Today I am reviewing
Demme Learning's Math-U-See
Pre-Algebra and
Digital Pack.
For those of you who aren't already familiar with this program, Math-U-See is a complete skill-based multi-sensory mastery curriculum for grades K-12. The Pre-Algebra universal set includes everything needed for the level including the Instruction Manual, Instruction DVD, Student Workbook, Tests Booklet, Integer Block Kit, Algebra/Decimal Inserts and 12 months of access to the Pre-Algebra Digital Pack. The Pre-Algebra level covers negative numbers (including adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing negative numbers), the order of operations, solving for the unknown, number lines and more.
New is the Digital Pack. What is that, you ask? It is accessible through any internet browser and provides streaming video versions of the Instructional DVD, a PDF of the Instruction Manual, access to the online version of their Digital Manipulatives and links to free online resources. What a great idea! Math lessons accessed through the digital pack can be viewed and completed almost anywhere. Talk about convenience. In addition, many children are extremely comfortable and adept with technology and will find it a great and fun way to do their math. Unlike a DVD, the video on a device on phone can be rewound and watched again. The manipulatives are there on the screen and can be moved around. I believe the hands-on approach of Math-U-See, whether at your table or on your tablet/phone is what makes them stand out above the rest. I have always been a proponent of tactile and hands-on learning. It is what makes learning permanent and real for many kids. Being able to see, hear and "touch" the math makes it easier for the student to understand the 'why' behind the lesson. It begins to make real sense. Math, then, is not just something you have to memorize, but real understanding is finally taking place.
How did we use the program?
Kiddos watched each video (usually about 20 minutes in length), we discussed the lesson together and then they would work on the worksheets that were associated with each lesson. If there were manipulatives for that lesson, they would either use the physical ones or try them out with the digital pack. Kiddo #3 is a very computer-oriented kid, so he preferred to use the digital pack on his own computer. When each lesson's materials were completed, the kiddos worked on the test from the test booklet. The student text and test booklet are included with the universal set. If you purchase the digital pack, you can purchase the student text and test booklet separately.
Mr. Demme's style is easy to understand and he intersperses humor in each lesson. In the ratio lesson photographed above, he spoke about cars that his kids were counting out the window on a road trip. He has a gift for making the information realistic and relevant.
Click
here for a placement assessment for Pre-Algebra, as well as an overview, sample lesson, scope and sequence and the table of contents from the Pre-Algebra book.
Kiddos will definitely be continuing this program!
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