If you're searching for Master Books math curriculum reviews, you're in the right place. This page brings together verified customer feedback, experienced homeschool reviewer perspectives, and candid insights from moms who have used Math Lessons for a Living Education (MLFLE) across levels K–6.
What is MLFLE? Math Lessons for a Living Education uses a story-based, real-life application approach that helps students truly understand concepts rather than simply memorize steps. The GENTLE Approach™ emphasizes mastery through developmentally appropriate pacing, hands-on practice, and meaningful context so learners can connect abstract ideas to everyday situations. By focusing on confidence, developmental readiness, and deep comprehension, MLFLE equips families with a math program that is both effective and accessible for a wide range of homeschool needs. See this product line.
The best way to know if a curriculum is right for your family? Hear from the families already using it who have given reviews of Master Books curriculum.
What Parents Are Saying: Verified Master Books Customer Reviews for MLFLE Levels K-6
Thousands of verified Master Books customers have shared what Math Lessons for a Living Education looks like in their homes. Here are some of their stories, organized around the questions homeschool parents ask most.
About Master Books Math Ease of Use
Does Math Lessons work for busy homeschool moms?
“As a busy homeschool mom this curriculum has been a God sent. My child is grasping concepts, loves the worksheets and is stress free. Open and go!”
Verified customer review by MC, Level K | Sept. 2025
What else do I need to use Math Lessons?
“my kids loved the engaging pictures and the book has all you could need.”
Verified customer review by Sonia, Level 1 | Aug. 2025
How much lesson prep is required for Math Lessons?
“I have been using Master Books for 3 years with 4 kids, and I can recommend all their basic subject materials without reservation. I love how homeschool-mom friendly everything is. There aren’t a zillion books to sort and prep. Everything for first grade math is in one main text. You can literally open the book and do the lesson without spending time, money, or effort on half a dozen learning aids and extra books. I love how the new concepts are broken down into pieces that are small enough for first-grade brains to handle and how all five senses are included in the learning process. Five stars for sure!”
Verified customer review by Corrie, Level 1 | April 2025
It’s already mid-year. Can I switch to MLFLE?
“we switched curriculum half way through the year and it was the best decision ever!! LOVE this”
Verified customer review by Olives and Arrows, Level 5 | Jan. 2026
About Master Books Math Engagement and Attitude Towards Math
Can Master Books make math fun?
“We have used this twice now, and it makes math so fun! My kids beg to do school because they love these books so much!”
Verified customer review by Payton, Level K | Feb. 2026
Can Math Lessons turn around a math hater?
“My youngest son did well with this math curriculum. Math is his least favorite subject, and once we switched to this curriculum, he began to understand math. He finally admitted math was not so bad. We are glad we switched to Master Books math for elementary. I highly recommend this math curriculum. Easy format!”
Verified customer review by Hess Family, Level 2 | Aug. 2025
My child gets frustrated with math. Will Math Lessons work for us?
“I fell in love with the simple and easy concepts this math curriculum teaches. My son use to get very frustrated daily and after switching to Master Books he is definitely happier when he has to complete his math lessons. The lessons in this book are open and go and easy to follow. I would absolutely recommend to everyone.”
Verified customer review by Annamarie, Level 4 |Aug. 2025
About Master Books Math Faith and Worldview
What worldview does Math Lessons have?
“This was our first year from changing form another curriculum. The format was open and go, making it so much more user friendly. The literature connection was also engaging. Love that I can trust the Christian worldview this series includes!”
Verified customer review by Jennifer, Level 2 | July 2025
About Master Books Math Learning and Understanding
Does MLFLE help students understand the why behind math?
“Math for my youngest child used to be just one more thing. She put up with it, but never really excelled. Last year when we were deciding which curriculum to use we decided to try Master Books math. We are so glad that we did. She is really getting math now, she can work through problems and can verbalize the why
behind the math. I highly recommend.”
Verified customer review by mom24, Level 4 |Feb. 2026
Does MLFLE help with retention and confidence?
“Math level 5 was perfect for my son. The gentle approach to new concepts was just what we needed to help these new concepts sink in. The review pages sprinkled in each week is also super helpful for retention and building his confidence.”
Verified customer review by Tiah, Level 5 |Sept. 2025
Does Master Books math have enough review and practice?
“I love how this curriculum spirals and reviews the concepts throughout the year. It pairs perfectly with the Practice Makes Perfect book for extra practice of the concepts.”
Verified customer review by Heather, Level 4 |Nov. 2025
Is Math Lessons distracting for kids who have trouble focusing?
“We recently switched to *Math Lessons for a Living Education: Level 3*, and I couldn't be happier with the change! My kids were feeling overwhelmed with our previous curriculum, as it was so busy and difficult for them to navigate without my constant direction. There were too many distractions on each page, which made it hard for them to focus and feel confident in their math skills.”
Verified customer review by Sarah, Level 3 | March 2025
About Master Books Math Results and Performance
Can Math Lessons help students perform well on standardized tests?
“I wasn’t sure how well my girls were doing, it’s always hard to be confident until we do state testing. But both girls, who would say they don’t love math, passed their 3rd grade state testing just fine.”
Verified customer review by Stacey, Level 3 | Oct. 2025
What is the pace and workload like with Master Books math?
“My two sixth graders were struggling with their old math curriculum, so we switched half way through the year. We are all SO very glad we made that decision! Since using Master Books "Math Lessons for a Living Education" level 6, by students have improved tremendously. The pace of the lessons and work load for each day no longer overwhelms them or gives them metal fatigue. Their confidence has skyrocketed, and they are now scoring B's and A's on the quizzes! Thank you so much Master Books!!”
Verified customer review by Sarah, Level 6 | Feb. 2025
About Master Books Math Long-Term Use and Independence
Can older elementary students use Master Books math somewhat independently?
“We have been using master books for 4 years now. Love the simplicity. My child can pretty much do these independently”
Verified customer review by Lauren, Level 5 | Sept. 2025
Do people stick with Master Books Math Lessons for a Living Education all the way through?
“We have done Math Lessons from the beginning with our kids. It has been the perfect program for them. They pick up on math concepts quickly. This year my oldest is doing math 6 along with the academy course and they are a great pair... especially for a child who may struggle with math.”
Verified customer review by Beth, Level 6 | Nov. 2025
What Kids Are Saying About Master Books Math
Let's hear it straight from the kids themselves! Their smiles and confidence say as much as their words.
Hattie says, "It's fun and colorful!
Chloe says, "I really like the stories about the Stevens family and watching the Math with Matt videos on Master Books Academy."
Holden says, "It's fun!"
Brian, says, "I like the cute animals on the pages. I enjoy the projects very much.
Insights From Experienced Homeschool Moms About Master Books Math (Webinar Panel)
Verified reviews tell a huge part of the story; these four homeschool moms go even further, covering everything from math anxiety to mid-year switches in a candid Master Books curriculum review panel.
featuring Katelyn Morris, Christy, Danielle, and Laura Nuñez
Master Books Math, Explained by Moms Who Use It
⭐"Math Lessons speaks directly to the student... she could read the lesson and understand it and come to me overjoyed that she did her math lesson without tears and a battle." — Christy
⭐"It doesn't have to be super lengthy in order for my kids to actually grasp the concepts. They can sit down and just do the lesson on their own, but then I can step in and help them when they need it." — Danielle
⭐"I just like starting every week knowing we will be introduced to a brand new concept... and then the spiral in there takes them back with a couple of problems each day towards review." — Laura
⭐"If for some reason our math got pushed off for the day, it wasn't overwhelming the next day to do two lessons or to somehow fit that missed lesson in the week." — Christy
⭐"Math Lessons ties everything back to real-world application, so they learn why they are learning it." — Laura
⭐"We had to first tear down those walls of 'I can't, I can't, I can't.' Little by little, reading the new directions and through review, it clicked. She even went to her pastor after a couple of weeks and said, 'You won't believe this, but I like math now.'" — Christy
⭐"Make the cake, make the manipulatives — those are the things they truly remember." — Katelyn
⭐"Math Lessons builds memories. Our previous curriculum had no memories except for bad ones — tears all the time. Now we have fun together, including grandparents on presentation days or baking cookies." — Danielle
0:00 Introductions
Katelyn: Hello and welcome! We are so glad that you're joining us today. With me, I have Christy, Danielle, and Laura, and I am Katelyn. Let's go ahead and start by introducing ourselves.
Christy: Hi, I am Christy. I am a Master Books moderator and a homeschool mom of four girls, but I am down to my last one. This is our 15th year homeschooling, and now just my ninth grader.
Danielle: Hi, I'm Danielle. I'm also one of the moderators in the app. This is my ninth year homeschooling. I have seven kids, and five of those I'm actually homeschooling, and I have a tag-along preschooler and an almost two-year-old.
Laura: Hi, I'm Laura. I am one of the moderators here for Master Books. I am mom to a six-year-old little first grade boy, and he's my only child.
Katelyn: I am Katelyn. I am a Master Books coach... and I have always homeschooled from the beginning. I have four children... right now in between fourth through 10th grade.
1:48 Favorite Features of Math Lessons
Christy: For us, my daughter absolutely loved the story following it through each level. One of my favorite things was the way Math Lessons speaks directly to the student... she could read the lesson and understand it and come to me overjoyed that she did her math lesson without tears and a battle.
Danielle: One of my favorite things is that it doesn't have to be super lengthy in order for my kids to actually grasp the concepts. I'm just thankful that they can sit down and just do the lesson on their own, but then I can step in and help them when they need it. I also like the hands-on approach because it builds a lot of memories for us as a family.
Laura: For me, it would be the mastery approach with a spiral twist. I just like starting every week knowing we will be introduced to a brand new concept... and then the spiral in there takes them back with a couple of problems each day towards review.
8:26 Managing Busy Days and Flexibility
Katelyn: On busy days, what would math look like for you ladies?
Christy: I liked that math did not take so long. If for some reason our math got pushed off for the day, it wasn't overwhelming the next day to do two lessons or to somehow fit that missed lesson in the week.
Danielle: We'll split lessons up if we have to. For example, if there is a day that just has a project with it, maybe they'll do the actual work today and then tomorrow we'll do the project. We've done projects on the weekend if we had to, like baking cookies. I've also broken free of having to do Day 1 on Monday, Day 2 on Tuesday... it's so much more freeing to just do whatever day is next in the book on whatever day it is.
Laura: Math is pretty much our go-to subject for busy days. We too end up switching days. If you are busy and you're about to go into a new concept and you don't have the time that day, you can very easily pull up a lesson that has more review in it.
Danielle: They just enjoy reading the stories. In Level 6, there were some difficult situations that were happening, and it connects with us because we're going through some difficult times in our life as well. For levels four and up, they can use the Academy to listen to the videos; it holds them accountable so they're not skipping the stories.
Laura: For my son, who has different needs, I did have to do modifications. I look over the story myself, see how they're applying the concept to real life, and then when I teach my son, I bring that in. If they're introducing fractions through baking, I take that into account and bring in my own examples.
20:35 Transitioning to Upper Levels (Level 6)
Christy: The lessons pick up in intensity and in the length of time... but Level 6 prepared them so well going into Principles of Mathematics or middle school math. I liked that Math 6 had upped the game and caused her to work harder. The concepts are taught so well that she was able to come and say, "I can do this; it's working."
Danielle: My oldest is struggling with focus, so we've noticed he needs the least amount of distraction possible. Sometimes he has to skip a story for now because by the time he's done reading it, he's wanting to go somewhere else. I also use graph paper or grid paper notebooks to do his work so he can line things up and have more space to work out his problems.
31:30 Overcoming Math Anxiety and Roadblocks
Christy: With my second daughter, math was getting worse and worse every year. We switched to Math Lessons, and it really was just a fresh breath of air. We had to first tear down those walls of "I can't, I can't, I can't." Little by little, reading the new directions and review, it clicked. She even went to her pastor after a couple of weeks and said, "You won't believe this, but I like math now."
Laura: For a gifted student, don't be afraid to place your child in the level that they need. My son is two levels ahead of his grade. The gentle introduction to concepts is helpful because you don't want to overwhelm a young child with high concepts. Math Lessons ties everything back to real-world application, so they learn why they are learning it.
44:15 Supplemental Resources: Practice Makes Perfect and Hands-on Projects
Danielle: I use the Practice Makes Perfect workbooks more as a supplement or extra practice during summer breaks. I also like the quizzes and tests in there because they give me an idea of if they've been retaining what they're doing.
Katelyn: My son had an assignment where he needed to bake something to practice fractions. Life got chaotic and I put it off for three weeks. When I realized it, I made it an important appointment on the calendar. We made the cake, and he lit up. It taught him fractions and he grew in confidence. Make the cake, make the manipulative—those are the things they truly remember.
52:31 Mid-year Switches and Final Encouragement
Christy: If it's not working, pray about it. To stick with a program for the rest of the year that you know isn't working sounds almost more overwhelming. Take the courage to order that new curriculum, take the placement test, and just take a day at a time.
Danielle: Break down those walls in your mind about what math "should" look like. Math Lessons builds memories. Our previous curriculum had no memories except for bad ones—tears all the time. Now we have fun together, including grandparents on presentation days or baking cookies. Look at Math Lessons as an opportunity for your family to grow in bonding together.
Independent Reviews of Master Books Math From Around the Web
Verified customers aren't the only ones talking. Experienced homeschool bloggers, YouTubers, and curriculum specialists have published their own Master Books homeschool curriculum reviews after putting MLFLE through its paces alongside dozens of other programs. Here's what they found.
Cathy Duffy has reviewed hundreds of homeschool programs over decades and is the author of 103 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum. Her take on Math Lessons for a Living Education:
“The deeper I got into my review, the more I liked this series. MLFLE uses a great mix of teaching methods, buttressed by sufficient practice and application. Children are likely to enjoy math lessons because of the methods used, and parents are likely to know what their child truly understands from the narration and application activities. In addition, the design and cost of MLFLE make it very affordable.”
Sarah McCubbin of Ten Minute Momentum, is a homeschool mom to nine children. In her over 17 years of homeschooling, she has used 10+ math curriculums.
"If you have a child that gets very stressed out over moving too quickly through concepts, this curriculum will give them confidence. When one of my kids is stressed out learning, they’re not learning... it doesn’t matter how much I yell or threaten... if they’re stressed out, they’re not learning."
"The unique approach through real-life story connections makes math feel less intimidating for young learners. It moves slowly enough that a child that doesn't have great number sense is going to have enough time to get really confident with those basic skills."
"The other night, my five-year-old looked at me and said, ‘I want to do my math right now.’" — Jodie the Mom / Life Unboxed
"The student workbook contains all the instruction, worksheets, answer keys, and a wonderfully simple daily schedule (this schedule is GOLD!)."
"Her frustration and overwhelm are gone, and she is developing a new confidence in solving math problems."— Judy / Meaningful Homeschooling
“I think this is a great resource for anyone trying to find a gentle math curriculum that is engaging for kids. Master Books math is super affordable at less than $30 per book, which is a great value. I highly encourage it for a child who may be a reluctant learner or if math is not their favorite subject. It is also perfect for the teacher if you are a little bit intimidated about how to teach math without overwhelming your child.” — Becky / A Place to Nest
"The step-by-step approach means that topics are not rushed which allows my son to fully understand concepts before moving on, which naturally boosts his confidence." —Kimberly Nicole Steenbergen / Homegrown Motherhood
"My daughter had fun working through the assignments and kept asking to complete more than the required lessons for the day." Dana / The Art Kit
“What I really like about Master Books is that it is very open-and-go. We enjoy taking our stuff to the park or throwing books in our bags when we're on the go. There are no extra manipulatives, pieces, or videos required.” — Lisa / Andersons Everyday
“The math problems and concepts they learn are pulled directly from the story of these two kids. I really like that because it gives the children a reason to do math and a purpose for what they're learning, whether it's place value, counting by twos or fives, or learning time. It brings a life lesson to the subject.” — Autumn / hey it's AUTUMN
