Math Lessons for a Living Education by Master Books (Review)
Math can be one of the most challenging subjects to teach in homeschooling, especially when trying to make it meaningful, engaging, and applicable to real life. Many traditional math programs focus solely on rote memorization and abstract concepts, leaving kids bored, frustrated, or simply disengaged. But what if math could be different? What if it could feel connected to real-world situations, and even be enjoyable?
That’s what Math Lessons for a Living Education by Master Books sets out to do. It’s a math program designed to bring numbers to life, making them more than just figures on a page. But does it really work? And is it the right fit for your homeschool?
My daughter and I have been taking it for a test run to answer these questions. It was something we looked forward to trying because we love stories in our family! We’re definitely more inclined to words than math, which is exactly why we wanted to explore Math Lessons for a Living Education.
Don’t miss the giveaway at the end of this post!
About Master Books
Master Books is well-known in the homeschooling community for its faith-based, Charlotte Mason-inspired curriculum that emphasizes a biblical worldview. Their mission is to provide high-quality educational resources that are engaging, practical, and accessible for homeschooling families.
With a strong focus on real-world applications and storytelling, Master Books offers a range of subjects beyond math, including science, history, and language arts. Their approach prioritizes:
- Biblical Integration – Every subject is presented through the lens of Christian faith.
- Engaging and Relatable Content – Lessons are designed to captivate students rather than just drill facts.
- Open-and-Go Curriculum – Most resources require minimal prep, making them ideal for busy homeschool parents.
Master Books has integrated this philosophy into their entire Math Lessons for a Living Education series, making math not just a subject to be learned, but an experience to be enjoyed.
What Is a Living Education?
Before we talk about the specifics of this math program, it’s important to understand what a living education is. This term, inspired by the Charlotte Mason approach, refers to learning that is rich, meaningful, and connected to real life. It’s about engaging students in a way that makes subjects come alive rather than just memorizing dry facts.
In a living education approach, students learn through:
- Narratives and Stories – Engaging, relatable stories that connect subjects to everyday life.
- Hands-On Application – Practical exercises that show how concepts work in the real world.
- Mastery Over Time – A gentle, steady approach to learning that builds confidence rather than pressure.
Math Lessons for a Living Education is a perfect example of how Master Books brings these principles to life, ensuring that math is not just another workbook but a meaningful part of a child’s learning journey.
Math Lessons for a Living Education is available in Levels K-6. They offer a free placement test on the site so you can feel confident about choosing the correct level. We have reviewed Level 6.
How Does This Apply to Math?
Traditional math programs often separate learning from real-life application. Kids memorize multiplication tables, solve fractions, and calculate percentages—but often without understanding why they matter. Math Lessons for a Living Education changes that by integrating math into engaging stories and everyday situations.
For example, instead of simply learning about ratios, students might read a story about a baker adjusting a recipe for different-sized batches of cookies. Instead of solving random percentage problems, they might calculate the discount on a family shopping trip.
This method helps students:
- See the practical use of math in daily life.
- Develop a deeper understanding of concepts.
- Enjoy math rather than dreading it.
My daughter really appreciates this approach because it dovetails with how we study other subjects such as history. We read, we discuss (narration as Charlotte Mason referred to it), and we commit it to memory.
What’s Inside Level 6?
Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 6 is designed for students who have completed Level 5 or who are ready for an upper-elementary or early middle-school math level. It includes concepts like:
- Decimals & Percents – Real-world applications such as budgeting and shopping discounts.
- Geometry & Measurement – Practical lessons involving perimeter, area, and volume.
- Advanced Fractions – Strengthening understanding through word problems and applications.
- Equations & Integers – Preparing students for pre-algebra in a gentle, story-based approach.
- Data & Probability – Understanding statistics in an engaging way.
Each lesson follows a consistent and approachable structure:
- Story-Based Learning – Lessons are introduced through a continuing story that applies math concepts in real-life scenarios.
- Short and Manageable Lessons – Most lessons take about 30 minutes a day, making it a great fit for homeschooling.
- Built-In Review & Practice – Regular reviews help reinforce learning without overwhelming students.
- Hands-On Activities & Real-Life Application – Practical exercises keep kids engaged and help concepts stick.
Master Books Academy: A Helpful Online Companion
For families looking for additional support, Master Books Academy offers online video instruction that complements Math Lessons for a Living Education. This is a great option for homeschool moms who want extra teaching assistance or for students who thrive with video-based learning.
Benefits of using Master Books Academy with Math Lessons for a Living Education:
- Engaging Video Lessons – Taught by experienced instructors who bring the material to life.
- Flexible Learning – Students can watch lessons at their own pace and review challenging concepts as needed.
- Parental Support – Helps homeschool moms feel more confident in teaching math, especially for upper-level concepts.
- Convenient & Affordable – A great way to enhance the learning experience without replacing the hands-on, story-based approach of the books.
Master Books Academy is a valuable tool for families who love the Math Lessons for a Living Education curriculum but want an extra layer of instruction and support.
Who Is This Ideal For?
Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 6 is a fantastic fit for:
- Charlotte Mason-Inspired Homeschoolers – If you love a literature-based, gentle approach to education, this curriculum will fit beautifully into your homeschool.
- Hands-On Learners – Kids who thrive with real-world applications and practical examples will enjoy this approach.
- Struggling or Reluctant Math Students – Because it moves at a steady, confidence-building pace, it’s great for students who find math frustrating.
- Busy Homeschool Moms – The open-and-go style means minimal prep work, making it a great choice for moms juggling multiple subjects and kids.
It may not be the best fit if:
- Your student prefers a highly structured, traditional math workbook with drills.
- You want a curriculum that moves very quickly or covers math in a more formal way.
The Benefits of Using Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 6
- Confidence Building – The gentle, story-based approach helps kids develop a love for math instead of fear.
- Easy to Teach – Open-and-go format makes it simple for homeschool moms to use without needing extra resources.
- Real-World Application – Students see how math applies to everyday life, making it more meaningful.
- Faith-Based Integration – Includes biblical principles woven naturally throughout the lessons.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If you’re looking for a math curriculum that makes numbers come alive, Math Lessons for a Living Education by Master Books is a fantastic option. It takes a different approach from traditional workbooks, focusing on stories, hands-on learning, and real-world applications to make math more engaging and enjoyable.
For homeschool moms who want a Charlotte Mason-inspired, confidence-boosting, and practical math program, this one is a winner.
Would your child benefit from a living education approach to math? If you’ve tried Math Lessons for a Living Education, I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below!
Math Lessons for a Living Education Giveaway
Would you like to win your own Math Lessons for a Living Education package? You can enter for a chance in the giveaway below!
- Math Lessons for a Living Education by Master Books (Review) - March 27, 2025
- 20 Easter Animal Crafts for Kids - March 25, 2025
- How Coaching Can Transform Your Teen’s Study Skills - March 19, 2025
