Last Updated on March 28, 2025 by Sarah McCubbin
As parents, when we use curriculum, we want to know that its enough, so let’s talk about Master Books Math Level 1 and whether it would be a good fit for your family!
As a homeschool mom of nine who has been homeschooling for 17 years, I’ve used at least 10 different math curriculums in that time. Over the years, I’ve come to know what I want my first-grade level students to learn in math lessons—things like number families, place values, single-digit and double-digit addition, telling time, skip counting by 5’s and 10’s, and understanding bar graphs and line graphs.
Part way through the school year, I was given the chance to try Master Books Math Level 1: Lessons for a Living Education and see how it worked with my first grade daughter. I’ll be honest, when I opened the book and just flipped through, my first impressions were that this might not be enough because it looked quite a bit different than most other first grade math we have used.
One of the things I’ve noticed over my many years of homeschooling is that we as parents tend to forget that there is no right or wrong order or way to teach most of what we teach. And if you have ever had a child that stresses out and cries over what they are learning, is easy to see they aren’t learning much of anything under high pressure.
** This is a sponsored post. I received this product or compensation for review purposes only and was compensated for my time. I was not asked nor required to share a positive review; all opinions are my own. READ DISCLAIMER HERE for more information.
Table of Contents
What Is Special About Master Books Math Lessons For a Living Education?
In my opinion, the best way to describe this curriculum is “gentle.” When I flipped through the chapters, I was intrigued by its story-based approach. Unlike traditional math programs we have used that introduce math concepts with drill-based exercises, Master Books’ method takes a Charlotte Mason-inspired approach, blending real-life stories with short lessons that integrate copy work, oral narration, and hands-on experience to reinforce mathematical concepts.
While I would normally expect to see page after page of problems drilling addition facts, this book has many pages of handwriting practice, stories and instructions on practicing flash cards (that you can make), doing activities that connect math to real life an oral narration where they practice explaining math ideas.
I’ll admit, initially, I was skeptical of this approach. After all…it looks quite a bit different than what I have normally used. However, the more we used it, the more it grew on me.
Look Inside Master Books Math Level 1!
Normal math curriculum does not have students practice writing the numbers correctly for more than the first chapter of first grade. This one has them practicing writing throughout the whole book with numbers to trace. Part of me thinks…that might be too simple…but I should show you some of my older kids handwriting…and I would say maybe they needed more practice in first grade!!
Course Features and Structure
Each unit in this Christian homeschool math curriculum begins with a captivating story of the twins, Charlie & Charlotte, who encounter math in their everyday life. This engaging blend of stories connects mathematical ideas to a child’s own life, making it easier for students to see the real math behind everyday activities.
The workbook-style math curriculum is full color, visually appealing, and contains fun worksheets designed to help kids connect math skills with real-life story applications.
Instead of traditional problem drills, Master Books’ method focuses on practical application of math facts through confidence-building lessons that emphasize understanding over rote memorization. This approach creates a tear-free environment for students who may struggle with conventional math programs.
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What This Curriculum Covers
Throughout Living Education Level 1, students will learn foundational mathematical concepts, such as:
- Number families and place values
- Counting by 5s, 10s, and tally marks
- Telling time and understanding a bar graph or line graph
- Recognizing the value of math in everyday life
- Piggy math (basic money concepts)
The curriculum also provides copy work, which strengthens handwriting while reinforcing numbers, days of the week, and basic equations. If your child enjoys writing and storytelling, they may appreciate this approach.
Where Will My Child Learn The Actual Math Problems?
So previously I stated that this curriculum is not heavy on worksheets that drill math facts. And that is true.
Ok…so here is the deal. There is some practice built into the lessons. However, this curriculum is definitely designed to be paired with “something else” where you drill the facts.
In our house, we use computer programs to drill addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. You can use flash cards. You could use math memorization songs. You can use whatever works best for your child’s learning style.
They recommend making your own flash cards and practicing with those but really, you could use whatever works best for your child.
A Great Fit or a Perfect Fit?
This curriculum could be a great fit for families looking for a gentle introduction to first-grade math with an emphasis on living education series principles. However, if you’re used to a more traditional, drill-based approach, you may find the number of problems per lesson to be much less than other math books.
To make the most of Master Books Math Level 1, I’d recommend pairing it with:
- Flashcards or a downloadable PDF for extra math facts practice
- A basket of manipulatives for visual and tactile learners
- Additional worksheets or math games to reinforce new exciting new concepts
For some children, this curriculum may feel like a substantial kindergarten curriculum rather than a full first-grade level program. My daughter actually enjoys it because it’s not as intense as our other curriculum, and she loves the handwriting practice.
The Teaching Companion Guide
One of the best parts of this curriculum is the Teaching Companion, which provides a math lessons readiness test, outlines the full Living Education series, and offers tips for teaching students with different learning styles. It also suggests:
- Helpful manipulatives for hands-on learning
- Ways to develop communication skills through oral narration
- How to use real-life experiences to reinforce math
By looking at the course overview for 1st to 6th grade, you can see when different mathematical connections will be introduced in later levels, ensuring a smooth transition to second grade and beyond.
Final Thoughts: Is It a Game Changer?
If you’re looking for a homeschool math curriculum series that prioritizes practical application over drills, Master Books Math Level 1 is a great fit. Its unique approach through real-life story connections makes math feel less intimidating for young learners.
However, if you prefer a more structured, drill-based curriculum, you may need to supplement with additional resources to ensure your child gets enough practice with math facts and place values.
Overall, this curriculum provides a gentle introduction to first-grade math, builds important character traits, and fosters a love of mathematical concepts in a tear-free environment. For families who love Charlotte Mason-style learning, this could be the perfect book to start your child’s math journey.
Sarah McCubbin and her husband and 9 kids live in Ohio. She loves talking about all kinds of education topics and is passionate about helping families find the best education options in each season! Socially awkward growing up, she loves to help families teach life skills, social skills and leadership.
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This sounds like an interesting review! I’m curious about what made Master Books Math Level 1 seem different at first. As a parent who’s helped with homeschool math, I know how important it is to find the right fit. Did your daughter end up enjoying it? And how did the teaching companion guide help? I’m thinking about trying new curriculums for my little one too!
The book was different because it has so few practice problems compared to other curriculum I’ve used. In addition, it seems to emphasize handwriting much much longer than other curriculum. Incidentally…my daughter enjoys it quite a bit. We use CTCMath for our math spine and that is all computer based. So this mixed things up and let her do paper and pencil math which she liked quite a bit. The teaching companion has “tests” for each level…if you are trying to find your child’s placement. It also has hands on math practice to accompany each level.