Right after the New Year we started using Charlotte Mason Elementary Math at which point I wrote this review: A review-of-the-charlotte-mason-elementary-math-kit/. Not too long after I realized that my oldest who is a very visual learner was struggling in this curriculum. I explain further here: Why I Switched From Charlotte Mason Elementary Math.
So mid year; I switched curriculum and It couldn’t have turned out better.
Yet, I didn’t share what we are using now. Not long after I posted the above article I received emails and Messages on messenger wanting to know what Math I ended up switching to. At which point I went live on Facebook to share what I did switch to, you can watch that here: Live Math Preview.
If your wondering what Math we use now and why, watch the live video or continue reading below.
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Thank you for watching the live, if your interested check out Miquon Math through the links provided.
Miquon Math Lab Materials: Orange Book Level 1
Miquon Math
I switched to Miquon Math due to these points:
- No common core
- Simple and easy to use
- Short lessons
- Visual and kinesthetic learning Style
- Inexpensive
How Miquon & CM Math Are The Same
Miquon Math and CM Math both encourage and provide hands on objects for kinesthetic learning. Miquon Math uses Learning Resources Cuisenaire Rods Small Group Set: Plastic
Differences
It seems these two curriculums are more different than they are alike. Charlotte Mason Elementary Math provides word problems that the teacher will read to the student. The child will either respond verbally or write out the problem, progressing to the solution in his/her gridded paper math notebook.
In contrast, Miquon Math provides a visual demonstration of a mathematical problem. For example, simple addition and subtraction is taught using arrays. Two with two dots under it and four with four dots under it, is how the problem is presented visually. The child then correlates the number of dots with a numerical symbol that is written above it, proceeds by counting the dots below and then counting the dots that follow in the equation.
If you purchase the CM math kit it comes with a DVD where the authors walk you through the lessons. Miquon Math provides instructional notes for the teacher, click on the picture to check it out.
Cost
I purchased the entire Charlotte Mason Elementary Math kit, which covers first grade. It comes with a white board, eraser, the Math book, Math notebook, and all the hands on materials. It cost over $100. In Contrast, you can purchase one Miquon Math workbook and rods for $33. The lab annotations and teacher notes are a one time buy. Miquon Math is the less expensive route.
I think the biggest difference between the two is that Miquon visually demonstrates a mathematical problem and offers hands on material to solve it. Where as Charlotte Mason Elementary Math relies more on auditory and kinesthetic learning. Ultimately, since my oldest is mainly a visual learner this is why I switched to Miquon Math. Plus, another reader pointed out the next grade level in Charlotte Mason Elementary Math isn’t available yet. We would have had to switch this year anyway.
what are your thoughts on Miquon math?
Is this a mastery or spiral program? We tired Math for a living education and it wasn’t a good fit. So we went back to Math U See, which works well for my kids but is aligned with common core. Thanks for your help.