Two of the most popular homeschool math programs for families where the parent doesn't feel confident teaching math. Teaching Textbooks handles instruction entirely through animated video lessons on screen. Math-U-See uses physical manipulative blocks alongside parent-led video instruction from Steve Demme. Both reduce the parent's teaching burden, but in different ways.
Teaching Textbooks is fully digital and almost entirely independent. Math-U-See is hands-on and tactile, making it especially strong for kinesthetic learners and students with learning differences. If screen time is a concern, Math-U-See gets math off the computer. If parent involvement is the concern, Teaching Textbooks requires less of your time day to day.
| Teaching Textbooks | Math-U-See | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | 3rd–12th | K–12 |
| Subject | Math | Math |
| Philosophy | Eclectic | Charlotte Mason, Eclectic, Montessori |
| Format | Online | Hybrid |
| Orientation | Secular | Neutral |
| Structure | High | Medium |
| Parent Time | Very Low | Medium |
| Learning Style | Self-Paced, Visual | Hands-On, Visual |
| Best For | Independent Workers, Reluctant Learners | Special Needs/2e, Struggling Readers |
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