjoys watching while learning and is able to learn on their own for longer periods of time.

Price range: Expect to spend $175-$450 for online access.

VideoText Math takes a holistic approach to teaching math. The program encourages students to develop math problem-solving skills instead of memorizing solutions. Math lessons are shown through videos, available online or with workbooks and sheets. Telephone instructors are available through a helpline for extra support.

Most students begin this math program at an 8th grade level. Those who perform above their grade level or have taken a mastery approach may be ready for certain parts of the program earlier. 

VideoText Math splits math into two separate topics: Algebra and Geometry. The VideoText Math Algebra course covers Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. Once completed, students are then ready to start the Geometry course, which includes trigonometry and pre-calculus.

Grades: 2-5

Benefits:

• Affordable math supplement program.
• Colorful workbooks ideal for visual learners.
• Can be completed without constant parental instruction.
• Focused on building mathematical skills rather than memorizing rules.

Good for: A creative child who enjoys fantasy worlds or stories and best learns through reading.

Price range: Expect to spend $10 per enrichment booklet.

Math Adventures puts a fantastic spin on learning math, just like Prodigy Math Game! 

The math program consists of one booklet per grade, each themed to an adventure, including titles like Spy School and Fairy Tale Land. Each book includes paper manipulatives like flashcards that can be used to supplement teaching. 

The program’s colorful design appeals to visual learners, as well as kids who love stories and fantasy worlds.

Math Adventures is not aligned with Common Core standards and parents may want to combine this with other math programs or even an online math tutor. Like many newer math programs, Math Adventures also focuses on helping students learn the building blocks of math rather than memorizing rules.

Grades: 2-5

Benefits:

• Affordable math program.
• Aligned with Common Core standards.
• Focuses on teaching students how to understand math.
• Students can complete sections of lessons on their own.

Good for: A child who learns best through independent learning and homeschool educators who need to multitask teaching two or more children. 

Price range: Expect to spend $40 per grade level.

Math Mammoth puts the “why” above the “how” when teaching math. Expect your child to learn the building blocks of math rather than just memorizing rules or formulas.  

This math program uses worktexts that combine lessons with plenty of exercises and activities for your child to complete. There are no manipulatives needed for Math Mammoth, making it better suited to visual learners.

Math Mammoth is aligned with Common Core and often goes above the expected level. For example, complex topics like algebra are gently introduced earlier than usual. This approach could be useful at reducing math anxiety as students are gradually exposed to complex topics early on. 

An academic review of home education analyzed two decades worth of studies to see if homeschooling children performed better than schoolchildren. 

The review found that homeschooled children performed better in all subjects — except for math. 

Reasons why homeschooled children may fall behind public school peers in math include:

• Lack of resources — Schools and teachers invest in math resources and programs that suit varied learning styles, such as math games. Homeschool parents may rely on getting the student to read through a textbook.
• Limited educator knowledge — Math is a complex topic, especially at the high school math level when trigonometry and algebra are introduced. Homeschool educators might feel anxious or unprepared to confidently teach math.
• Deprioritizing math — It’s generally easier for homeschool parents to teach verbal and creative subjects. This creates a cycle where students prefer studying these subjects over math because they find it too hard or boring.

While you might not have all the resources of a traditional school teacher, you can make homeschooling math a success for you and your child.

It all starts with a math program that inspires and engages your child. 

This means choosing a math tool that adapts to your child’s needs, rather than the other way around.  

A great homeschool math program:

• Captures your child’s attention
• Rewards your child for their progress
• Challenges your child without intimidating them
• Adapts to your child’s learning every step of the way

And a great math program should empower you as a parent with the support and resources you need. This could include printable worksheets, video lessons or even an online math tutor to help you.

Prodigy Math Game is an engaging online math game that introduces your child to the vibrant fantasy world of Prodigy Island. 

Packed with quests and collectible virtual pets, your child takes part in exciting wizard battles where they’ll answer math questions to cast spells (with in-game math tips available!).

Unlike other math programs, Prodigy Math Game uses algorithm-led learning. It adapts each math question to support your child so that they can be comfortably challenged at their own pace — all while making learning math fun! 

Prodigy Math Game includes many benefits for homeschooling kids and parents, such as:

• Free educational content made by teachers
• Wide curriculum coverage (including Common Core)
• Parent accounts that let you set Goals, give Rewards and understand your child’s learning
• An exciting world regularly updated with new quests and characters to captivate and engage students
• Premium Memberships that level up your child’s learning experience and give you extra resources for homeschooling!
  

See just why homeschool parents AND kids love it below! 👇

How to Choose Homeschool Math Curriculum - Kate Snow

Practical and comprehensive guide to choosing a homeschool math program, including reviews, recommendations, how to deal with common roadblocks, and more.  

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of choosing a curriculum, there’s something really important to know: THERE IS NO PERFECT CURRICULUM.

 I’m not usually a caps-lock kind of person. But this is so important that I’m even going to do it again: THERE IS NO PERFECT CURRICULUM.

Okay, I promise: no more caps-lock.

But truly, no one book will ever meet the needs of your child perfectly. A math curriculum is a tool for teaching, but you are the teacher. No matter what curriculum you choose, you will always need to adjust it to meet your child’s needs.

Sometimes you may need to slow down and stick with a skill for a while. Other times, your child may grasp a concept so quickly you don’t even have time to get the manipulatives out. You are the teacher, and you know your child’s needs better than a far-off curriculum writer. (And I say this as one of those far-off curriculum writers–I know the math inside and out, but I can’t predict how every individual child will do with every lesson I write. )

The same goes for my curriculum recommendations. In this article, my goal is to share everything I’ve learned over the years to help  you choose a homeschool math program that fits your family well. I’ve answered literally hundreds (maybe thousands!) of parent curriculum questions over the years, so my aim here is to answer all the questions I know are swirling in your head.

Warning: This article is loooong. But I know how much blood, sweat, and tears homeschool moms put into their math curriculum decisions, so I wanted to make it both comprehensive and practical. I’ve organized it into 5 steps to make it easier to follow:  

1. Identify what you’re looking for in a program.  
2. Pick a couple programs to look at more closely. 
3. Print samples, and check your gut. 
4. Avoid the Overcomplication Danger Zone.  
5. Click Buy, and teach the heck out of your math program.   

Two important things before we start:

First, I’m much more knowledgeable about elementary programs than middle school or high school curricula.   If you’re looking for advice for older students, most of these general principles still apply, but you’ll find fewer specific program examples and reviews. I try not to give advice unless I know what I’m talking about. (Although my children might beg to differ.)    

Second, you have to promise in advance that you will take all my suggestions with a humongous grain of salt. Because despite all my training, experience, and expertise, I don’t know your kid. You do. And that makes you an expert, too.

Let’s do this!

Step 1: Identify what you’re looking for in a program. 

(Or, How to Sound Like a Math Curriculum Expert at the Co-op Lunch Table)

Have you ever gone online meaning to make a simple purchase and then found yourself still clicking around half an hour later, overwhelmed by the options? If it can happen with something as basic as a drain cover, you better believe it can happen with math curriculum, too! 

My husband spent 40 minutes looking online for this. And then it still didn’t fit!

Choosing a math curriculum will go much more smoothly (and feel much less overwhelming) if you narrow down your choices before you start looking around online.   In this section, I’ll guide you through the process of identifying the most important attributes you’re looking for in a math program. I’ll also explain a few of the jargon-y terms that get tossed around regarding math programs to help you make sense of the reviews and descriptions you read online. Some of these may be new to you, especially if you’re just starting out homeschooling. 

Difficulty

Most homeschool math programs cover roughly the same topics, but their pace and depth vary widely. What’s considered a second-grade skill in one program might be considered a third-grade skill in another book–and a first- grade skill in yet another! Some cover just the basics of written computations and simple word problems, while others dive deeply into concepts and require kids to think hard about complex problems.  

Choosing a program with a difficulty level appropriate for your child is the most important step you can take to help your child develop a positive attitude toward math (and avoid the dreaded math tears). If you have a child who loves wrestling with challenging problems, she may be bored and sulky if she finds her assignments too easy. And if your child struggles with math, you’ll both be frustrated if you choose a book that’s too hard. 

Conceptual versus Procedural   

Conceptual curricula focus on teaching why math works the way it does, like why we need to find common denominators to add fractions, or why you “borrow the 1” when subtracting. They start with the big picture, then use those big ideas to work out the details.

For example, a child in a conceptual program who’s learning how to add 2-digit numbers might first learn about regrouping with hands-on manipulatives, then translate the work with blocks to written addition problems, and finally generalize this idea to larger numbers and to subtraction.  

Big-picture thinkers who love to know why often thrive with conceptual programs. They’re often a good choice for kids with dyslexia, too, since conceptual programs help these kids build on their strong visual processing skills and holistic thinking ability.

Procedural curricula focus more on teaching children how to do math–the procedures that get the right answer. They’re usually very direct and to-the-point about explaining exactly how to find that common denominator or borrow the 1. They sometimes use manipulatives for demonstration purposes, but they usually focus more on pencil-and-paper techniques.

For example, a child in a procedural program who’s learning how to add 2-digit numbers would likely be shown how to “carry the 1,” with more emphasis on the specific steps and details. The program might briefly demonstrate regrouping with manipulatives, but it wouldn’t be the main emphasis. 

Children who are concrete, to-the-point thinkers often do best with procedural programs. These kids benefit from working with lots of specific examples before trying to generalize about the more abstract principles at work. Often, kids who struggle with math do better with a procedural program. But, that doesn’t mean that procedural programs are necessarily easier or a less rigorous choice.

My favorite programs tend to be on the more-conceptual side: they explain why the math works but also give kids lots of practice with how to do the math. But, conceptual programs aren’t necessarily the best fit for every child. If you have a child who just likes to be told what to do, a procedural program may be a better choice.

Mastery versus Spiral

Mastery curricula focus on one topic at a time. Traditional textbooks are often set up this way: there’s a chapter on addition, then a chapter on geometry, then a chapter on fractions, and so on. Children who like to get to the bottom of things and feel like they fully understand them often do best with a mastery-oriented program.  

(Note that this term can be a little confusing, since all math programs aim for kids to achieve mastery with math. In this context, the term mastery describes the way the lessons are organized, not the ultimate goal.) 

One of the biggest issues parents run into with mastery programs is feeling like their children forget too much from chapter to chapter. The easiest ways to make a mastery program “more spiral” is to take the cumulative review sections and have your child do a few problems every day. Voila! Instant spiral review!   

Spiral curricula teach math in smaller chunks and rotate more frequently through topics so that children more frequently revisit topics. Children who like novelty often prefer spiral programs, and many children benefit from the continual review. Some spiral programs focus on a topic for few lessons in a row before jumping, while others jump from one topic to another with every lesson.  

In my opinion, the way the material is presented is generally more important than whether a program is mastery or spiral. (See Step 3 for more on this.) If you find a program that clicks with your child’s learning style, don’t stress too much about whether it’s spiral or mastery. 

Cost 

There’s no point buying the perfect math curriculum if it means you can’t buy groceries! Good math instruction is worth the investment, but some curricula are pricey or have hefty start-up costs. Fortunately, there are also more moderately-priced programs out there, so don’t feel like you have to spend a fortune to teach your child math.

Step 2: Pick a couple programs to look at more closely. 

(You don’t have to thoroughly investigate every program.)

Now that you know what factors to consider, it’s time to pick a couple of programs to look at more closely. I’ve written in-depth reviews of my favorite programs to help you narrow down your options and figure out which ones deserve a closer look.

• Math with Confidence. My hands-on, parent-friendly, fun math curriculum. Kindergarten available now, First Grade available soon, with more grade levels to follow.  
• RightStart Math. A fabulous conceptual, spiral program with lots of hands-on manipulatives, but also the biggest investment of time and money.
• Beast Academy. Unconventional and challenging program for curious kids, with a graphic-novel-style textbook and lots of problem-solving.
• Singapore Math (Primary Mathematics series). Solid conceptual mastery with plenty of practice and problem-solving, all wrapped up in a familiar textbook/workbook format.
• Dimensions Math. Singapore’s newest program, with more detailed teaching directions, more activity options, and a full-color workbook for all grades.
• Math Mammoth. Budget-friendly curriculum that develops thorough conceptual understanding and number sense with a minimum of hands-on teaching time.
• Math-U-See. Straight-forward, incremental, mastery-based program. An excellent choice for children who struggle with math or math anxiety.

(All of the above programs are secular.)

I’m frequently asked about the following programs, so here are my super-short mini-reviews. I’ve read through these and looked at them fairly closely, but I haven’t used any of these programs myself (with the exception of Rod and Staff).    

• The Good and the Beautiful. TGTB is a procedural program with spiral review. It’s beautifully produced, with a simple box of manipulatives. However, the actual math instruction is an inch deep and a mile wide. The program covers many, many topics, but doesn’t spend enough time focusing on helping kids master the essential foundations, especially math facts and number sense. (For example, the program spends a measly FOUR lessons on learning the multiplication facts in third grade and then simply tells parents to keep practicing.) Produced by a team of writers from a variety of Christian backgrounds, at a company owned by a member of the LDS church.
• Saxon. Some second-generation homeschoolers consider Saxon the gold standard in spiral, procedural math textbooks. Others consider it the reason they hate math. You can read more in this Facebook post, along with many thoughtful comments (both pro and con) from parents who’ve used it. Secular. 
• Rod and Staff. My favorite traditional, procedural program. I’ve often used it with tutoring students who struggle with math. It does a great job of teaching each new topic one small increment at a time, with plenty of review and practice. Produced by a team of Mennonite teachers. 
• Math Lessons for a Living Education. The least rigorous program on this list by far. It has some very appealing features: story format, real-life contexts, short lessons, spiral review, and a low price. However, it is seriously lacking in its quality of instruction, mathematical precision, and support for parents. I consider this a “last resort” program. If your child absolutely hates math and you just need something that will make math happen on a daily basis without a fight, it’s worth a try. Produced by an evangelical Protestant company.    

If none of these sound appealing, check out this dizzying comparison chart from Rainbow Resource for even more curricula to consider.

Step 3: Print samples, and check your gut. 

(Just because it checks all the boxes doesn’t mean it’s the right program for you and your child.)

Hopefully you now have a couple contenders. Hooray! You’re almost ready to make a decision. Go to the websites of your favorite programs, find some samples and print them out. It’s time to give these a close look. (Yes, print them. You need to see how it will feel to have the printed book in front of you. Trust me, it’s worth wasting the paper.) 

It’s time to switch from using the logical side of your brain to using the emotional and imaginative side of your brain to decide whether you really want to use this program. I know it might sound a little woo-woo to you left-brained thinkers like me, but it’s an essential part of the process.  

• Look over the table of contents, introduction, and any teacher helps or notes. Does the book give you clear instructions and guidance? Does it make you feel supported in your teaching? Is the layout clear and easy to use? How much time (and money) will you need to spend gathering supplies and getting organized to teach? 
• Pick a full lesson (preferably in the middle of the book) and read through it carefully. Pay attention to how you feel as you read it. Excited? Anxious? Full of dread? Hopeful? Sometimes, a program might check all your boxes but still just not feel right. That’s worth paying attention to. If you’re not excited to teach out of this book, your child likely won’t be excited to learn out of it, either. 
• Pretend you have to teach this lesson tomorrow. Imagine gathering the supplies, sitting down with your child, and teaching the lesson. How much time do you think it would take? Do you have that much time in your schedule? If not, where will you find it? It can be easy to think that everything will be better next year, but that’s not usually the case. If you can’t imagine finding time to teach this lesson during your next regular school day, this may not be the program for you. 
• Imagine your child working on this lesson. Does the overall lesson progression feel like it aligns with the way your child thinks about things? Will he enjoy the activities and find them interesting and fun? Will she balk at the amount of the written work? Do you think she’ll like the workbook layout or find it confusing?

It’s easy to get sucked in by a curriculum because it has a beautiful layout, or because your friend recommended it, or because Kate Snow gave it such a good review. But you are the one who is going to have to teach it, so it’s wise to take a moment to sit back and consider how you feel before you click that Buy button. 

Step 4: Avoid the Overcomplication Danger Zone.

(No, you probably don’t need two math programs.)

At this point, you’re close to a final decision. This is a very perilous stage of the curriculum buying process: the Overcomplication Danger Zone.  

When you’re in the Overcomplication Danger Zone, you start having crazy ideas. Like, “I think my kid would love the graphic novel textbook in Beast Academy. But, he’s a really kinesthetic learner, so the blocks in Math-U-See would be good, too. How about I just do both?” 

NO! Back away slowly from your online shopping cart and take a deep breath. You probably barely have time to teach one full math curriculum well. How on earth will you find time for two? When parents try to combine programs, they usually spend so much time trying to align the programs and coordinate between the two books that they spend all their time planning, and not nearly enough time teaching. 

Buying supplemental materials is another symptom of the Overcomplication Danger Zone: “I think my child will do best with a procedural program like Rod and Staff, but he’d like math games, too, so I’ll also get the RightStart Card Game set and Multiplication Facts That Stick. ” Now, I have to admit I’m a big fan of both, but this approach is still a little risky. The time spent to coordinate your supplements with your main curriculum is still likely to distract you from actually teaching.   

To avoid this, make sure you pinpoint what need you’re trying to fill before you buy any supplemental materials. If in doubt, wait until it’s clear that your child actually needs that supplement. You might even find that your main program actually covers it! I’m all for you buying my super-fun and easy-to-use math facts books, but Amazon will still sell you them in October. The same goes for all the other math supplements out there. 

Step 5: Click Buy, and teach the heck out of your math program.

(Plus, how to avoid the 3 roadblocks)

Ready to click Buy? Awesome! You’ve done your homework, you’ve considered your options both rationally and emotionally, and you know what you want. So go for it! 

Not ready to click Buy? That’s pretty normal, too. There are three common roadblocks parents often encounter at this point in the process. Here’s my advice on how to clear them out so you can move forward: 

Roadblock #1: Is it really okay to switch programs? 

Yes, it really is. And it’s such a common concern that I’ve written a whole article about it. The short answer is that you won’t mess up your kids for life if they miss a couple things by switching math programs in fourth grade. Just make sure to have your child take the placement test for the new program so that you start him or her at the appropriate level. 

Roadblock #2: Wait, what will I use next year?  

Life is unpredictable. We never know what the next year will bring, or how our educational plans will shift. Don’t worry about coming up with a perfect plan for your child’s entire education from preschool through twelfth grade. Just pick what you think will work best now, and let next year sort itself out once you get to it.   

Roadblock #3: What if it’s not perfect?  

Sorry to bust out the caps-lock again, but THERE IS NO PERFECT CURRICULUM. Just like there are no perfect parents, and no perfect children. You might make a mistake in buying math curriculum, but that’s okay. Next year, learn from it and try again. All you can do is use the information you have right now to make the most well-informed decision possible. 

After that, keep showing up day after day, ready to teach your child math. Because having a committed, responsive, and caring teacher is far more important to your child’s success in math than the curriculum you buy. 

Wishing you all the best in your teaching. Happy Math!

Updated April 2021. Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you buy an item through an affiliate link, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you.

Please note that comments are closed on this post, as I simply don’t have time these days to give individualized advice  on curriculum selection. (If I did, I might never finish the Math with Confidence series!)

training programs for the development of first-graders

Types of programs for elementary school

Traditional and developmental systems of education are distinguished in pedagogy:

• Traditional. Training is built according to the scheme "we study - we fix - we check." This system is used both in the beginning and in subsequent classes.
• Developmental. Training is built according to the scheme "we study - we independently draw conclusions - we practice." As a rule, it is aimed exclusively at elementary grades and is not used in middle and high schools. nine0008

Each system has a variety of curricula. Consider the most popular.

Program L.V. Zankova

📌 Developmental curriculum for primary school

Fundamentals of the theory - works of L.S. Vygotsky. According to the program, one should not be afraid of mistakes - they learn from them. The schoolboy jumps above his head, but his own, and not someone else's. Disadvantages of the system: a fast pace of learning and a high level of difficulty is not suitable for every child. nine0005

D.B. system Elkonin - V.V. Davydova

📌 Developing curriculum for elementary grades

Daniil Elkonin and Vasily Davydov are Soviet scientists. According to their program, students in elementary school are not graded, it is assumed that students must independently assess the level of their knowledge.

Most of the parents in this program are afraid that due to the lack of grades, the level of knowledge will be low. Elkonin and Davydov assure that learning is more effective if the student is not demotivated by subjective scores. By the way, elementary Waldorf schools adhere to a similar methodology - children are not graded there either. nine0005

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“School of Russia”

📌 Traditional curriculum for elementary grades

“School of Russia” is the most popular curriculum. Complies with GEF and is used in most schools. The main goal is spiritual and moral development, which is formed in specially created conditions. The main vector is aimed at the adaptation of the child in the team.

Training under the program is aimed at adaptation in a team, accumulation of knowledge and skills for further training. But feedback from parents is not always positive. Many note that the world around us can be greatly reduced, and the four-year program is too long. nine0005

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"RITM"

📌 Traditional curriculum for elementary grades

"RITM" stands for development, individuality, creativity, thinking. The program combines the traditions of the national elementary school K.D. Ushinsky and the achievements of modern psychology and methodology. The features of this curriculum in the primary grades of the school are variability and an extensive information and educational environment. It is believed that every child should learn to think creatively and independently, as well as to reveal their individuality. The system consists of completed subject lines of textbooks, which are included in the federal list, except for the ABC and Literary Reading. nine0005

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Primary school of the XXI century (Vinogradova system)

Vinogradova is a doctor of pedagogical sciences and the creator of a training program for first grade children. The program is aimed at strong students. To pass it successfully, you need to come to the first class with a certain level of preparation. This program is based on the theory of L.S. Vygotsky, as well as the ideas of Elkonin and Davydov. UMK is included in the Federal list of textbooks recommended by the Ministry of Education and Science. It is believed that the goal of a teacher working on this teaching method is to teach a child to learn. nine0005

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