We use so many different math texts and sources (we use an eclectic approach), we hardly ever use any single book ‘cover-to-cover’. We especially enjoy math books that let us skip around and learn about something without having to read the first ‘x’ chapters. Here are a few of our current favorites.

Math At Hand by Great Source Education Group

We use this book as a ‘treat’. Math At Hand contains short lessons on everything from fractions, positive and negative numbers to geometry, pre-algebra and probability and statistics. It is organized so that you do not have to use it sequentially and its colorful and whimsical illustrations make it irresistible to precocious, young minds. When we feel like a change of pace, we ask our young homeschooler to choose a chapter to learn about or review. He delights in the opportunity to choose his own lesson and enjoys the content — this book is fun!

Mathematics Ideas and Applications by Daniel D. Benice

This book can be used as a math textbook, but it also can be used as a supplement and offers very interesting math lessons in subjects like logic, binary numbers, geometry, topology, analysis and more. This text definitely enhances learning by using real-world examples from diverse disciplines such as astronomy, chemistry, archeology and biology. We use this text to enhance interdisciplinary learning, especially within unit studies and subjects that lend themselves to mathematical integration. For example, there is a really good explanation of Lowest Common Multiple using chemical equations as a real-world example of how this concept is used in practice.

Fiendishly Frustrating Brain-Twisting Puzzles and Perplexing Pattern Problems by Ivan Moscovich

We use these books after we finish up a concept and haven’t yet delved into a new one. Some of the puzzles are very challenging, but some are simple enough that elementary-aged children can solve them. As like most of our favorite books, you can skip around in these books and select any puzzle that interests you.