Several years ago, I went to a mom who homeschooled her eleven children for advice with how to get my kids motivated to do homeschool. I will never forget the simple advice she gave me, “make it fun.” I succeeded with making nearly everything in my homeschool “fun,” except Math, until I tried Master Books last year. So, I was thrilled when they asked me to review the next level up for my daughter. Here is our overview of Master Books Math Lessons For a Living Education Grade 2.
Disclosure: I received this product free of charge for review purposes and was compensated for my time. All opinions expressed in this post are my own and I was not required to post a positive review of the product..
Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase.
How Can Math Be Fun And Still Teach Something?
I have eight kids, so I have been trying to make math fun for quite a while. The reason that I struggled to make math fun, is due to the endless pages of problems that are often found in math workbooks.
I did so many silly things to try to make it fun. I would add a sticker to the page when complete, sing number songs, and I would hide most of the page with papers or bookmarks over the problems we were not working on, to try and make it seem light and not overwhelming, but my kids knew the problems were there. So, it didn't really work.
When you flip through the math workbooks from Master Books, you will discover colorful pages and fun activities to do, in addition to problems. There are also stories for me to read with characters using math, such as counting baby kicks in mother's pregnant tummy, subtracting cookies from a plate, or measuring fabric to make a quilt.
The GENTLE Approach™
When I told my pals about this new approach, someone commented (about the Master Books math pages), “they seem to be below grade level and lack adequate practice.” But I don't feel that way at all. Master Books Math Lessons are correctly paced for how children actually learn. This is the most effective way to homeschool math.
Using the placement test to ensure best fit of the right level is the key. I know Megan is learning above her level because she enjoys it. Master Books Math Lessons For a Living Education Math books use The GENTLE Approach™. You can watch a quick 7 minute video here if you'd like to learn more.
Basically, this approach helps students become confident, independent learners while keeping homeschooling calm, meaningful, and effective. Developed by Master Books, The GENTLE Approach™ is designed to work with your child, not against them. You’ll discover how this method combines academic rigor with flexibility, encouragement, and intentional skill-building.
This approach gives students short, developmentally appropriate lessons that stimulate learning while protecting joy and confidence. This approach is the most effective way to learn because it aligns with brain science and respects the way God designed children to mature.
- developmentally aligned
- life-proof, open-and-go
- Christian faith is woven throughout as an integral (not optional) part
- tear-free, restoring confidence and enjoyment for children who have had struggles with math
Megan's Learning Is Obvious To Others
Last year, Megan helped me do a product review on Master Books Math Lessons For a Living Education Grade 1. She enjoyed it and so did I because I didn't have to work so hard to make it fun.
After using Grade 1 last year and part of Grade 2 this year, I knew that my daughter was learning when my older kids starting making comments. Megan was using math while playing or around the house. Some of the comments I heard were, “How does she know this? Are they are teaching her fractions already?” or “Mom, Megan knows how to read the clock and tell time! I didn't learn that until I was older.” and “Did I do subtraction and measuring in 2nd grade, like Megan? I can't remember.”
Megan hears all these comments and thinks she is pretty smart now, so that makes her even more eager to do Math, which makes my job as a homeschool Mom all the easier!
The following video gives more of an inside view to the workbooks…
Christian Elementary Math Curriculum
Another thing I love about these Math Lessons is that the wording has Christian values. One of the main reasons that I homeschool is to share my faith with my children in every topic possible. I feel so safe giving my children Math Lessons For a Living Education because it’s fully saturated with biblical truth.
A Fun Cut-Out Activity I Want To Mention
In the measurement lesson towards the end of the book, there is a fun cut-out activity where your student makes a Mr. M (Mister Measure) out of cut-out pieces and learns gallon, quart, pint and cup measurements at the same time. Megan is excited to do this when she gets to that section.
A Few Fun Add-Ons
At levels K-5, everything you need for a full year of math is in a single volume. But I do recommend getting the Practice Makes Perfect: Level 2, which are just as colorful and fun to do as the larger workbook. How I use it is if I think Megan needs more practice on a topic, I will have her do pages in the practice book to help. Or, if it seems like she is really enjoying something, like I know she loves learning about clocks and money, for example – then I ask if she wants to do more, no pressure.
I also think it's a good idea to have “Flash Card Friday” where you take a part of your homeschool time on Friday to do flash cards and give small prizes, stickers or treats. The Addition and Subtraction Flash Cards are great to use for that.
Conclusion
This is a way for me to make math fun without wearing me out in the process. I am so happy to be using Math Lessons For a Living Education and I think you and your child would like it too! You can try to win one in the giveaway or check out their website or order a catalog with the details below.
A Giveaway
Enter The Giveaway (ends April 30, 2026)
How To Find Master Books
Website: https://masterbooks.com
Request a physical catalog to be shipped to you
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