Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I was compensated for my time to review and write about Master Books homeschool elementary math. All opinions are always my own. Thank you to Master Books for sponsoring this post. For more information on sponsored posts, see my disclosure.
One of the best things about homeschooling is seeing your kids excited to learn. The other night, my five-year-old looked at me and said, “I want to do my math right now.” So she ran over to my desk, grabbed her homeschool elementary math book, and told me to teach her. We went through the lesson, and then she taught me her math.
There are certain moments in your homeschool journey that are going to make your sacrifices totally worth it. This was one for me.
I know what you’re thinking, with all the curriculum options out there, how do I find the one that makes it totally worth it? There are so many options to choose from, it can feel very overwhelming. Especially when it comes to teaching kindergarten. You want to start out with the right momentum because this will determine the rest of your homeschool life…or so we think.
There are so many options when it comes to homeschool elementary math. It is hard to narrow it down to just the right curriculum. Here’s the good news, you don’t need to look for the perfect curriculum. You just need to look for the homeschool elementary math curriculum that works for you.
You have the freedom to experiment, try something new, or ditch something that doesn’t work.
Picking a Homeschool Curriculum that Fits Your Style
The best way to pick a math curriculum, or any curriculum, is to decide what’s important to you and how you want to teach. And this may change from grade to grade.
For kindergarten through second grade, I take a more laid back approach to school. I’ve found that it just works better for my little people.
I have tried using Abeka for the younger grades, but I concluded it is too much for the young ones. I use Abeka for upper elementary through middle school grades, for the most part.
When you are picking a homeschool elementary math for your young learners, think about how you want to teach the subjects, and how you want to introduce learning to your littlest learners. Think about the attention span and how active your child is.
Look at the teaching style and the philosophy of the curriculum. For example, let’s compare Master Books Math Lessons for a Living Education and Abeka K5 Math.
Master Books Math Lessons for a Living Education or Abeka K5 Math
These are two very different math programs. In their approach and philosophy, they are both very different. But that is the best part about homeschooling. You can pick the approach that works best for you.
- Master Books takes a more Charlotte Mason-inspired, story-based approach to math. The lessons are woven into a narrative with gentle, hands-on activities that encourage real-world connections. If you love the idea of math feeling organic and practical instead of just worksheets and drills, this might be for you.
- Abeka takes a traditional, structured approach. If you went to public school, then Abeka will remind you of a traditional school approach to math. It’s a spiral-style curriculum with lots of repetition and practice. If frequent review and a predictable routine are what you are looking for, then Abeka might be exactly what you need.
Master Books Math Lessons for a Living Education is a great choice if you’re looking for something that is more hands-on and laid back. If you need more structure and with more review, then Abeka might be the perfect fit for you.
Both curricula will help your child master basic concepts. It really comes down to the approach you want to take with your homeschool elementary math.
Elementary Math Hands-On vs. Workbooks
Both curricula have workbooks. However, Master Books also provides recommendations for additional real-world activities to accompany the lesson.
For example, in lesson one, you’re going to add a board game that includes color recognition and number recognition. In lesson 22, you will need a jump rope and blocks.
- Master Books adds hands-on activities, like counting real objects, simple games, and interactive stories. If your child is a hands-on learner or prefers more real-life application, instead of seatwork, then Master Books might be the perfect fit for you.
- Abeka is more workbook focused. There are daily exercises with it being more seat work oriented. It is possible to supplement the workbook with some hands-on activities. If your child thrives on structure and repetition, this could be a great fit.
Elementary Math Requires Teacher Involvement
Master Books Math Lessons for a Living Education and Abeka K5 Math both require teacher involvement. But let’s be real, until your children are fluent readers, they will need teacher involvement.
It depends on the child, but Master Books would require more hands-on involvement from mom because of the extra recommended activities. The workbook lessons for each math program are about the same, but the extra hands-on activities will make the Master Book lessons a bit longer.
If you want more bonding time over homeschool and adding these fun real-world touches to the lesson, then Master Books Math Lessons for a Living Education, just may be the right fit for you and your kids.
This or That: Master Books Math Lessons for a Living Education or Abeka K5 Math
Choosing a curriculum is about finding the right fit for your kids. We all have our unique learning style, and it is important to find the curriculum that fits your child’s style of learning.
We have a lot of freedom as homeschoolers. Embrace that freedom and choose the curriculum that is the best fit for your child.
Choose Master Books If…
✅ You want a gentle, story-based approach to math.
✅ Your child learns best through hands-on activities instead of worksheets.
✅ You have a younger kindergartner or one who needs a slower pace.
Choose Abeka If…
✅ You want a structured, traditional math program.
✅ Your child enjoys workbook practice and daily review.
✅ You want a thorough, spiral-based approach with plenty of review.
Conclusion: Homeschool Elementary Math
Both Master Books Kindergarten Math and Abeka K5 Math have their strengths, and the best choice really depends on your child’s learning style and your homeschool approach.
If you want a gentle, hands-on, story-driven introduction to math, Master Books is a fantastic choice. But if you prefer structured, workbook-based learning with plenty of review, Abeka might be the better fit.
Either way, the most important thing is choosing what works for your child and your homeschool—and don’t be afraid to switch if something isn’t working!
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