FAQs, Helps, and Extras
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Simply Good and Beautiful Math K FAQs
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Math K FAQs
How long are lessons?
For children right on level with the lessons, most lessons take 10–12 minutes.
- If the child takes longer than 10–12 minutes per lesson but is understanding and retaining the information, don’t worry; complete as much of a lesson as the child’s attention span allows each day. It is OK if this course takes longer than a school year to complete.
- If the child takes less than 10–12 minutes and is learning new things, we suggest not moving to Math 1 so that the child doesn’t have holes in his or her math foundations. Rather, consider having the child do multiple lessons a day and move through the course quickly before starting Math 1.
- If the child takes less than 10–12 minutes per lesson and seems to already know all the information, consider having the child take the assessments in the course (see the Table of Contents) to see if the child can skip any units or the whole course.
Our thorough piloting program shows that most children in kindergarten thrive with having math for 10–12 minutes a day, as this curriculum is carefully designed to maximize time and effectiveness. If you or the child feels more time is needed, consider doing two lessons a day.
Does Math K have an answer key?
No. Math K is very basic, and we didn't feel an answer key was necessary.
How do I use the hundreds chart on the first page of the course book?
Whenever the course has the child count, feel free to have the child use the hundreds chart, pointing to each number while counting.
How can I provide extra addition and subtraction practice?
For more addition and subtraction practice, we suggest using Anteater Addition and Snowy Owl Subtraction, The game cards can also function as addition and subtraction game cards.
How do I make my own Math Box?
Items needed:
- 1 wooden numbers 1–6 dice
- 1 wooden numbers 7–12 dice
- 2 equation dice
All dice are approximately 2.5 cm each. To download the templates for the Math K dice, please click here.
- 2 painted wooden game pawns
- 3 car manipulatives with stands (approximately 1.75”x1.25”)
- 15 wooden painted counting sticks (square so they don't roll, 7.5 cm long)
Simply Good and Beautiful Math FAQs
I want to switch to Simply Good and Beautiful Math. Where do I start?
Welcome! We encourage you to start with our Math Placement Test found here:
Math Placement Test
We also encourage you to review the extensive sample pages on our website. The sample pages for each course include the table of contents.
Do you offer the courses in printed and PDF format?
Yes! However, our manipulative items are mainly made from wood and not from chipboard, paper, or cardstock and are not offered in PDF format.
Are the PDFs for Simply Good and Beautiful Math free like the Language Arts?
Just like our Language Arts, Simply Good and Beautiful Math K-8 PDFs are free to download.
Do any of the levels use the same Math Box?
No. Simply Good and Beautiful Math K-3 each have different Math Boxes. Simply Good and Beautiful Math 4-5 do not have Math Boxes.
Does it follow a mastery or spiral approach?
Simply Good and Beautiful Math is mainly a spiral curriculum, constantly reviewing concepts your student has learned to ensure he or she understands and retains the information.
You can also view our blog post about why spiral math works.
Is the Math curriculum advanced like the language arts courses or do the levels match general grade levels?
Our courses are aligned to be on average grade level. Many concepts are considered advanced but are introduced in lessons that are easy to follow for both the child (in the self-guided levels) and the parent (in levels 3 and under).
I’m teaching Math to multiple children. Which items do I need?
Each child will need his or her own consumable Course Book.
If the children are being taught as a group, ideally each child should have their own Math Box. Sharing the manipulatives in the Math Box would render the lessons less effective and cause them to take a much longer amount of time.
If the children are being taught individually, the Math Box may be shared.
How do I get started?
Gather the supplies needed. You are then ready to open to the first lesson and follow the instructions. You do not need to read the lessons before teaching them.
Is there an answer key?
Every level of Simply Good and Beautiful Math has an answer key except for Math K since this level is so basic.
Simply Good and Beautiful Math 1 has a free PDF answer keys available. Simply Good and Beautiful Math 2-5 have both free PDF and purchasable physical answer keys available.
Do the courses have many moving parts?
A huge focus of Simply Good and Beautiful Math is increasing the simplicity and ease for children and parents. Simply Good and Beautiful Math has a minimum number of items and moving parts in the math boxes. The lessons are also concise while maintaining the highest academic standards.
Do the courses contain stories?
Yes! Simple, short stories about children like yours and everyday life are woven throughout the course books.
Is there diversity in your courses?
Yes! Our Simply Good and Beautiful Math Courses feature a significant amount of diversity.
My child loves games. Do you have those in Simply Good and Beautiful Math?
Yes! We want to make learning fun for you and your child. Games, puzzles, and more are included right in the course book. No need to search for game mats or instructions as they are part of the lessons.
Does Simply Good and Beautiful Math follow Common Core?
Our curriculum does not follow Common Core standards, but it does match or exceed most national public school standards. The academic spine of our curriculum was developed by compiling national state standards and then determining which ones match Good and Beautiful moral standards and the abilities of our pilot families. We believe that children who work on The Good and the Beautiful curriculum consistently each day will find that they are far above public school standards.
Do you include any specific doctrine?
No, the goal of our curriculum is not to teach doctrines specific to any particular Christian denomination but to teach general principles, such as honesty, hard work, and kindness. All Bible references in our curriculum use the King James Version.