Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.
Since the beginning of my homeschool career, I’ve heard so many great things about Math-U-See and its products. So, imagine the actual “yippee” I let out when we received the opportunity to try their new Accelerated Individualized Mastery (AIM) for Addition and Subtraction. This AIM program features online lessons as well as the manipulatives this company is well known for. Let’s take a detailed look at everything we received.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
The Accelerated Individualized Mastery (AIM) program pairs the tried and true Math-U-See strategies and manipulatives with mastering single-digit addition and subtraction facts. It replaces counting or tallying with strategies based on number relationships and reasoning. These allow addition and subtraction facts to be stored in long-term visual memory for quick retrieval. AIM was designed to aid students in improving these fundamental skills. We received the AIM for Addition and Subtraction Complete Set which includes a resource guide, Math-U-See Integer Blocks, Colored Pencils, Math Fact Strategy Posters, and Fact Check Cards. This set also includes code to redeem 12-months access to the AIM for Addition and Subtraction Digital Pack.
AIM Resource Guide provides a program overview, 22 lessons, and details on how to use the manipulatives with each one. Detailed instructions on the collaborative work between you and your child as well as times to take a break are also included.
Math-U-See Integer Blocks are used in the lessons to illustrate the strategies. Their colors are also specific to match the pencils.
Math-U-See Colored Pencils are aligned with the integer block colors and used to help students transition from the manipulatives.
Math Fact Strategy Posters include 21 illustrations of addition explanations. Some posters have strategies defined on the front and back. Each poster is labeled with the lesson it corresponds with.
Fact Check Cards are also used in most AIM lessons for assessment, review, and planning instruction. Each card can easily be removed from perforated cardstock. There is not a small storage bag or box provided for these so I placed them in a ziploc bag.
Digital Pack provides 12 months of access to online videos and downloadable resources. The AIM for Success Videos were created to provide instruction for all the lessons in the resource book.
OUR ROUTINE & FINAL THOUGHTS:
Prior to beginning the program, I had my son take the Before AIM Assessment, as suggested. This verbal assessment is used to evaluate your child’s addiction and subtraction proficiency. Based on his score, this program was a good fit to build his skills. We worked through this program daily as described in the resource book. I watched the corresponding AIM for Success video prior to teaching and made sure my teaching time was only 15 minutes. Some lessons were completed over a few days but as we progressed, we moved through them faster. When my son needed to go back over anything I made sure to do so to build his confidence.
I think the manipulatives played a major part in improving our son’s ability to add and subtract quickly. The transition away from the blocks has been smooth because of the variety of activities within the Accelerated Individualized Mastery (AIM) for the Addition and Subtraction program. I saw a clear difference when applying the Math-U-See approach and results through reinforcement. I also believe their overall goal to replace inefficient mathematical methods and processes can be achieved with consistent use of this program. We plan to continue the use of the AIM program until completion to build my son’s math confidence.
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Happy homeschooling,
Ta’Neisha K.
Marriage, Motherhood, & Homeschool 
Hi Ta’Neisha,
How old was your child who did the AIM program? Did he struggle from math anxiety? How long is the program?
Thanks,
Sarah
He was 6 years old and yes, he did not have confidence in his Math skills at all. The program is as long as you need it to be, ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months. You can complete multiple lessons each day or create a schedule that works for your child.