When it comes to math curriculum, one of the big things to understand is the difference between a spiral approach and a mastery approach. In this article we will talk about the differences and then specifically talk about mastery online math curriculum.
{I received free access to CTCMath and was compensated for my time in writing this review. All views are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. Please see our full disclosure policy for more details.}
Spial vs. Mastery Approach to Math
One of the big things to consider when choosing a homeschool math curriculum is the approach that it uses. Math programs typically fall into two different categories: spiral or mastery.
Spiral math is also known as incremental math. With this approach concepts are taught incrementally with lots of reviews and drills. New material is added frequently with constant reviewing to achieve over a long period of time. With spiral math, material is revisited repeatedly over months and across grades. Spiral approaches teach a concept to a certain level and then move on in order to offer exposure to topics before building further on the initial topics
The mastery approach is also called sequential or skills-based learning. This approach to math seeks to build a complete set of knowledge on a topic, and then build upon those foundational blocks. Students are introduced to specific topics one at a time. Then they learn about the new concept in many different ways. With this approach the student must fully understand a concept before moving on.
CTCMath is a good example of a mastery online math curriculum. Stay tuned below to hear more!
But first I’m going to offer you a few examples of both spiral and mastery math homeschool curriculum options.
Examples of Spiral Homeschool Math Programs
- Teaching Textbooks – an app based math program for students in grades 3-12
- Horizons Math – a brightly illustrated, engaging workbook curriculum for homeschool students in grades Kindergarten – Algebra.
- Saxon Math – a K-12 textbook/workbook based math curriculum
Examples of Mastery Homeschool Math Programs
- Math U See – This K-12 math curriculum helps students learn math concepts and succeed at their own pace. This math curriculum integrates a distinctive set of manipulatives with strategies presented through lesson-by-lesson videos, textbooks, and digital resources.
- Singapore Math – based on the solid math from Singapore, this text/workbook curriculum covers grades preK-8th grade (there is also a new video option!)
- Life of Fred – an out of the box literature based approach to math. It is a COMPLETE math program that relies upon the self-teaching learning style so many of us homeschoolers use.
- ShillerMath – a Montessori based hands on program for preK-8th grade
- Mr. D Math – offers an interactive online classroom experience in High School Math including Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Pre-Calc and Consumer Math
Mastery Online Math Curriculum for Homeschool
CTCMath’s Homeschool Family Membership is a comprehensive mastery online math program for grades K-12. You pay one price for the whole family! You get unlimited access to all lessons, across all grades! This means kids can work at their own pace, speeding up or slowing down as needed!
Things to Love About CTCMath
There is so much to love about the CTCMath mastery online math program! I’m going to share with you a few of my favorite things, and then you can head over to CTCMath and grab your FREE Trial so you can check it out for yourself!
- Lessons are short and to the point! The step-by-step video lessons keep it short, giving kids small chunks to work with each day. (Even in the upper grade levels!)
- Adaptive Learning – CTCMath adjusts to your child’s skill level. This offers them a personalized learning experience, ensuring they are consistently challenged, but not too challenged!
- Progress Tracking and Reporting – as a busy mom it can be difficult to track and grade all of your kids’ work. Therefore it’s a bonus anytime I can find a program that does this for me! CTCMath tracks your child’s progress and generates detailed reports for you!
- Affordability – The last thing I want to point out is how affordable it is! Discounts are offered for homeschoolers! And not just a small discount! With the CTCMath Homeschool Membership, homeschoolers get 1/2 off!
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