By Pam Woodbury

While I strongly encourage the use of games, manipulatives, and life experiences for teaching math to young children, it is still nice to have a program to follow.  Our favorite, for the first through third grade child, is Miquon Math.  The following excerpt, which comes straight from the publisher, describes the program best.

Based on the belief that mathematical insight grows out of observation, investigation, and the discovery of patterns, the six children's workbooks of the Miquon Math Materials lead children through an exploration of mathematical relationships. Concrete models are not supplements to the written work but instead are the basis of it and are used continuously.

Unlike conventional math series that concentrate on the mechanical manipulations of arithmetic, Miquon Math presents a broader introduction to mathematics, of which arithmetic is only a part. While conventional series drill and bore, Miquon Math allows children to be creative and imaginative problem solvers.

Being a very creative thinker, my son especially liked this series, particularly because it allowed him to make discoveries and determine basic principles on his own.  My younger daughter loved the mapping pages the best and still enjoys pulling out maps and tracing routes from one location to another.  What I liked best was the use of patterns to demonstrate principles so that the child could fully comprehend them.  Many advanced concepts are taught at a very early age, and because they are taught in context they are easily understood.  I feel that this curriculum, combined with supplemental games and drills, provides a child with the abilities and experiences needed for building both a love of mathematics and future success in the field.

For additional information about Miquon Math, visit the publisher's web-site here: Miquon Math

Note: A set of Cuisenaire Rods is required for working through this series.