Shiller Math
Shiller Math Kit 1 Review
Shiller Math was created by Larry Shiller with the goal of making learning math possible and enjoyable for all children. As a capable math student himself, he set out to design a math program that would allow all children the opportunity to learn math easily and enjoy it at the same time.
The Philosophy Behind Shiller Math
Shiller Math is a Montessori-based, spiral math curriculum that teaches each skill in small pieces, repeated for mastery throughout the program. The information provided encourages parents to allow students to set the pace and either move on more quickly, slow down and practice a skill or skip a skill and come back to it later.
There is an emphasis placed on allowing closure on a skill by allowing students the opportunity to continue to practice as long as they wish to.
The Basics of Shiller Math Kit 1
Kit 1 currently retails for $499.95 and is designed for children ages 4-8. It includes everything necessary for teaching and learning math. As the lessons are designed to focus on the different learning styles, there are many varied manipulatives that are included for the child to use. These manipulatives are well-made and of high quality.
The kit includes lesson books for teacher and student to use together as well as answer guides for the teacher. In addition, the complete kit I includes free downloads from the Shiller Math website for five years. This allows parents to download and print extra consumable pages for students to complete.
Additional teaching information is provided in the Parent Guide. There is abundant guidance provided for the parent who knows nothing about teaching or about math to be able to successfully teach this program. Also included is a CD with 25 songs designed to help kids learn math in a fun way.
My Recommendation for Shiller Math Kit 1
Shiller Math is a well-made, thorough math program that will work well for many children. I particularly recommend this program for any student who is struggling in math as well as any student who has a math disability. The specific focus on learning in small steps, incorporation of manipulatives and the patient teaching prompts will allow these students the jump-start they need to rediscover the fact that math can be fun.
Kit one provides parents of primary school students an easy way to supplement the school math curriculum at home. It also provides homeschool parents a complete teaching resource that will effectively teach the average math student. Even those parents without a teaching background can be successful.
While Shiller Math Kit 1 is an excellent option for any student starting off, it would not be best for students who are adept in math or who need an additional challenge in math as the spiral approach may frustrate them.
In all, Shiller Math is an excellent multi-sensory math curriculum that many students and parents will benefit from.
**Additional note** When I received my shipment of Shiller Math Kit I, it was missing one of the manipulatives. I had difficulty getting a hold of anyone by phone, but my email was answered quickly and the replacement manipulative was shipped priority mail the same day.
