Math Mammoth (Review)

I actually have a math program we all love, and have used for years. So I usually pass on math textbook type reviews. However, after checking out Math Mammoth, especially their Blue Series, I was intrigued. I chose to review the worktexts (workbook and textbook combined) for Clock, U.S. Money, Measuring 1 and Measuring 2.

The Math Mammoth Clock worktext has 78 pages (with an answer key), and is geared for grades 1-3. It covers reading a clock, figuring out time intervals (whole and half hours, half and quarter hours, and how many minutes pass), and using a calendar. Recommended supply: a clock with adjustable hands.

Amber, age 7: “It was interesting, and fun, too.”

Math Mammoth U.S. Money has 51 pages (with an answer key), and is designed for grades 1-3. The book begins with counting money (pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters), moves into adding money amounts, follows with counting change using two methods (mental math), and ends by practicing various money problems with both mental math and in columns on paper. Recommended supply: real coins to work the problems with.

There are books available for Canadian money, European money, British money, and Australian money.

Jake, age 10: “Kind of challenging; I like it.”

Math Mammoth Measuring 1 has 74 pages (with an answer key), and is intended for grades 1-3. It covers length, weight, and volume with lots of measuring practice (including hands-on activities). Recommended supplies: ruler, measuring tape, scales, and measuring cups.

Chrystiana, age 17: “It was kinda easy for my age, but would be great for the younger ones.”

Christian, age 13: “I think it’s nicely put together, well thought out, makes you actually use your mind more.”

Math Mammoth Measuring 2 has 69 pages (with an answer key), and is designed for grades 4-5. This book carries on where book 1 leaves off with some measuring, but deals more with calculations and conversions. Topics covered include time calculations, temperature, length, weight, volume, conversions between units, and decimals in measuring units. It again covers both U.S. and metric measurements. Recommended supplies: ruler, measuring tape, and calculator.

Chrystiana, age 17: “This one was more of a challenge, and put a different spin on it (math concepts).”

All four books are designed to progressively get harder as your student moves through the book. They are designed with minimal teacher preparation needed, and are easy to use. You will find table of contents and sample page links on each product page right under the photo of the worktext. The Blue Series is wonderful to use as a supplement, remedial work, or as a review on specific topics.

How We Used It and What We Think:
I use these as supplements, review and extra practice for our regular math program. They worked on the book I assigned, a little at a time, going at their individual pace. I printed out a copy for each child, rather than have them work in the PDF on the computer, even though this is an option.

My older two are above the grade range, however, they don’t mind being guinea pigs. Plus they agreed the extra practice would be nice. They both found certain parts of the books challenging. There was more mental math than they usually get, plus the books teach things differently. As my daughter said, “a different spin”. Both are doing the books independently.

My son actually fell into the upper grade range (3rd grade), and he’s finding it challenging, but easy to learn. Occasionally, he needs clarification, but otherwise, he’s fairly independent. On some of the pages, it says you can draw the coins, but we chose to use real ones for better application and learning. By the time he gets to Measuring 2, he will be right in that grade range, too.

My youngest won’t be in first grade until this fall. So we’re working slowly through the clock book at the moment. Since she’s still learning her number words, I made a cheat sheet so she can be a little more independent. She loves Math Mammoth, but it’s definitely challenging her. I spend quite a bit of time working beside her. Our plan is to go at her pace, knowing we may put it away from time to time.

I love our math program, but sometimes I don’t think there is enough practice or handling of certain topics. I love how Math Mammoth gets them thinking more, and covers things we’ve missed in our regular math. I think it’s been a great addition to our schooling.

Pricing and More Information:
Math Mammoth Clock: PDF for $4.00 or print for $10.85.
Math Mammoth Money: PDF for $3.25 or print for $9.50.
Math Mammoth Measuring 1: PDF for $4.50 or print for $10.90.
Math Mammoth Measuring 2: PDF for $4.00 or print for $11.60.

PDF pages can be printed for all of your own students making this a wonderful price especially when you have multiple kids.

You can find out more about Math Mammoth on the About and FAQ pages. You can even download a free sampler by subscribing to either the Math Teaching Emails tour, or the Math Mammoth email tour.

There are also some great resources like the Math Mammoth placement tests, free math videos, free math worksheets, and the Homeschool Math blog.

*Pricing and information is accurate to the best of my knowledge at time of posting.