When it comes to homeschooling, math often presents a unique set of challenges. The options for math programs are vast, and as homeschooling parents, we want to pick a curriculum that not only meets our child’s educational needs but also aligns with their learning style. In a recent conversation, three experienced homeschooling moms—Christina, June, and Maggie—shared insights and advice on choosing a math program, particularly for parents who may feel apprehensive about teaching math. Here’s their guidance on how to make the right choice, from assessing your child’s learning style to incorporating real-life math.

Getting Started: Take It One Step at a Time

Early Years: Don’t Rush Into Formal Math

For young learners, there’s often a temptation to jump straight into formal math instruction with worksheets and math facts. However, Christina advises a more relaxed approach for early learners. “I would think about waiting and maybe focus on real-life math,” she suggests, emphasizing the importance of letting math naturally integrate into everyday activities, like counting objects or measuring ingredients. This can help make math feel more like a part of life rather than a rigid subject they must tackle.

June shares that some well-respected math programs don’t even introduce formal lessons until third grade, expecting younger children to engage in activities that lay foundational math concepts in a hands-on, exploratory way. In the early years, math can be about counting, grouping, and playing with numbers in daily activities.

Use Manipulatives to Make Math Fun

Manipulatives—hands-on tools that help visualize math concepts—are wonderful for young children and can be valuable for older students as well. “A manipulative would be anything that you use with your hands,” Christina explains. Beans, egg cartons, or an abacus can be used to introduce early math concepts in a tangible, engaging way. June also mentions that children who enjoy movement or physical activity often thrive with manipulatives because they can actively engage with the math concepts.

Choosing a Math Program: Consider Learning Styles

Think About How Your Child Learns Best

Understanding your child’s learning style is crucial when selecting a math program. There are programs that rely on worksheets and pencil-and-paper tasks, others that incorporate manipulatives, and some that use games to make math more interactive. Christina suggests observing what captures your child’s interest: do they prefer structured tasks, or are they more engaged when they can move around and interact with the material?

Some children, particularly those who are energetic and physical, may benefit from using math manipulatives or even standing and moving during math lessons. As June shares, her own math lessons sometimes involve “moving around the room,” which helps keep children engaged and reinforces math concepts through physical activity. For other children, a traditional workbook approach may be sufficient.

Trial and Error: Don’t Be Afraid to Switch Programs

June and Christina emphasize that it’s okay to start with one program and switch if it doesn’t work. “Trial and error is okay,” says Christina. If you try a curriculum that doesn’t resonate with your child, it’s perfectly acceptable to make a change. Flexibility is one of the strengths of homeschooling, and if a curriculum isn’t meeting your child’s needs, there’s no need to stick with it out of obligation.

Maggie adds that when assessing a curriculum, parents should think about whether the program’s approach makes sense to them, too. “If it doesn’t make sense to you, back away,” she advises. Your comfort with the material can influence how effectively you teach it.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Math Curriculum

Consider Your Involvement and Time Commitment

One important aspect of choosing a math program is understanding the level of parental involvement required. Some curriculums are designed for independent learning, while others require a more hands-on approach from the parent. June points out that different families have different schedules and capacities, so it’s essential to choose a program that aligns with your availability.

Video-based programs, for example, can take some of the pressure off the parent by allowing a teacher to guide the lesson. “For parents who feel intimidated by math, these programs are great,” says Christina. Video instruction can reduce the friction and frustration that can sometimes accompany math lessons.

Don’t Be Overwhelmed by Curriculum Vocabulary

For many parents, choosing a math program can feel overwhelming simply due to the specialized vocabulary used on curriculum websites. Terms like “scope and sequence,” “differentiated assessments,” and “mastery-based learning” can feel intimidating, but as June reassures, these terms are simply part of the educational jargon. “Every area of life has its own vocabulary,” she explains. Instead of feeling inadequate, focus on the core elements of the program and ask questions if needed.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, look for sample lessons or videos that explain the program in action. Often, a curriculum that sounds complicated on paper becomes much clearer when you see it in use.

When to Consider Changing Curriculum

Recognizing When It’s Not Working

Despite our best efforts, there may come a time when a curriculum isn’t a good fit. Maggie advises that when frustration becomes a recurring theme in math lessons, it might be time to consider a change. “If your child is consistently frustrated or you’re finding that it’s not making sense to them, it may not be the right fit,” she explains.

Christina and June agree that switching curriculums doesn’t indicate failure. Sometimes, finding the right math program involves trying a few options until you find one that clicks. The goal is to create a positive, supportive learning environment, and if switching helps achieve that, it’s worth the adjustment.

Giving Yourself and Your Child Grace

Choosing a math program and navigating the challenges of teaching math can feel daunting, so the moms encourage giving yourself grace in the process. “There were tears,” they admit, acknowledging that both parents and children may experience frustration with math from time to time. But as Christina points out, it’s okay to laugh and cry with your kids along the way. With patience and a little flexibility, math can become a meaningful and enjoyable part of your homeschool journey.

Making Math a Part of Everyday Life

Real-Life Math Opportunities

Beyond the curriculum, parents can enrich math learning by incorporating it into everyday activities. June shares how math is naturally present in many tasks, from measuring ingredients in cooking to calculating fractions. “Math is everywhere,” she says, adding that these real-life applications can make math more relevant and less intimidating.

Christina agrees, noting that even simple activities like grouping objects, playing counting games, or measuring items around the house can make math feel like a natural part of life. When children see math in action, it helps them understand its practical applications and appreciate its importance.

Keep a Positive Attitude

A parent’s attitude toward math can significantly influence their child’s perspective. June shares that she often reminds her children about the beauty and order of math, explaining that numbers and patterns reflect the structure of the world around us. “God made these number systems to work out so beautifully,” Christina adds, encouraging parents to approach math with a sense of wonder and excitement.

Maggie emphasizes the importance of celebrating small victories and staying positive, even when lessons don’t go as planned. By approaching math with a sense of curiosity, you can help foster a positive learning environment where children feel free to explore and enjoy the subject.

Conclusion: Trust Yourself and Embrace the Journey

Choosing a math program can be an emotional decision for many homeschoolers, especially those who may not feel naturally inclined toward the subject. But as Christina, June, and Maggie emphasize, it’s important to trust yourself, take things one step at a time, and not be afraid to make changes along the way. Math may have its challenges, but with patience, flexibility, and a supportive attitude, it can become a rewarding part of your homeschool experience.

Whether you’re starting with simple counting games, exploring hands-on manipulatives, or finding a video-based program that works for your family, there’s a path that will make math work for you. So grab some manipulatives, dive into everyday math activities, and remember: you’ve got this! Homeschooling offers the freedom to find what fits, and with a little grace, math can become a cherished part of your homeschooling journey.