Hey everyone this is a different type of review, so grab a notebook and a pen and take a few notes. So I had the opportunity to check review Master Books Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 4 for them and I have a few thoughts for those who are looking for a new math curriculum.
Master Books, has a unique approach to math, and their MasterBooks Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 4 is no exception. This curriculum blends a gentle, story-based learning approach with a structured introduction to math concepts, making it a great choice for families looking for a relaxed, yet effective, math program. Below is an in-depth review of its strengths, weaknesses, and how it compares to other math curricula like Abeka Arithmetic 4.
Storytelling helps students connect math concepts to real-life situations. The ongoing story of twins Charlie and Charlotte and their family makes learning engaging and meaningful. This method improves comprehension and application of math skills. – Master Books
Overview of Master Books Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 4
Master Books takes a different approach to teaching math by integrating real-world applications, story-based learning, and incremental concept introduction. This revised edition continues to offer a slower-paced math progression, ensuring students have time to grasp each concept before moving forward. The curriculum is presented in a workbook format with engaging exercises, and the lessons feel more like a conversation rather than traditional math drills.
What’s Included:
- Student workbook
- Teacher’s Companion Book (which we received)
- Optional Practice Book (available for purchase)
- Access to Master Books Academy (for an additional charge)
The Teacher’s Companion Book provides guidance for instruction and additional teaching notes, while the practice Book offers extra worksheets for those who need additional practice or rigor. I highly recommend purchasing the practice Book if you want to reinforce concepts further or if your child thrives with extra review.
Master Books Academy: A Helpful Resource for Parents and Independent Learners
For families who need additional support, Master Books Academy offers online video instruction for an additional charge. This can be a great option for parents who feel less confident teaching math or for independent learners who prefer self-paced, guided instruction. The Academy provides video lessons that walk students through each concept, reinforcing what they are learning in the workbook. This can be especially helpful for busy parents or those with multiple children needing instruction in different subjects at the same time.
Who Is This Curriculum Best For?
MasterBooks Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 4 is an excellent fit for:
✔ Homeschool families looking for a gentle, Charlotte Mason-inspired approach
✔ Students who benefit from story-based learning and real-world application of math concepts
✔ Those who prefer a slower-paced introduction to new math skills
✔ Families who want a Christian perspective sprinkled throughout but don’t require a heavily faith-based program
✔ Parents who need additional instructional support through Master Books Academy
This curriculum does include Christian values and Biblical references, but they are woven in lightly, making it adaptable for non-religious families who don’t mind skipping or modifying certain references.
Comparison: Master Books Math Level 4 vs. Abeka Arithmetic 4
As someone who has personally taught Abeka Arithmetic 4 Revised Edition, I can confidently say that while both programs are strong, they serve different types of learners. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Masterbooks Math Level 4 | Abeka Arithmetic 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Relaxed, conceptual, and story-based | Traditional, drill-heavy, and structured |
| Pacing | Slower, more gradual introduction to new skills | Moves quickly and assumes prior mastery |
| Rigor | On-grade level (closer to 3rd grade, depending on prior exposure) | At least one grade level ahead |
| Extra Practice | Optional Practice Book (recommended for rigor) | Built-in review and daily drills |
| Christian Integration | Light Biblical references | Light Biblical references |
| Best for | Students who need a gentle, mastery-based approach | Students who thrive with challenge and structured review |
If your child is used to Abeka Arithmetic 4 or a more traditional, rigorous math curriculum, Master Books might feel too gentle or slow-paced. However, if your child has struggled with math anxiety or needs more time to master concepts, this could be a great alternative.
Final Thoughts: Is Master Books Math Level 4 Right for Your Family?
MasterBooks Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 4 is a solid choice for families wanting a relaxed approach to math while still covering essential concepts. However, because of its gentle pace and conceptual focus, I would personally place it closer to a 3rd-grade level in terms of difficulty, depending on a child’s previous math exposure.
If your child has already worked through a rigorous math program like Abeka, this may not provide the level of challenge they need. However, if you’re looking for a more approachable, engaging, and confidence-building math program, Master Books is a wonderful choice.
I also highly recommend purchasing the Practice Book for additional rigor, as it can provide that extra reinforcement some students may need. And for families wanting video-based instruction, the optional Master Books Academy can be a great support tool for an additional charge.
Overall, I appreciate the flexibility, gentle progression, and conceptual teaching of Master Books Math Level 4. It won’t work for every child, but for the right student, it can be a fantastic fit!
Little Learner and Mom 