“The Good and the Beautiful” Math Curriculum Review

When we first began our homeschool journey, we quickly realized what did and didn’t work for our girl’s learning style.  They both thrive with visual and hands-on learning…plain worksheets just won’t cut it! I knew when I started researching different mathematics curriculum, that I would need to find something filled with illustrations, true to life scenarios, thought provoking discussions and of course, play!  “The Good and the Beautiful” Math has ticked all those boxes and a few we didn’t even know we needed ticked!

 

The physical curriculum is comprised of two spiral bound workbooks and an activity box, corresponding to the level you have selected.  The workbooks and materials are of very high quality and visually eye pleasing.  The colors are soft and do not distract from learning, they enhance it, actually! Traditional mathematics concepts are  covered in full and we have noticed that students are taught conceptual understanding and reasoning, as well.  They are also taught to notice mathematics in everyday situations, in art and nature.  This is such a beautiful way to learn! 

There is very little preparation involved each day for the teacher/parent.  The curriculum is broken up into short lessons which include daily step-by-step instructions for the teacher (no separate manual, it’s all right there).  At the beginning of each lesson there is a little section entitled “Daily Dose” in which the student quickly practices basic skills they have grasped so far, such as calendar work, skip counting, right and left practice etc.  This section always helps us to switch our minds over to the world of mathematics…almost like a mental warm up.

The lessons themselves are highly interactive and absolutely beautiful.  There is a nice balance between oral and written work, so the student doesn’t feel overextended in one avenue of learning. 

I wish I could show you everything that’s included in the activity box, but this post would read like a novel if I did! The box is filled to the brim with games and manipulatives. These are used throughout the lessons in various ways to help your child grasp new concepts and enjoy a level of playful learning in the process. 

One aspect, that pleasantly surprised us, is the amount of beautiful artwork included in the curriculum. Many of the lessons tie in famous art pieces from throughout history and these studies have been incredibly enriching to us all. The art often depicts scenes form all over the world and people from all walks of life.  

At the end of each lesson, there is an activity that the child can complete independently. Sometimes it is a maze, a coloring activity, a cut and past craft or tantagram puzzle. I use this time to quickly look over the next day’s lesson and pull out any resources we will need.  

The lessons themselves take on average 20 – 25 minutes to complete…unless you fall down a rabbit hole of learning of course! 

We do find the levels to be advanced although it entirely depends on your child.  As always, be sure to review the recommendations over at “The Good and the Beautiful” and see where your child places before ordering curriculum.  Honestly, I can’t recommend this curriculum highly enough.  We have had nothing but good memories as we journey through together, lots of laughter and connection.  I truly wish this curriculum existed at the level my oldest would require because I know it would change her opinion of math in a day! 

Be sure to reach out with any questions at all!  

What Math successes have you had?

-Sue