Disclaimer: I was compensated for my time in exchange for my honest review. Opinions and viewpoints are my own.
This isn’t the first time we’ve reviewed Master Books, and for good reason. Their Math Lessons for a Living Education series provides a solid, foundational approach to mathematics, blending engaging narratives with practical applications to make learning meaningful. But today, we’re diving into Level 5 and answering an important question:
Can Master Books Math be used consistently across multiple levels and for multiple children?
Let’s explore!
A Quick Recap – Why We Started with Level 6
Our journey with Master Books Math Lessons for a Living Education actually began with Level 6. My son, Cash, has always been advanced in math, but as a homeschool mom, I constantly worry about gaps in his learning. Just because a child is ahead doesn’t mean they’ve mastered the fundamentals—it simply means they’ve moved on. To ensure he had a strong foundation, we took an approach where we worked both ahead and behind in different areas.
For example, while he was tackling Algebra, I’d have him review multi-digit addition to reinforce the basics. It may sound like a lot, but he breezed through it, and I felt reassured knowing we weren’t skipping over important concepts.
Level 6 from Master Books fit this approach beautifully. It paired well with his Algebra curriculum, allowed him to work independently, and introduced new problem-solving strategies for concepts he already understood. After seeing how well it worked, I knew I wanted to explore earlier levels.
That led us to Level 5—what else could he use a refresher on?
The Ultimate Teaching Cheat Sheet – The Teaching Companion
Before we dive into Level 5 itself, let’s talk about one of the most valuable tools Master Books provides—the Math Lessons for a Living Education: Teaching Companion.
This isn’t just another teacher’s guide; it’s an indispensable resource for homeschool parents. It includes:
✔ Angela O’Dell’s biblical teaching philosophy – A reminder that YOU are your child’s most qualified teacher.
✔ A clear scope and sequence – Easy to follow and ensures you’re covering all the necessary concepts.
✔Manipulatives, games, and even recipes to add fun to your lessons.
✔ Readiness assessments – A fantastic way to evaluate your child’s true level and identify gaps.
Many times, we assume our kids are at grade level, but with these assessments, you can accurately place them and adjust their curriculum as needed. This alone sets Master Books apart from other homeschool math programs.
The Teaching Companion is reusable across all elementary math levels, making it a long-term investment for any homeschooling family.
What Does Master Books Level 5 Cover?
Math Lessons for a Living Education: Level 5 focuses on:
• Factoring
• Proper & improper fractions
• Common denominators
• Multiplying and dividing decimals
• And more!
Each lesson begins with a story-based introduction, tying the math concept to real-life scenarios. This literature-rich approach not only engages students but also integrates critical thinking, logic, and even language arts into math lessons.
Unlike traditional math curriculums filled with endless drills, Master Books keeps lessons short and effective, reducing math anxiety and fostering a love for learning.
For families seeking a faith-based approach to math, Master Books excels in keeping the focus on both academics and biblical principles.
What Did My Student Think?
Cash loves math. He’s an independent learner who enjoys working at an advanced level, and while he’s still actively using Level 6, he was excited to explore Level 5—especially because he got to try out Master Books Academy!
Another standout feature? Oral narration. Instead of cramming for a test and forgetting the material later, students explain their lessons in their own words. This reinforces learning, builds confidence, and ensures that if they can teach it, they truly understand it.
Master Books Academy – A Game Changer for Independent Learning
Master Books Academy offers online video lessons that follow along with their math curriculum. These videos explain each lesson thoroughly and step-by-step, making it a fantastic tool for:
✔ Students who prefer visual instruction
✔ Parents who want to support independent learning
✔ Families who want to be involved in math without directly teaching every lesson
Cash enjoyed these lessons so much that he asked to do them on his own time!
For a self-motivated learner like Cash, this was a huge win.
What Did I Think?
Master Books continues to exceed my expectations when it comes to providing a well-structured, engaging, and faith-based math curriculum.
✅ Clear, well-organized lessons
✅ Strong biblical foundation
✅ Effective review opportunities
✅ Visually appealing workbooks
✅ No unnecessary testing – a perfect fit for our unschooling approach
If you have an advanced learner, I highly recommend using the readiness assessments in the Teaching Companion to determine the right level for your child. Master Books doesn’t follow rigid grade levels—your child may be ready for a level above or below their current grade, and that’s okay!
Final Thoughts – Is Master Books Right for Your Family?
Master Books Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 5 is a fantastic choice for homeschool families looking for a curriculum that is:
✔ Biblically based
✔ Engaging and story-driven
✔ Effective for both independent and guided learning
✔ Flexible enough to fit multiple learning styles
Ready to give Master Books a try? Head over to MasterBooks.com and explore their full selection of homeschool curricula—you’ll quickly see that this faith-based publisher is about so much more than just math!
@Mamasweetbaby 
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