Can a Story-Based Math Curriculum Really Work? The Truth About Math Lessons for a Living Education

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Inside: Read my full honest review of Math Lessons for a Living Education. It’s a great low-pressure, faith-based math program for kids who struggle with traditional workbooks—but may need supplementation for mastery.

Math can make or break a homeschool day.

If your child loves it, everything runs smoothly. If they don’t, it turns into a battle of wills, complete with frustration, stalling, and possibly tears (from both of you). Finding the right math curriculum feels like searching for a unicorn.

Not all math curricula fit every kid.

That’s why I’m reviewing Math Lessons for a Living Education (MLLE). I’ve covered the Singapore approach, online math curricula, and our favorite math curriculum for high school, but I never tried a story-based, light program designed for kids who aren’t naturally math-inclined.

This curriculum promises a real-life, story-driven approach to teaching math—no endless drill sheets, no scripted lessons that take longer to prep than to teach. Instead, it’s meant to be easy to teach, gentle, faith-based, and helping kids see math in everyday experiences.

It sounds great on paper, but does it actually work?

Does it provide enough depth, or will you be filling in gaps before the school year is over? Is it truly open-and-go, or will you find yourself buried in extra explanations and supplements?

I’ve taken a deep dive into this program, and I’m giving you the full, unfiltered review of this math curriculum—the good, the bad, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

Please note: I’ll do my best to keep our style and preferences from influencing the review. My STEM gifted learner needs a fast-paced math curriculum that challenges him just enough, and we prefer neutral or secular curricula. That said, I’ll evaluate this program for what it is—and who it’s designed to help.

This is a sponsored post. I was given the product to review and I might have been compensated for my time. I would never endorse or recommend programs we wouldn’t use ourselves. Read more about it in my Disclosure.

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What is Master Books, and What is Math Lessons for a Living Education?

Master Books is a well-known publisher in the Christian homeschool curriculum space, offering a range of materials across subjects, all with a strong biblical worldview. Their approach tends to be gentle, story-driven, and open-and-go, catering to families looking for faith-based, literature-rich learning.

We ensure that a biblical worldview is integral to all our curriculum. Our courses start with the Bible as our standard and are infused with the fact that all things were created and are sustained by the eternal, triune God of the Bible. When we start with the Bible…God’s revealed Word to man…as our source of truth, it helps make sense out of every topic we study, including math, language arts, history, and science.

About Master Books

Math Lessons for a Living Education (MLLE) is their elementary math series, designed to introduce concepts through real-life stories and hands-on experiences instead of rote memorization or drill-heavy worksheets. The program emphasizes mastery over repetition (although the mastery approach they have is very different from everything I’ve seen so far), meaning students focus on understanding a concept before moving on.

The Charlotte Mason-inspired method is a major selling point for many parents, though it’s worth noting that Charlotte herself didn’t advocate for math to be taught primarily through stories. Instead, her philosophy emphasized mental math, real-world problem-solving, and careful, structured progression. While MLLE borrows from that living education philosophy, it takes a more modern, workbook-based approach than a strictly Mason-style math program.

For families looking for a Christian homeschool math curriculum that blends literature with math concepts, this program is a strong contender. But how well does it actually work? Let’s take a closer look.

Curriculum Overview: What’s Inside Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 1?

I received Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 1 in eBook format, which made it easy to print at home and save on shipping fees. I love that they offer both options!

This workbook-style curriculum is designed to cover a full year of first-grade math with short lessons that gradually introduce concepts like place value, number recognition, basic addition and subtraction, telling time, and simple measurement. The lessons follow two homeschooled kids as they encounter math in everyday life—measuring ingredients, counting farm animals, and figuring out change at a store.

Major Topics Covered

• Counting and writing numbers (0-100)
• Counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s
• Basic addition and subtraction (0-10)
• Place value to the hundreds
• Shapes, patterns, and tally marks
• Simple fractions
• Telling time

Lesson Structure

The curriculum includes a suggested pacing guide with a 36-week schedule, covering five lessons per week. This structure provides a full year of math instruction but allows flexibility for families who prefer to move at a different pace.

Each 20-30 minute lesson follows a predictable format:

1. Short Story – Introduces the concept in a real-life context.
2. Written Practice – Number writing, simple math problems, and visual exercises.
3. Hands-On Activities – Some lessons suggest interactive, real-world tasks.
4. Concept Reinforcement – Light review built into later lessons.

MLLE isn’t quite spiral-based like Saxon or Horizons (although Level 1 feels very repetitive in the type of exercises), nor strictly mastery-based like Singapore Math. Instead, it blends gentle math progression with concept reviews.

The pacing is slow and steady, making it a good fit for kids who need extra time to absorb concepts. Rather than following a traditional spiral or mastery approach, MLLE seems to have developed its own unique blend of progression and review.

Is the Teaching Companion Worth It?

For parents looking to get the most out of the MLLE series, Master Books offers an optional Teaching Companion. This guide provides insights into the curriculum’s structure, teaching strategies, and ways to adapt lessons for different learning styles. It also includes tips on using manipulatives, memorizing math facts, and incorporating games and real-life applications like recipes.

The Teaching Companion is especially useful for:
✔ Parents who want a better understanding of how to teach MLLE effectively
✔ Families with multiple kids using different levels of the curriculum
✔ Those who prefer extra teaching guidance beyond what’s included in the student workbook

That said, it’s not a must-have for every family. Parents who are already comfortable with the curriculum’s format or are seasoned homeschoolers may not find it essential.

What This Curriculum Gets Right

Math Lessons for a Living Education has a lot going for it, especially for families who want a Christian, relaxed, story-based approach to math. Here’s where it truly shines.

1. Storytelling Makes Math Feel Practical

One of the biggest selling points of this curriculum is its real-life storytelling. Instead of introducing numbers and equations in isolation, it weaves math into everyday experiences. Kids see how math is used in cooking, shopping, and measuring—things they actually care about.

For parents struggling to answer the inevitable “When will I ever use this?” question, this approach helps make math feel relevant rather than an abstract set of rules.

When I first got the curriculum, I thought the story-based approach was a great idea—especially for younger elementary students, struggling learners, or even just to put math into perspective the way Life of Fred does.

That being said, the stories can be a hit or miss with kids. Personally, I found them overly idealized and light and sometimes they don’t even coordinate with the math worksheets but are more focused on Bible.

The two characters are always cheerful, and their experiences feel a little too perfect. There is no conflict and nothing for them to really navigate and grow through. But then again, this is math, not a novel – so keep that in mind if you’re hoping to get very engaging (“I cannot put the book down” type of) math stories out of this. Still, I have to admit these stories might appeal to some children.

2. Truly Open-and-Go

This right here is a HUGE plus. There are no complicated teacher’s guides or prep-heavy lesson plans. Everything is laid out in a simple, straightforward format—open the book, read the short story, work through a few exercises, and you’re done.

Even the manipulatives are included at the back of the book. Just laminate them for durability, and they’re ready to use for every lesson—no need to hunt down extra supplies.

For busy homeschool parents, especially those juggling multiple kids, this setup is a lifesaver. There’s no detailed planning, no extra purchases, and no need to constantly review past lessons before moving forward.

I have to agree—this curriculum is very much an “everything in one place” program. Up to Level 3, there are no separate solutions, since the math is simple enough for parents to check on their own. But from Level 3 and up, you get the solutions, manipulatives, lessons, and worksheets—all in one affordable book.

3. Gentle and Encouraging for Young Learners

Not every child is ready for rigorous, fast-paced math in first grade. Some need a gentler introduction with fewer drills and more conversation-based learning. This math curriculum is for them!

This program is designed for kids who thrive in a low-pressure environment, making it a solid choice for:

• Children who get overwhelmed by too much written work
• Kids who prefer learning through discussion and stories rather than drills
• Parents who want to avoid early math anxiety and frustration

After years of homeschooling and helping other families choose the right curriculum for their kids, I agree. While Math Lessons for a Living Education wouldn’t have worked for our family—Marc is in 8th grade and already finishing Algebra 2, so he moved through math at a much faster pace—this curriculum could be a great fit for non-mathy kids who need a gentler, story-based introduction to numbers and problem-solving.

4. Faith-Based Integration

For Christian homeschool families, finding a math curriculum that incorporates faith naturally can be a challenge. MLLE includes Bible stories, and Christian themes throughout the lessons.

This is a major draw for families looking to keep their curriculum centered on a biblical worldview.

5. Budget-Friendly Compared to Other Math Programs

Homeschool curricula can get expensive, especially math programs that require teacher’s guides, manipulatives, and extra workbooks. MLLE keeps it simple: one workbook per level, no additional materials required.

At around $40 per level, it’s an affordable option compared to programs like Math-U-See, RightStart Math, or Singapore Math, which often cost hundreds of dollars for a complete program.

While this curriculum isn’t for everyone, these strengths explain why many homeschool families find it a great fit. But where does it fall short? Let’s take a look.

Where This Curriculum Falls Short

No curriculum is perfect, and Math Lessons for a Living Education is no exception. While it has plenty of strengths, there are some real drawbacks that could be deal-breakers for certain families.

1. Not Enough Practice for Some Learners

MLLE takes a gentle, minimal-drill approach, which works well for kids who don’t like math in general but pick up math concepts quickly. But for children who need repetition to retain what they’ve learned, this curriculum may feel too light.

There’s no built-in spiral review, meaning concepts aren’t revisited regularly once they’re introduced. If your child doesn’t fully grasp a topic the first time, there’s little reinforcement later on. Many parents end up supplementing with extra practice sheets, flashcards, or workbooks to make sure their child doesn’t forget foundational skills.

The good news is that Master Books listened to parents who wanted more practice and are now offering an optional add-on for extra reinforcement. The series, called Practice Makes Perfect, provides additional exercises for families who feel their kids need more review. This is a great option for those who love the curriculum’s approach but worry about retention and mastery.

2. Can Be Too Slow for Some Kids

MLLE moves at a gentle, steady pace, which is great for kids who need extra time to process math concepts. But for children who grasp math quickly or enjoy a challenge, it might feel too slow and repetitive.

For gifted learners or kids who enjoy problem-solving and mental math, a program like Singapore Math or Beast Academy would likely be a better fit.

To be honest, this program seems to be below the level of other math curricula designed for the same age group. That said, if your child enjoys the format but needs more challenge, you can always work a few levels ahead. You might also find that skipping certain sections helps tailor the program to fit your family’s needs.

How Math Lessons for a Living Education Compares to Other Homeschool Math Curricula

Choosing a math curriculum isn’t just about whether it’s “good” or “bad.” It’s about whether it’s the right fit for your child. Some kids need a visual, hands-on approach, while others thrive on drill-and-kill worksheets or fast-paced conceptual learning.

So, how does Math Lessons for a Living Education stack up against other popular homeschool math programs?

Curriculum	Best For	Teaching Style	Faith-Based?	Open-and-Go?	Hands-On?
Math Lessons for a Living Education	Gentle learners, Charlotte Mason fans	Story-based, mastery	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	⚠️ Some
Math-U-See	Visual learners, hands-on kids	Manipulatives-heavy, mastery	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
RightStart Math	Parents who love scripted lessons	Spiral, games-based	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Singapore Math	Advanced learners	Conceptual, fast-paced	❌ No	❌ No	⚠️ Some
Horizons Math	Kids who love worksheets	Spiral, workbook-heavy	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No

Here’s a deeper breakdown of how MLLE compares:

MLLE vs. Math-U-See

Math-U-See is heavily manipulative-based, meaning kids learn through hands-on block work before transitioning to written problems. It’s also mastery-based, but it provides a lot more review and reinforcement than MLLE.

• MLLE is better for: Kids who enjoy learning through stories and don’t need heavy repetition.
• Math-U-See is better for: Kids who need visual, hands-on learning with strong concept reinforcement.

MLLE vs. RightStart Math

RightStart Math is very parent-intensive but also one of the best programs for building strong number sense and mental math skills. It uses games instead of drill sheets, which works well for kids who hate worksheets.

• MLLE is better for: Parents who want open-and-go lessons with minimal prep.
• RightStart is better for: Parents who have time to actively teach and kids who thrive on games over worksheets.

MLLE vs. Singapore Math

Singapore Math is known for pushing students ahead conceptually, meaning kids are exposed to problem-solving and mental math early on. It’s fast-paced and requires strong logic skills.

• MLLE is better for: Kids who need a slower, more relaxed approach to math.
• Singapore Math is better for: Kids who are mathy, like a challenge, and enjoy problem-solving.

MLLE vs. Horizons Math

Horizons Math is a traditional spiral-based curriculum with colorful, workbook-heavy lessons. It’s fast-paced, constantly reviews concepts, and includes a lot of written practice.

• MLLE is better for: Kids who dislike long worksheets and prefer a gentler approach.
• Horizons is better for: Kids who like structure, repetition, and fast-moving lessons.

If your child needs a gentle, open-and-go, story-driven approach, Math Lessons for a Living Education is a solid choice. But if they need constant review, fast-paced learning, or a hands-on manipulative-heavy program, you may want to look at alternatives.

🎁 Giveaway: Win a Free Copy of Math Lessons for a Living Education – Until 31st of March, 2025

Open through March 31st, 2025

I’ve partnered with Master Books to give away one physical copy of Math Lessons for a Living Education (you choose the level—K through 6). If you’re a U.S. homeschooler curious about this gentle, faith-based math curriculum, this is a great opportunity to try it for free.

Important: This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, as per the sponsor’s terms.

Here’s what you need to know:

• 1 winner will receive a physical copy of the level of their choice
• Deadline: March 31st, 2025 at 11:59 PM (Central Time)
• Winner will be contacted via email by Master Books
• No purchase necessary to enter

Feel free to share this with your friends.

Watch: My Full Video Review of Math Lessons for a Living Education (Level 1)

Want to see what this curriculum actually looks like inside?

I created a full video walkthrough of Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 1, where I show the layout, lesson format, included activities, and optional add-ons like the Teaching Companion and Practice Makes Perfect.

Final Thoughts: Is Math Lessons for a Living Education the Right Fit?

Choosing a math curriculum is rarely a one-size-fits-all decision, and Math Lessons for a Living Education is no exception. It offers a gentle, story-based approach, making it a great option for Christian homeschoolers who want an open-and-go, real-life math program. For kids who struggle with traditional math workbooks or get overwhelmed by too many problems on a page, this curriculum provides a low-pressure, engaging way to learn foundational skills.

However, it won’t work for every family. If your child needs constant review, thrives on structured drills, or enjoys fast-paced problem-solving, this program may not be enough on its own. While the Practice Makes Perfect series offers additional reinforcement, it still may not match the rigor of programs like Singapore Math, Math-U-See, or Horizons.

Ultimately, MLLE is best suited for non-mathy kids who need a softer introduction to numbers, families looking for a faith-based approach, and parents who want an affordable, all-in-one program without extra planning. If that sounds like your homeschool, this could be a great fit.

If you’ve used Math Lessons for a Living Education, I’d love to hear your experience. Did it work for your family? Did you supplement, or did it stand on its own? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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