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If you’d rather not teach math yourself, these are two of the most popular answers. Both put a teacher on screen. But Teaching Textbooks is an app that also grades everything, while Math-U-See is a video plus blocks plus paper.
Side by side
| Teaching Textbooks | Math-U-See | |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Mostly spiral | Mastery |
| Lessons | In the app, on screen | Short video, then blocks and paper |
| Grading | Automatic, instant | You check with the answer key |
| Hands-on | Very little | Blocks in every elementary lesson |
| Screen time | High | Low (just the video) |
| Your time | Low | Low to medium |
| Cost | $$ subscription per kid | $$$ up front, reusable |
Which one fits your kid?
Choose
Teaching Textbooks if…
- You want grading done for you
- Your kid is independent and likes apps
- You have several kids working at once
- You want the lowest possible parent time
Choose
Math-U-See if…
- You want less screen time
- Your kid learns with their hands
- Your kid is struggling and needs one topic at a time
- You want materials to reuse for siblings
Our honest take
Teaching Textbooks is the most hands-off option there is. Math-U-See takes a little more of you, but gives hands-on learners something to hold and keeps screens to a minimum.
Questions parents ask
Which is more independent, Teaching Textbooks or Math-U-See?
Teaching Textbooks. It teaches and grades in the app. Math-U-See teaches on video, but parents usually check the work and help with the blocks.
Which is better for a hands-on learner?
Math-U-See, because its blocks are used throughout the elementary levels. Teaching Textbooks is almost entirely on screen.
Which costs less, Teaching Textbooks or Math-U-See?
For one child, they can be similar over a year. Math-U-See costs more up front, but much of it can be reused for siblings. Teaching Textbooks is a subscription per kid.
Still weighing options?
See all 13 programs side by side, with quick picks and a finder.
