ST Math
ST Math was created by the MIND Research Institute, a nonprofit organization focusing on neuroscience and education. The program was co-founded by Dr. Matthew Peterson, a neuroscientist with a background in transformative education through technology. Dr. Peterson, who is dyslexic, designed ST Math to aid in overcoming the challenges he faced with traditional text-based math, leading to a unique visual approach to learning mathematics. ST Math has reached over 1.8 million students across 5,725 schools, reflecting its significant impact and success (ST Math) (Getting Smart).
Differentiation: What Makes ST Math Special
What sets ST Math apart is its patented approach that uses spatial-temporal reasoning to help students visualize math concepts before connecting them to the symbolic language of mathematics. This method is particularly effective for diverse learners, including English language learners and students with learning differences, as it bypasses language barriers and allows for direct interaction with mathematical concepts through intuitive puzzles (ST Math).
How to Get Started
Parents interested in ST Math for homeschooling can access it through various subscription plans offered on the ST Math website. The program is designed as an open-and-go resource, meaning little to no prep time is required from the parents, and it can be used as a supplementary tool alongside other curricula or as a standalone math program.
How It Works
ST Math is primarily a self-guided program where students progress through levels by solving visually-based puzzles that represent mathematical concepts. The program recommends regular sessions of 90 minutes per week, which can be broken into smaller increments to fit daily schedules. It's designed to promote independent learning, but parent involvement can enhance understanding and engagement (ST Math).
Educational Subjects Included
ST Math covers a comprehensive range of mathematical topics from kindergarten through 8th grade, including but not limited to:
Number Sense
Algebraic Thinking
Geometry
Measurement and Data
Probability and Statistics
What’s Good About It
Users often praise ST Math for its engaging, interactive puzzles that significantly improve problem-solving skills and help students develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts without the pressure of timed tests or rote memorization. The program’s ability to adapt to the individual learner’s pace is also a noted benefit (ST Math) (ST Math).
What Could Be Improved
While ST Math is highly effective in visual and interactive learning, some users feel that there could be more direct instruction or guidance for students who may struggle with interpreting the visual puzzles. Additionally, some parents have noted that their children require additional resources for practicing mathematical computations more traditionally, as ST Math focuses heavily on conceptual understanding (ST Math).
Advice from Parents
Parents recommend supplementing ST Math with traditional problem-solving exercises to balance its conceptual approach. Engaging with children during sessions and discussing the puzzles can also help deepen their understanding and make the learning experience more comprehensive and enjoyable (ST Math).
Ideal Fit
ST Math is ideal for students who thrive in interactive and visually stimulating learning environments. It suits learners who prefer to understand the 'why' behind math concepts before moving into abstract symbolic representations. It's also well-suited for learners with language barriers or those who struggle with traditional text-based learning (ST Math).
Probably Not a Fit For
ST Math might not be the best fit for students who require immediate, direct instructional feedback or those who benefit from a more traditional approach focusing on numerical computations and direct problem-solving instructions (ST Math).
Grades
ST Math is designed for students in grades K-8.
Cost
The subscription costs vary, typically ranging from $100 to $200 per year depending on the specific plan and any applicable discounts.
Ways to Get It
ST Math can be accessed via a subscription through their official website, where various plans are offered to fit different educational needs and budgets (ST Math).
This comprehensive review outlines the unique approach and extensive benefits of using ST Math for homeschooling, providing a math learning experience that is both effective and engaging.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links on our site are affiliate links, which means Modulo may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no cost to you). Rest assured, we only recommend resources we’ve rigorously vetted and truly love—affiliate link or not. Thank you so much for supporting our work!
Explore More Exceptional Math Programs and Curriculum We Recommend
Explore real parents' experiences with Prodigy the Game as a learning tool for their children. Discover the pros, cons, and key tips for utilizing this engaging, game-based math platform effectively. Learn who it's best suited for and how to maximize its educational benefits.
Are you considering Beast Academy for your child's math education? Read this comprehensive review by an experienced math teacher to find out if it's the right fit for your child's learning needs.
Discover the power of Thinkwell Homeschool's video-based courses, designed to bring dynamic, interactive learning to homeschool environments across diverse subjects.
Dive into from Ovo Cool Math Games, where educational challenges meet interactive fun, perfect for budding mathematicians eager to enhance their skills through engaging gameplay.
Dive into our detailed review of Math Playground, where math meets fun! Discover how this platform can transform your child’s learning experience with interactive games and challenges.
Discover how Desmos transforms homeschooling with its interactive graphing tools and dynamic math lessons. Read our in-depth review to learn how this platform can enhance your child's math education.
Discover how Kahoot! turns learning into an interactive, competitive game, making education engaging and fun for homeschooling families,
Discover how Blooket transforms learning into an interactive adventure for homeschoolers. Created by educators Tom and Ben Stewart, Blooket offers a unique blend of fun and education, making it a favorite among students and parents alike.
Explore how Math Papa transforms algebra learning with detailed reviews, user feedback, and expert analysis, ideal for homeschoolers seeking a robust educational tool.
Discover how Get More Math can transform your homeschooling experience with its unique spiral review system, ensuring students not only learn but retain mathematical concepts long-term
Manisha Snoyer's expert review of CTC Math reveals how its affordability and flexibility make it a top choice for homeschoolers from K-12.
Explore how Nitro Math's innovative, game-based approach is revolutionizing math education for young learners, making it engaging and effective.
Explore how SplashLearn's innovative game-based curriculum enhances elementary learning through personalized, engaging content. Perfect for homeschoolers seeking a dynamic educational tool.
Discover how XtraMath helps boost math fluency with concise, daily practices in our detailed review, covering effectiveness, ease of use, and user feedback.
Explore our comprehensive review of ST Math, a game-based learning app that uses unique visual puzzles to make math engaging and accessible for K-8 students.
Dive into our review of Hooda Math, where we break down how its free, interactive games make learning math fun and accessible for homeschoolers.
Discover how 99 Math leverages gaming to make math engaging and educational for grades 1-8, enhancing traditional learning methods with fun, interactive challenges.
Discover how Reflex Math transforms basic math learning into an engaging, game-based educational journey for young learners, fostering both fun and fluency.
Discover how Cool Math Games can transform your child's approach to math with engaging, interactive games. Read our in-depth review to see why this platform is a hit among educators and students alike.
Explore how Delta Math transforms math education with its interactive, comprehensive platform offering robust practice and immediate feedback, ideal for grades 6-12.
Discover how IXL Math transforms homeschooling with personalized, adaptive learning tools in this detailed review by an educational expert.
Dive into our comprehensive review of Wild Math, the curriculum that transforms the great outdoors into a vibrant classroom, making math a hands-on, engaging learning experience for kids.
Explore our detailed review of Touch Math, a unique multisensory approach that makes math intuitive and engaging for young students, particularly effective for those with learning disabilities.
Discover how Singapore Math transforms math learning with its systematic, mastery-focused curriculum, perfect for homeschooling environments. Our in-depth review unpacks its unique features and suitability for different learners.
Dive into our detailed review of Math-U-See, a curriculum transforming how homeschoolers approach and master math through hands-on learning and a focus on understanding.
Explore Math Tango, a unique educational app that makes arithmetic fun and interactive through game-based learning, designed for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade.
Explore our in-depth review of Math Antics, a curriculum making math understandable and enjoyable for homeschoolers through animated videos and interactive lessons.
Discover how Dragon Box Math Apps transform traditional math learning into an exciting, game-based experience that captivates young minds.
Explore our comprehensive review of Starfall, a leading ELA program that makes learning to read interactive and fun, crafted by an education expert with extensive experience.
For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.
Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.
I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.
I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.
During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.
I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.
In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.
My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.
My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.
I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.
In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.
I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.
And I love to learn!
Right Start Math review: For a highly visual, and hands-on math curriculum, Right Start Math is a favorite mastery-based choice for families that dislike worksheets. A phenomenal option for kids who thrive with hands-on-learning, gifted kids, and also children with dyscalculia.