Math Made Simple: Games, Manipulatives, and Curriculum Tips for Homeschoolers | Episode 325

Podcast

Not sure how to make math work in your homeschool? This episode is packed with down-to-earth advice for keeping math simple, not starting too early, and helping your kids enjoy it! Several points were raised, including using games and daily routines to build math skills naturally, plus an honest look at popular programs like CTC Math and Right Start Math. If you want your kids to love math—and you want less stress—this episode will help you breathe easier and teach with confidence!

You’ll hear about:

Why a strong math foundation begins with hands-on experiences, real-life learning, and waiting for your child to be developmentally ready
How games, manipulatives, and everyday moments can help children enjoy math and build confidence without the pressure of early worksheets
Encouragement to let go of math anxiety and embrace a peaceful, life-giving approach to learning mathematical thinking
A look at some of our favorite homeschool math resources and how to choose the one that best fits your family’s season and your child’s needs
Why learning math facts at the right time creates confidence and makes future math far less frustrating
Simple ways to weave meaningful math into everyday life through cooking, shopping, measuring, telling time, and the ordinary rhythms of home

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Manipulatives

Double nine dominoes
Raisins, beans, M&Ms (as manipulatives)
Cuisenaire rods

Books

Math for Smarty Pants
The I Hate Mathematics Book
(both published by Brown Paper School books, Little Brown)
Games for Math by Peggy Kaye

Curriculum/Programs

Pre Math It and Math It
Math-U-See
RightStart Math
CTC Math
Saxon Math (specifically, “Saxon 6:5” and reference to other textbooks in the series)