The Math Mammoth Blue Series CD includes PDF files for more than 40 math concepts that are appropriate for grades 1-6. Whether you need to teach a math topic from the beginning, or simply provide some additional math practice in one area or another, these colorful worksheets will likely have what you're looking for.

Each PDF file includes 50-150 pages of practice on a particular math concept. A few pages of introduction give you, the teacher, suggestions for teaching the topic, game ideas when applicable, and additional online resources available around the Internet. Following the introduction are the student worksheets, which must be printed from the CD. Entire worksheets can be completed at one time, or you can focus on small sections, or whatever meets your student's particular needs in the best way.

The worksheets are jam-packed with practice problems - maybe even a little too jam-packed sometimes. Short, self-explanatory directions are given before each new section, which is meant to be read by the student. These directions are to-the-point, and there isn't much space wasted on wordiness. In most cases, simple illustrations or examples are given to enhance the directions. Some parents will appreciate the succinct directions, while others will wish for a little more explanation. A complete answer key is provided at the end of each guide.

For the earlier math concepts, Mrs. Miller encourages you to offer your children plenty of hands-on experiences. In the worksheets of these earlier concepts, she starts with problems that include pictures, before moving on to problems including numbers. In addition to going from concrete to abstract practice, she steadily grows the understanding of each concept throughout each module. Review sheets are built into each module as well.

The following math topics are included in the Blue Series:

• Addition
• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Division
• Place Value
• Time
• Money
• Measurement
• Geometry
• Fractions
• Decimals
• Ratios
• Proportion
• Percent
• Integers
• Statistics
• Probability
• Problem solving

Many of the topics are covered more than once in varying levels. For instance, there are five different PDF files on the topic of place value. Place Value 1 includes earlier principles, such as tens and ones, while Place Value 5 teaches things like trillions, exponents, and rounding.   

You can use the material as a full curriculum, as a supplement for another curriculum, or to reteach or reinforce a math concept. If you choose to use the lessons as a full curriculum, Mrs. Miller offers a suggested order of study. Otherwise, you are free to use each module as you wish.  

I hesitate to tell you the best way to use this series, because I think it can have so many uses in so many different situations. Even in our family, I have been using them differently with various children. For example, my 6th grade son is only seeing the occasional worksheet, as additional instruction when a new concept stumps him. On the other hand, my Kindergarten son is using the early pages as his only math curriculum for the time being. The pages have been extremely helpful in both situations. I'm sure you can find a good use for the series in your house, also!

Product Review by Cindy West, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, January, 2012