While most children enjoy learning math through games and manipulatives, homeschool math curricula that go beyond textbook and worksheet are essential for many nontraditional gifted learners. Whether a gifted child is twice exceptional, a visual-spatial learner, or exploring abstract concepts at a very young age, these homeschool math curricula will better serve a need for hands on learning.
Right Start Mathematics -- Grades K-4
The Right Start Mathematics program emphasizes problem solving and conceptual understanding, with practice provided through games rather than drill. This homeschool program has:
- A kinesthetic approach
- Visual-spatial learning
- Abacus-based
- Manipulatives
- Lessons
- Worksheets
- Math Card Games
- Puzzles
- Geoboards
Designed by a Montessori teacher, Right Start Mathematics appeals to hands on learners. Right Start is an abacus-based approach utilizing many other fantastic math tools such as counters, games, puzzles, tangrams, and geoboards. Right Start's materials suggest a holiday shopping spree in the math aisle of a teacher supply store.
Starter kits with manipulatives range from $92-$180 US, depending on whether a student is just starting or advancing a level. As there are six levels and many amazing though optional supplies to tempt a parent educator, this is the most expensive math curriculum reviewed. The curriculum has a stronger focus on geometry than many programs.
Hands-On Equations -- Algebra Grades 2-5 and up
For visual-spatial gifted learners, Hands-On Equations offers a kinesthetic approach to algebraic concepts such as the addition property of equality, the additive identity property, and additive inverses. This homeschool math curriculum entails:
- A kinesthetic approach
- Visual-Spatial learning
- Manipulatives
- Manuals
- Worksheets
- Video lessons available
- Verbal problems workbook
Young gifted students gain a concrete introduction to algebra before progressing to abstract concepts. Though the program targets grades 3 through 8 in a traditional classroom, mathematically gifted children will find this method accessible at much earlier ages.
A basic Hands-On Equations system consisting of manuals, worksheets, answer keys, and game kit costs $35 US. The complete kit priced at $125 US also includes a Verbal Problems book and 26-lesson DVD for independent study or review.
Math-U-See -- Addition through Precalculus
Math-U-See provides a complete kindergarten through twelfth grade math curriculum. The Math-U-See homeschooling curriculum stresses conceptual understanding. This homeschool program includes:
- Comprehensive lessons
- A kinesthetic approach
- Visual-spatial learning
- Manipulatives
- Teacher manual
- Student Text
- Tests
- Video instruction for parent educator
Math-U-See is an approachable program for a young gifted learner. Homeschooling parents lacking confidence in their abilities to teach math consider Math-U-See’s video lessons an invaluable program strength.
Math-U-See often receives criticism for covering less material than other curricula; this concern is less relevant for a gifted child rapidly progressing though the curriculum sequence. The Algebra 1 materials cover less ground than in an 8th grade classroom, but student paced learning introduces a gifted homeschooler to this material years before his peers. While a gifted student may exhaust the material well before college, Math-U-See provides a strong research-based foundation for further learning.
The Math-U-See curriculum consists of 12 levels. Student kits including text and tests cost $15-$20 US. Teacher packs with manual and DVD are $25-$70 US. Manipulatives such as base 10 blocks and fraction overlays are $30-$35 each.
Math-U-See, Right Start Mathematics, and Hands-On Equations- Tools for Learning
Since gifted learners may progress through basic concepts rapidly, manipulatives provide a bridge to more abstract concepts so that higher-level mathematics is not developmentally inaccessible. For visual-spatial, kinesthetic, and twice-exceptional gifted students, hands on activities are essential to academic achievement. Right Start Mathematics, Hands-On Equations, and Math-U-See are homeschool math curricula providing the tools for gifted homeschooler success.
Carla Marie Boulianne - Background and Interests I am a former feature writer for Parenting a Gifted Child. I relish combining personal parenting and childhood ...
Join the Conversation