MathTacular

Name: MathTacular
Brand: Sonlight Curriculum Ltd.

by Sonlight Curriculum Ltd.

MathGrades K–8

About This Curriculum

MathTacular is a video-based math supplement featuring instructor Justin who uses humor, everyday objects, and real-world scenarios to make math concepts 'unbelievably understandable' for young learners.

What makes it unique: Quirky, humorous video instruction that makes abstract math concepts concrete through creative use of everyday objects like cars as rulers and apples for fractions

MathTacular: Video-Based Math Supplement with Creative Teaching

MathTacular is a four-DVD video series that uses entertaining segments featuring instructor Justin to teach math concepts through humor, everyday objects, and real-world scenarios. Created as a supplement to core math programs like Singapore, Horizons, and Saxon, it covers grades K-8 with age-appropriate content across different DVDs.

Best for

Homeschool families using traditional math curricula who want an engaging video supplement to reinforce concepts, particularly effective for visual learners in grades K-8 who benefit from creative explanations and real-world applications.

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 3 concerns · 3 neutral

Word ProblemsStrength

MathTacular4 specifically focuses on word problem-solving through a systematic mystery adventure format.

MathTacular4 centers on solving word problems to progress through a detective story, with a companion workbook containing similar practice problems

Sequencing ApproachStrength

Uses a mastery-based approach within each DVD level, with content specifically designed to align with established curricula sequencing.

Content was created by analyzing concepts from Singapore, Horizon, and Saxon math programs, with clear grade-level divisions (K-2, 2-4, 3-5, 4+)

Visual RepresentationsStrength

Strong use of visual models, manipulatives, and everyday objects to make abstract concepts concrete.

Uses visual aids, objects, paper plate fractions, household items, and 'almost 100 real-life applications' including track laps and money examples

Teacher TrainingConcern

Limited teacher support beyond the video content itself, though includes some supplementary materials.

Includes printable PDF files, answer keys, and a 'Tool Kit' with formulas and conversion charts, but no specific teacher training materials mentioned

Retrieval PracticeConcern

Limited evidence of systematic retrieval practice, though includes some memory aids and games.

Justin shares 'tricks for memorizing math facts' and includes games like geometry concentration and time dominoes

Assessment DiagnosticConcern

No evidence of formal assessment or diagnostic tools for identifying student learning gaps.

Reviews mention using segments to review concepts and build on existing learning, but no assessment components are described

Worked ExamplesNeutral

Provides clear demonstrations and modeling through video format, but lacks systematic worked example progression.

Justin demonstrates concepts with visual aids and objects, and in MathTacular4, students watch Justin and Amber work through problems after attempting them

Direct InstructionNeutral

Provides teacher-led instruction through video format, but may not facilitate live teacher interaction and immediate feedback.

Justin serves as the instructor delivering content with enthusiasm, but the format is pre-recorded video rather than interactive direct instruction

Conceptual Procedural BalanceNeutral

The curriculum emphasizes conceptual understanding through visual demonstrations and real-world connections, but procedural fluency development is unclear from the evidence.

Justin uses objects like the 'Fraction Reducer 2000' (salad spinner) to teach reducing fractions conceptually, and teaches through practical applications and everyday items

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, delightfullearning.net