Math Antics

by Math Plus Motion, LLChttps://mathantics.com/

MathGrades 3–8

About This Curriculum

Math Antics offers animated video lessons and optional printable worksheets to teach foundational math concepts through engaging visual instruction.

What makes it unique: Highly visual animated videos that emphasize understanding the 'why' behind math concepts rather than rote memorization, with flexible topic-based organization

Math Antics: Visual Video-Based Math Supplement with Animated Instruction

Math Antics is a supplemental math curriculum featuring animated video lessons taught by Rob Cozzens, covering approximately 80 topics for grades 3-8. The program offers free video access with optional paid worksheets and exercises, emphasizing visual explanations and conceptual understanding through colorful graphics and animations.

Best for

Homeschooling families and teachers seeking visual supplemental math instruction for grades 3-8, particularly effective for visual learners who benefit from animated explanations of mathematical concepts

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 4 concerns · 2 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Worked ExamplesStrength

Videos effectively use worked examples through animated demonstrations, but the format may become repetitive over time.

Reviews describe videos as 'work through sample problems' with 'detailed video explanations with graphics' and note Rob 'demonstrates math concepts clearly' using animations and props, though one reviewer mentions the 'talking head and graphics' format can become boring

Visual RepresentationsStrength

The curriculum excels in visual representations through professional animations, graphics, and interactive elements.

Multiple reviews praise the 'highly visual and interactive approach,' 'colorful graphics and animations,' and use of 'animations, graphs, and diagrams that make abstract mathematical concepts more concrete and relatable'

Teacher TrainingConcern

Minimal teacher support beyond the video lessons themselves and basic answer keys.

Reviews mention 'separate answer keys' are available but no indication of teacher guides, professional development materials, or pedagogical guidance beyond the video content

Retrieval PracticeConcern

Limited retrieval practice opportunities with basic worksheets and exercises available for paid members.

Practice materials are described as 'downloadable exercises, worksheets' that are 'standard math drills,' with no mention of spaced review or systematic retrieval practice beyond these basic materials

Assessment DiagnosticConcern

No tracking, assessment, or diagnostic features are provided by the program.

Reviews explicitly state 'the program does not track students or keep any kind of records' and that record-keeping is 'up to parents and teachers'

Conceptual Procedural BalanceConcern

The curriculum emphasizes conceptual understanding through visual explanations but provides limited procedural practice opportunities.

Reviews consistently note that Math Antics emphasizes the 'why' behind mathematical principles rather than rote memorization, with one reviewer stating it helps students 'understand principles rather than memorize formulas,' but practice materials are described as 'standard math drills' with limited hands-on activities

Direct InstructionNeutral

The program provides clear direct instruction through video format, though some may find the presentation style distracting.

Reviews note 'clear, concise explanations that break topics into bite-sized pieces' and that concepts are 'built progressively,' though some mention the instructor 'may come across as too goofy for some students'

Sequencing ApproachNeutral

The curriculum uses topic-based organization without formal grade-level sequencing, allowing flexible but potentially inconsistent progression.

Topics are organized by subject rather than grade level, with reviews noting 'it's up to you to figure out what students should watch' and that the instructor 'encourages students to review previous videos when needed'

Word ProblemsInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence to assess systematic word problem instruction, though real-life examples are mentioned.

Reviews mention Rob uses 'real-life examples' but provide no specific information about systematic word problem-solving instruction or schema teaching

Review Sources

Key Facts
GradesGrades 3–8
SubjectMath
PedagogyTraditional
Faith-BasedNo
FormatDigital
PricingFree videos; Annual membership for worksheets and exercises: $20/year (some sources mention $10/year for older pricing)

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy