One of the primary reasons we chose to homeschool was to make time for being together as a family and building relationships. For that reason, I was immediately drawn to the philosophy behind Math Lessons for a Living Education from Master Books.
In the introduction, author Angela O'Dell shares,
As a teacher and a mother, I have discovered that true education is based on relationships: the relationship the child makes with the amazing concepts in the world around them; the relationship the teacher and the child make with each other; and most importantly and ultimately, the relationship the child makes with their creator.
Of course, homeschool parents can focus on relationships while using a wide variety of curriculum and resources, but I don't believe I've ever seen a math program that was specifically designed to foster time together between parent and child in the way Math Lessons for a Living Education clearly is!
Charlotte Mason-Style Living Math Education
One of the unique features of Math Lessons for a Living Education is the inclusion of several methods of learning that are especially dear to those who follow or appreciate a Charlotte Mason approach to education.
The curriculum centers on stories about Charlie and Charlotte - twins who are exploring their world and learning all about how it works. These stories are the jumping-off point for math concepts and discussion.
My second-grader, George, may be seven years old, but he's still very much interested in snuggle time with Mommy. Anything that involves one-on-one time for the two of us is high on his list! Curling up next to me in my bed to read something together is a hard yes for him!
Copywork and Narration
My kids are already very familiar with copywork and oral narration as a feature of their reading and language instruction. But Math Lessons for a Living Education includes this as a part of math learning, too!
George enjoyed practicing number formation as well as other copywork like days of the week and months of the year - an excellent way to become familiar with the terms as well as their spelling!
Narration offers a way for students to discuss math concepts beyond the scope of the traditional math workbook that usual only asks students for answers. Math Lessons for a Living Education provides prompts that enable discussion and assessment through oral explanation. For example, "Tell your teacher what makes a square and then draw one here." Or, instead of "show your work" students are encouraged to "Talk it through as you work out the following problems."
Christian Homeschool Math Curriculum
We also really appreciated the fact that this curriculum is specifically, intentionally, and unapologetically Christian, weaving in references to things like Bible Time, prayer, and supporting missionaries in other countries in the natural flow of the stories.
More Ideas for Hands-On Math Learning
In addition to our Level 2 book, we also received a copy of Math Lessons for a Living Education Teaching Companion. Before opening the book, I expected that it would simply be lesson plans or an answer key or something similar.
But in fact this additional volume is a mini-teacher training resource! It covers the methodology behind Math Lessons for a Living Education, the scope and sequence of all levels (1-6), tips for adapting lessons to your child's ability, and more!
Another amazing part of the Teaching Companion is a section of recipes of foods that are mention in the stories. What a great way to bring the living math lessons even more to "life" (like the pancakes in the "Horizontal and Vertical Shapes" story pictured above!
Find out More about Math Lessons for a Living Education
I've only just scratched the surface of some of the best qualities of this math curriculum! If you'd like to find out more about this program ...
- Visit this Information Page on the Master Books website
- Download a free Placement Assessment to find out where to start
- Check out Master Books on Instagram or Facebook
Giveaway for Free Math Curriculum
Only through March 31, Master Books is offering a giveaway of a free level of Math Lessons for a Living Education! You could have homeschool math curriculum taken care of for next year if you win!