Tools
Math Mammoth
Math Mammoth

Math Mammoth

Mastery-oriented, Conceptual understanding, Self-teaching
Available in OpenEd Marketplace
Grade level:
1-8
Educational philosophy
Mastery-oriented, Conceptual understanding, Self-teaching
Tags
Math
Budget-Friendly/Free

Math Mammoth has developed a strong following in the homeschool community, with many parents appreciating its depth and affordability. Here's what families are saying about this popular curriculum:

What Parents Love

Parents consistently praise Math Mammoth for enabling independent learning, especially after the early elementary years:

"I like that the math is taught to the student (good for independent workers) and explained very well." Customer Testimonial
"It's just set up so beautifully… You are always moving forward, but using what you already learned to move forward (kind of a built-in review). There are extra worksheets, websites with games, etc. if you ever need extra practice, as well as tons of free videos." Simply Charlotte Mason Forum

Many homeschoolers highlight the program's focus on conceptual understanding and mental math strategies:

"The mental math is amazing… I'm watching my daughter figure problems in her head…and producing the right answer." Simply Charlotte Mason Forum

The curriculum's mastery approach with strategic review is frequently mentioned as a strength:

"You can progress at your own pace… It is a mastery program… I like how the skills progress." Simply Charlotte Mason Forum

Parents appreciate the minimal preparation required:

"So far there is no prep – I just print a few pages and sit down with him." The CoffeeShop Blog
"Everything is on one sheet. No need for multiple books… Also, we can repeat sheets as needed." Simply Charlotte Mason Forum

The curriculum's affordability is a major selling point for budget-conscious families:

"This curriculum is economical, easy to implement, and most importantly, excellent quality." Cathy Duffy Reviews
"My frugal nature loves this… after you purchase Math Mammoth, the only cost to you is paper and ink for six years of math." The CoffeeShop Blog

Challenges Some Families Face

Some parents find Math Mammoth's rigorous approach challenging for certain students:

"It frustrates my children so much. Even though I demonstrate what to do, they both get confused, and end up in tears by the end of the lesson." Kate's Homeschool Math
"We had so many tears and so much confusion in the first two weeks, that we sold it and switched." Rainbow Resource Customer Review

The workload can be heavy for some learners:

"Could not focus through the long workbook pages. I had to sit with her and do part of it orally, almost daily, just to get through two pages in 1 to 1.5 hours." Kate's Homeschool Math

Parents note that the workbook format isn't ideal for all learning styles:

"I really wanted to love this math series, but there were so many tears… We realized it just wasn't a good fit for my child who needed more review." Rainbow Resource Customer Review

Who Thrives with Math Mammoth?

Based on parent feedback, Math Mammoth works best for:

  • Students who can work independently
  • Learners who benefit from thorough explanations
  • Families who prefer a mastery approach over spiral review
  • Budget-conscious homeschoolers
  • Parents who want minimal preparation time

Math Mammoth might be challenging for:

  • Students who need hands-on, manipulative-based instruction
  • Children who get overwhelmed by the amount of practice
  • Learners who thrive with daily spiral review
  • Young students who struggle with workbook-based learning

Tips from Experienced Users

Parents who successfully use Math Mammoth often:

  • Use the placement tests to ensure proper level placement
  • Assign only odd or even problems when full lessons are too much
  • Supplement with hands-on activities for kinesthetic learners
  • Take advantage of the free tutorial videos when concepts are difficult
  • Use the PDF format to annotate digitally if printing is a concern

Math Mammoth offers a solid, affordable mathematics education that has produced strong results for many homeschooling families. Its self-teaching format and conceptual approach have helped countless students develop confidence and competence in mathematics. As with any curriculum, success depends on matching the program to your child's unique learning style and needs.

Subjects covered

Core subjects: Comprehensive elementary math for grades 1-8, covering arithmetic, geometry, measurement, and introductory algebra topics

Specific topics by grade: Place value, geometry, division, fractions, decimals, integers, linear equations, ratios, percent, statistics

Teaching format: Worktext format (textbook and workbook combined) with integrated instructional explanations and practice problems

Special emphasis: Mastery-oriented approach, conceptual understanding, mental math strategies, minimal preparation required for parents

Teaching Format

Teaching Format: Primarily print-based with downloadable PDFs for worktexts and worksheets

Self-teaching structure: Lessons integrate instructional explanations with practice problems, allowing students to learn independently

Assessment methods: Includes cumulative reviews, chapter tests, and optional end-of-topic tests; answer keys provided for self-checking

Implementation flexibility:
- Can be used as a complete curriculum or supplemented with additional resources
- Parents can assign varying amounts of problems (e.g., odd/even) based on student needs

Supplemental resources: Free tutorial videos available online for many topics, enhancing understanding

Adaptability: Materials can be printed as needed, allowing for customization based on individual learning styles

Pricing

Pricing Model:

Digital download: Approximately $32 per grade (historically $32 for single grade, or about $225 for all 1–8 in a bundle)

Printed versions: Available via third-party publishers (cost varies)

Golden Series: Typically around $15 per grade (worksheets only)

Green Series: Generally just a few dollars each (worksheets by topic)

Cost-saving options: Unlimited printing rights for purchased materials; can reuse for multiple children

Supplemental books: Available for additional purchase, often at lower prices

Parent Involvement

Low to Moderate involvement required

Daily oversight: Parents monitor progress and ensure completion of assignments

Reduced teaching burden: Math Mammoth is designed for independent study, especially from Grade 3 onwards

Preparation: Minimal preparation needed; parents can print a few pages and sit down with the child

Teaching requirements: Parents may need to assist younger students or those struggling with concepts

Assessment duties: Parents check work using provided answer keys and help if the child struggles with a concept