@@zairarussell1968 I keep it simple, nothing special, we just will do a lesson from each every schoolday. Neither one has long lessons, my child completes the workpages very quickly.
We sort of combine the two since we use Math u see as our main course and then we add Math Facts that stick which includes the games from Math with Confidence.
This couldn’t have come at a better time! I’ve been trying to decide between MUS and MWC for my 8 year old son. We just bought level 3 and plan to do the Math Facts that Stick series before we start. I also want to do MUS since MWC isn’t fully released and I want something he can move on to when he has finished the whole series. We have done TGTB from the start and I realize that it hasn’t been a good fit and he is still struggling with a lot of simple math concepts. I suspect he may have a touch of dyslexia or dyscalculia. I never thought to use both curricula! Thank you so much for this video!
I think both MUS And MWC are excellent options for kids who need a little extra consistency and practice to really master math concepts. Getting those concepts down more solidly before getting into upper elementary math will be really helpful!
Currently switched from MWC to MUS just because of the teacher intense nature of MWC. I really enjoyed it and so did my son so I do miss aspects of the games & “fun” but I just didn’t feel I had a ton of time to get through the lessons with 2 kids with MWC I like that they can be more independent in MUS.
In general, we approach math not as "finishing a curriculum" but as about learning math. So...we don't have to limit a math education to one resource, and I think it's often beneficial to use more than one. So I think it's easier, because the kids don't have any ingrained idea that "I'm done when I finish this one thing." I just put the resources I've chosen into each child's "stack" of work for the day, and we work through the day's assignments/lessons. This particular child gobbles up anything math--so he also does Beast Academy as well as Life of Fred. That's a bit unusual! Many kids aren't quite as fascinated by math.
I have loved MWC (2nd), but it is taking my son SO LONG to get through it. The teaching time takes FOREVER 😭 It is dragging down our homeschool experience in a big way. The Math-U-See price tag is a tough pill to swallow, but we are planning to switch in the new year. I really hope it will help him 🙏 Thanks for this side by side comparison. Made things very clear.
We used MWC level K for my daughter and it was great. Yes, it was very teacher intensive and MUS was what we intended to move onto next but like you, due to the price tag I was hesitant. In the end we moved on Rod & Staff Gr. 1 maths which has been excellent for mastering maths facts. It's incredibly incremental so if you have a maths whiz that likes to power through then it's not for them BUT if you have a little that benefits from incremental repetition then it's great. My daughter is now in 1st grade and is on Rod & Staff Gr. 2 maths. It takes about 6mos-ish to complete if you do it daily. I don't use the teacher manual although I did purchase it. Like I mentioned it moves very slowly through ea. fact family so the child can almost do each lesson independently, and I think there's a lot to be said for muscle memory (just writing the facts over and over) when it comes to developing facts fluency. We use alongside XtraMath and she's doing so well with both. Just thought I'd add as a 10 cents for an affordable alternative to MWC and MUS.
Id like to try mus but worry my son will get bored with studying the same topic all year, however, hes struggling and seems to forget everything i teach him. Hes 9 and we are still reviewing math facts and doesnt seem to get the concept of multiplication much less division. Perhaps has mild dyscalculia I dont know. Im debating between mus and apologia math.
I would not move on to division when multiplication hasn't yet been understood. I think it's a bit of a misconception that MUS focuses on "one topic" all year...there's quite a bit of a range of applications and variety within a topic. I think for kids that struggle with math mastery, curriculums that have a strong focus on gradual, incremental mastery of a topic can often be a strong choice.
@@SevenInAllyou mean like topics as in time, measurements, etc are covered in addition for example?? I read a review of a lady who said mus didn't cover anything other than addition in the first ywars and it killed her sons desire to learn math. Wondering if it's true? Also wondering if you've tried the accelerated program in mus?
@@colesonamission Yes, time (reading clocks) is covered, measurements, perimeter, etc,--normal mathematical topics are covered. Lots of word problems to apply concepts to a variety of situations. I don't have experience with the AIM program, but that one won't cover time or anything else, just focus on mastering basic math facts. Another program that focuses solely on fact mastery is from Kate Snow, the writer of Math WIth Confidence--she also has books that are Multiplication Facts that Stick, Subtraction Facts that Stick...
My youngest is 7 lessons into Gamma and she is struggling with the monotony of MUS. All of my other kids have done fine with MUS, but she is my busy body, active, just wired differently…what level would you suggest looking into for Math with Confidence?
Would you say that one of these curriculums is more advanced than the other? Just curious, thanks! We have completed MWC Level K and currently in MWC Level 1. It’s a good and fun fit for our family ❤
They're fairly similar in the concepts covered or the scope and sequence, though not exactly the same. I feel like you start adding larger numbers together sooner in Beta...but not necessarily in a way that feels more "advanced," if that makes sense?
I personally don't use the math with confidence teachers guide, as i can figure out on most of them what they want you to do. There are a few pages i have to get it out for. i will say, yes, i do have to give the directions to my kids sometimes or do the game with them. they will ask mom what do you on this page? so they can't do everything independently. but the pictures are a lot funner😊
The guide goes much more in depth on actually teaching problem-solving strategies, so for those parents who aren't already pretty familiar with the variety of strategies being taught, it's very helpful to have the Teacher's Guide. It's not solely an answer key--I think it's a misconception that the teacher's guide is just an answer key.
@SevenInAll yes, exactly, so this os great for parents who don't know what to say. I just wanted to give my thoughts for parents who were worried they would have to read it everyday. math u see is definitely more kids can do it on their own and just ask questions, especially with the teaching lessons included. i just wish math u see, they could at least put a pretty flower on some pages to motivate the kids lol
This is sort of off-topic, but your flip-through of MUS made me think. We normally use Saxon math for grades 4-8. It’s pretty solid for us, but I’m considering using MUS for my next year’s 8th grader. I think the main benefit would be sticking with a new topic for at least a week instead of Saxon’s constant variety; I think he would benefit from the extra time spent on one concept. I believe you’ve had experience with both; how do you think the two curricula compare? It would be pre-algebra. Or have you done a video covering this?
My sister is currently using MUS Pre-Algebra. I think it's a very well-done level, I love the word problems and application of concepts. I have used Saxon but it's been a loooong time since I've seen one of their texts in person so I can't really speak to a direct comparison. Sticking on one topic for a little chunk of time can definitely be helpful for some students!
Do they teach a solid understanding of solving problems vertically with carrying/ knowing facts before doing the break apart mental math in mwc? I'm afraid she'll get confused.
MWC does not teach carrying or vertical problem solving first. It strongly leans toward knowing the addition facts very, very solidly, and using mental math to visualize addition and subtraction problems and solve them. We're about 10 weeks into 2nd grade math and haven't run into carrying yet. However, because I want my son to have multiple methods of problem solving so that he can choose the one that works best for him when faced with any problem, I have also taught carrying using vertical addition (and we often use that method with Math U See worksheets).
I have a video showing Alpha: th-cam.com/video/Jd6ce8lVqsk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=1MRgeV6kbn0znlZQ Alpha is closer to a typical 1st grade scope and sequence, Primer is more similar to a gentle kindergarten math.
I have used Math-U-See for multiplication for my older kiddos and am doing MWC with my youngest. I am curious: do you do both with the same child? If so, how?
Up until this point I have--typically I have been leaning on MWC as the more "full" lesson, and then just adding in MUS for extra problems to solve. My oldest gobbles up math problems, so finishes a worksheet from MUS in a few minutes, it's a very easy add.
I'm currently using 2nd Grade Math With Confidence with my son. My mom does a little bit of "Grandma school" with him in the afternoons a couple days a week during my work hours, and she does use Math U See during that time. If he didn't have "Grandma school," I would probably just have him do Beta worksheets as quick independent work--but he's a somewhat advanced math student who really LOVES solving math problems, and can speed through a worksheet from Beta in a few minutes. I always adapt the school routine to fit the student.
Yes--you don't have to use all the all the worksheets A-G for each lesson, that's up to you and up to the student's level of mastery. There's a test after each lesson topic. The topics move very incrementally so a new lesson doesn't ever tend to feel like a big jump.
Hey Mama! Great video. We actually use… BOTH! I love the mastery of Math u see. I love hitting all grade topics in Math with Confidence. ❤
We use both, as well! Both have awesome strengths!
Hi, can you share how you use both???
@@zairarussell1968 I keep it simple, nothing special, we just will do a lesson from each every schoolday. Neither one has long lessons, my child completes the workpages very quickly.
We sort of combine the two since we use Math u see as our main course and then we add Math Facts that stick which includes the games from Math with Confidence.
That sounds like a great combo! We love the MWC games.
That is genius I’ve been toddling on which one to get. This is what I am going to do now!
I'm so excited. I just bought Alpha as we are 9 weeks into MWC 1st grade. I hope it will be a nice spiral approach and mastery of context.
That's awesome!
This couldn’t have come at a better time! I’ve been trying to decide between MUS and MWC for my 8 year old son. We just bought level 3 and plan to do the Math Facts that Stick series before we start. I also want to do MUS since MWC isn’t fully released and I want something he can move on to when he has finished the whole series. We have done TGTB from the start and I realize that it hasn’t been a good fit and he is still struggling with a lot of simple math concepts. I suspect he may have a touch of dyslexia or dyscalculia. I never thought to use both curricula! Thank you so much for this video!
I think both MUS And MWC are excellent options for kids who need a little extra consistency and practice to really master math concepts. Getting those concepts down more solidly before getting into upper elementary math will be really helpful!
Great video! Starting MUS alpha for 1st grade in september
That's awesome! Alpha is a fun level of math.
Very helpful, thank you!!
Glad it was helpful!
Currently switched from MWC to MUS just because of the teacher intense nature of MWC. I really enjoyed it and so did my son so I do miss aspects of the games & “fun” but I just didn’t feel I had a ton of time to get through the lessons with 2 kids with MWC I like that they can be more independent in MUS.
MUS can definitely be used more independently.
How do you schedule in two math curriculums without facing a mutiny from the child?
In general, we approach math not as "finishing a curriculum" but as about learning math. So...we don't have to limit a math education to one resource, and I think it's often beneficial to use more than one. So I think it's easier, because the kids don't have any ingrained idea that "I'm done when I finish this one thing."
I just put the resources I've chosen into each child's "stack" of work for the day, and we work through the day's assignments/lessons.
This particular child gobbles up anything math--so he also does Beast Academy as well as Life of Fred. That's a bit unusual! Many kids aren't quite as fascinated by math.
I can’t remember making a binder for math u see but we use the binder often with MWC!!!
Yes, having a binder is very helpful with MWC!
I really needed a complains so thank you for sharing!
Glad I could help!
I have loved MWC (2nd), but it is taking my son SO LONG to get through it. The teaching time takes FOREVER 😭 It is dragging down our homeschool experience in a big way. The Math-U-See price tag is a tough pill to swallow, but we are planning to switch in the new year. I really hope it will help him 🙏 Thanks for this side by side comparison. Made things very clear.
I hope Math U See will be a beneficial change for you guys!
We used MWC level K for my daughter and it was great. Yes, it was very teacher intensive and MUS was what we intended to move onto next but like you, due to the price tag I was hesitant. In the end we moved on Rod & Staff Gr. 1 maths which has been excellent for mastering maths facts. It's incredibly incremental so if you have a maths whiz that likes to power through then it's not for them BUT if you have a little that benefits from incremental repetition then it's great. My daughter is now in 1st grade and is on Rod & Staff Gr. 2 maths. It takes about 6mos-ish to complete if you do it daily. I don't use the teacher manual although I did purchase it. Like I mentioned it moves very slowly through ea. fact family so the child can almost do each lesson independently, and I think there's a lot to be said for muscle memory (just writing the facts over and over) when it comes to developing facts fluency. We use alongside XtraMath and she's doing so well with both. Just thought I'd add as a 10 cents for an affordable alternative to MWC and MUS.
Id like to try mus but worry my son will get bored with studying the same topic all year, however, hes struggling and seems to forget everything i teach him. Hes 9 and we are still reviewing math facts and doesnt seem to get the concept of multiplication much less division. Perhaps has mild dyscalculia I dont know. Im debating between mus and apologia math.
I would not move on to division when multiplication hasn't yet been understood. I think it's a bit of a misconception that MUS focuses on "one topic" all year...there's quite a bit of a range of applications and variety within a topic. I think for kids that struggle with math mastery, curriculums that have a strong focus on gradual, incremental mastery of a topic can often be a strong choice.
@@SevenInAllyou mean like topics as in time, measurements, etc are covered in addition for example?? I read a review of a lady who said mus didn't cover anything other than addition in the first ywars and it killed her sons desire to learn math. Wondering if it's true? Also wondering if you've tried the accelerated program in mus?
@@colesonamission Yes, time (reading clocks) is covered, measurements, perimeter, etc,--normal mathematical topics are covered. Lots of word problems to apply concepts to a variety of situations. I don't have experience with the AIM program, but that one won't cover time or anything else, just focus on mastering basic math facts. Another program that focuses solely on fact mastery is from Kate Snow, the writer of Math WIth Confidence--she also has books that are Multiplication Facts that Stick, Subtraction Facts that Stick...
My youngest is 7 lessons into Gamma and she is struggling with the monotony of MUS. All of my other kids have done fine with MUS, but she is my busy body, active, just wired differently…what level would you suggest looking into for Math with Confidence?
3rd Grade Math With Confidence would be similar to Gamma in the skills covered.
Would you say that one of these curriculums is more advanced than the other? Just curious, thanks!
We have completed MWC Level K and currently in MWC Level 1. It’s a good and fun fit for our family ❤
They're fairly similar in the concepts covered or the scope and sequence, though not exactly the same. I feel like you start adding larger numbers together sooner in Beta...but not necessarily in a way that feels more "advanced," if that makes sense?
I personally don't use the math with confidence teachers guide, as i can figure out on most of them what they want you to do. There are a few pages i have to get it out for. i will say, yes, i do have to give the directions to my kids sometimes or do the game with them. they will ask mom what do you on this page? so they can't do everything independently. but the pictures are a lot funner😊
The guide goes much more in depth on actually teaching problem-solving strategies, so for those parents who aren't already pretty familiar with the variety of strategies being taught, it's very helpful to have the Teacher's Guide. It's not solely an answer key--I think it's a misconception that the teacher's guide is just an answer key.
@SevenInAll yes, exactly, so this os great for parents who don't know what to say. I just wanted to give my thoughts for parents who were worried they would have to read it everyday. math u see is definitely more kids can do it on their own and just ask questions, especially with the teaching lessons included. i just wish math u see, they could at least put a pretty flower on some pages to motivate the kids lol
This is sort of off-topic, but your flip-through of MUS made me think. We normally use Saxon math for grades 4-8. It’s pretty solid for us, but I’m considering using MUS for my next year’s 8th grader. I think the main benefit would be sticking with a new topic for at least a week instead of Saxon’s constant variety; I think he would benefit from the extra time spent on one concept. I believe you’ve had experience with both; how do you think the two curricula compare? It would be pre-algebra. Or have you done a video covering this?
My sister is currently using MUS Pre-Algebra. I think it's a very well-done level, I love the word problems and application of concepts. I have used Saxon but it's been a loooong time since I've seen one of their texts in person so I can't really speak to a direct comparison. Sticking on one topic for a little chunk of time can definitely be helpful for some students!
Thank you, good to hear! One more question: does your sister still use the manipulatives much at this level?
@@nateandrosannaengebretson3996 No, she doesn't.
Do they teach a solid understanding of solving problems vertically with carrying/ knowing facts before doing the break apart mental math in mwc? I'm afraid she'll get confused.
MWC does not teach carrying or vertical problem solving first. It strongly leans toward knowing the addition facts very, very solidly, and using mental math to visualize addition and subtraction problems and solve them. We're about 10 weeks into 2nd grade math and haven't run into carrying yet. However, because I want my son to have multiple methods of problem solving so that he can choose the one that works best for him when faced with any problem, I have also taught carrying using vertical addition (and we often use that method with Math U See worksheets).
Not sure if this will help with your question but Mwc teaches borrowing multi-digit subtraction with mental math.
For math you see, would you suggest starting at alpha for grade 1 or start at primer ?
I have a video showing Alpha: th-cam.com/video/Jd6ce8lVqsk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=1MRgeV6kbn0znlZQ
Alpha is closer to a typical 1st grade scope and sequence, Primer is more similar to a gentle kindergarten math.
I have used Math-U-See for multiplication for my older kiddos and am doing MWC with my youngest. I am curious: do you do both with the same child? If so, how?
Up until this point I have--typically I have been leaning on MWC as the more "full" lesson, and then just adding in MUS for extra problems to solve. My oldest gobbles up math problems, so finishes a worksheet from MUS in a few minutes, it's a very easy add.
Are you using only one or both?
I'm currently using 2nd Grade Math With Confidence with my son. My mom does a little bit of "Grandma school" with him in the afternoons a couple days a week during my work hours, and she does use Math U See during that time. If he didn't have "Grandma school," I would probably just have him do Beta worksheets as quick independent work--but he's a somewhat advanced math student who really LOVES solving math problems, and can speed through a worksheet from Beta in a few minutes. I always adapt the school routine to fit the student.
Math U See is still working very well for all four of my kids. I am elated! 🎉
So with MUS do you just do a lesson introducing the topic one day and the rest of it is just practicing with the worksheets?
Yes--you don't have to use all the all the worksheets A-G for each lesson, that's up to you and up to the student's level of mastery. There's a test after each lesson topic.
The topics move very incrementally so a new lesson doesn't ever tend to feel like a big jump.