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I have homeschooled for 26 years now, and I have a confession to make. I have never used any products from Math-U-See. While I have always been intrigued by it, but I just never purchased it. When I had the opportunity to review Math-U-See Accelerated Individualized Mastery (AIM) for Addition and Subtraction, I jumped at the chance. My youngest son could certainly use additional addition and subtraction strategies to help him master these concepts.

What is Math-U-See AIM 

This product was developed for the older student who struggles with addition and subtraction. It uses Math-U-See manipulative to teach addition and subtraction strategies and is geared toward ages 8-16.

The set comes with the following: 

A Step-by-Step Resource Guide that explains the program. Additionally, this guide offers tips for success in using this program, gives an overview of the lessons, and has instructions for the lessons.

Integer Blocks – These blocks are the basis for Math-U-See’s successful addition and subtraction strategies. They are essential to teaching the lessons.

Colored Pencils that are the same colors as the Integer Blocks.

Fact Check Cards 

Math Strategy Posters

A code for 12 months access to Lesson Videos, Instructions, Solutions, and Printable Resources which even includes a Certificate of Completion.

Furthermore, online resources include a worksheet generator that is awesome!

How We Used Math-U-See AIM to Master Addition and Subtraction at Home

Before using this product, I took the online Before AIM assessment. This helps to determine if this is a product that will be helpful to your child.

We used Math-U-See AIM to help our 15-year-old Jack-Jack who is autistic to reinforce addition and subtraction facts. While he absolutely loved the manipulatives because he is a hands-on type of child, he did not love the lessons. The visuals gave him a hand-up in mastering addition and subtraction. Additionally, I know the strategies learned will be helpful to him.

Jack-Jack did make a square with the blocks, and he did know immediately that there were 10 rows of 10 and that equals 100.

However, while he loved playing with the colorful blocks by himself, and doing his own problems, he would get completely frustrated when asked to perform tasks with them. I do not know if that is because he sees things differently or because we have been stuck in the house for far too long. 

My Overall Recommendations for Math-U-SEE AIM

I am impressed with the materials and the approach it takes to help a child master addition and subtraction. The strategies the program uses are definitely helpful for most children.

While I don’t feel that my son got the full benefit from Math-U-See Accelerated Individualized Mastery at this time, I do know that his reluctance toward the program can change in a matter of months. While I know that this program and the addition and subtraction strategies it presents are wonderful, sometimes not every program works for everyone.

My overall feeling is that I need to shelf Math-U-See AIM for a time period and pull it out in a few months and try again. The last time, Jack-Jack reacted this way to a math curriculum it centered around telling time. I simply put it away, and when I pulled it out in 6 months, he was ready, eager, and had remembered all the concepts from the last time we had used it. Since the online lessons are good for 12 months, I have plenty of time to try again.

VISIT the Crew Blog (via the big banner below) to read more reviews for the Math-U-See Accelerated Individualized Mastery.