Friday, April 3, 2020

Accelerated Individualized Mastery (AIM) for Addtion and Subtraction from Math-U-See Review

{Disclaimer:  I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.}


I was so excited when I saw that Math-U-See now offers Accelerated Individualized Mastery (AIM) for Addition and Subtraction, I knew that I wanted us to try it.  This program was developed for students that are older who are struggling with math because they have gaps in their math foundations (specifically with addition and subtraction facts).  For those not familiar with Math-U-See, their program teaches using multi-sensory tools - videos, manipulatives, and other resources that appeal to all types of learners.  Through this process of "seeing" math, you begin to really understand it.

 Our AIM Box

Inside our box

This particular program has a physical set and a digital component.  They physical set includes an AIM resource guide, Math-U-See Integer blocks, Math-U-See colored pencils, Fact Check Cards and Math Fact Strategy Posters.

 Our Fact Check Cards

 Our cards after separating them.
{The stars are used to measure mastery.  When facts are known the stars are colored in.}

I love the different colors of our Integer blocks, each number of blocks is a different color.  The individual ones are green, the blocks with two are orange, the blocks with three are pink, etc.

 The colored pencils are the exact same colors as the Integer blocks.

 A peek inside our AIM Resource Guide

Our guide is awesome.  Not only does it explain the AIM approach, but it also contains step-by-step instructions for each lesson, strategies for assessing mastery, guidance on the next steps along with sample activities for practice and review.  I also really appreciate the lessons at a glance pages.

 The Build, Write, Say method is a huge part of this program to help students learn mastery of their addition and subtraction facts.

Our Online Component

The digital component gives us 12 months of access to the online and downloadable resources that are available to support the AIM program.  I like that the online component has both overview and lesson-specific videos and instructions along with solutions with additional practice resources!  You can print extra consumables in the resource section.

 There is a Before AIM Assessment to determine if AIM is right for your child.

E's score is in red.  D's is in purple and F's is in orange.

I completed this assessment with several of the kids.  It has written instructions and a short video so that you know that you are administering it correctly.  D and E both scored a 117 (kind of funny they would get the same number), which means they have a solid foundation for addition and subtraction.  F scored a 47, which meant the AIM for Addition and Subtraction program will benefit him in his math fact fluency so I'm using it with him!

Above you can see the first online lesson on Integer Blocks.  You can see when you are watching the first lesson there are 4 blue boxes underneath:  Lesson box, Activities box, Resources box and Assessments box.

 F watching Lesson 1

 When you click the Activities box you then have several options open:  Color Key, Integer Block Matching Game, Integer Blocks (Colors and Values) and Color-by-Block Value Activity.

Above you can see the color key of the pencils matched with their Integer Blocks.

In Lesson 3, there is also a Solutions tab for the problems.

 Above is an example of what you see in the solutions tab for the word problems in Lesson 3.

The Resources tab in Lesson 3 contains  Online Drill, Worksheet Generator, Digital Manipulatives, Addition Facts Mastery Chart and Subtraction Facts Mastery Chart.

 F working on Lesson 1 Activity C

 F building with our Integer blocks.

G likes to watch!

While this program is geared for students a bit older (8-16) who haven't mastered addition and subtractions facts, use their fingers for counting, and/or begin struggling as math concepts increase in difficult, it's going well using it with F and I am pleased.  Again, AIM for Addition and Subtraction specifically focuses on mastery of single-digit addition and subtraction.  This program can be completed at the student's pace, usually 6-8 weeks, but again, the student can and should set the pace as you move on as mastery is acquired.  We are using it at a slightly slower pace since F is a bit younger.  If you have a student struggling with basic addition and subtraction facts, AIM is a great program to use to help them strengthen and master these math concepts. 

It is important to remember that AIM is not a full math curriculum but a supplement.  It can be used with multiple students, each one will need individualized attention and will most likely progress at different rates.  The lessons are very short and focused and designed to be done with help via a parent or other instructor.

How we store our set.

All the planning and lesson preparation leg work for this program is done for you.  Just follow the guide and online lessons and watch your student learn!

Be sure to click on the banner below to visit the Homeschool Review Crew blog to read even more reviews of Math-U-See.

Accelerated Individualized Mastery (AIM) for Addition and Subtraction {Math-U-See Reviews}

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2 comments:

  1. Thanks for the information my grandchildren could use this!
    I will show this to their mothers. Your children look like
    they are enjoying it. Good luck! Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This sounds like such a great program to help kids who are struggling a bit with addition and subtraction. I like that it has a physical component and an online one. The materials look really well made, too.

    ReplyDelete