Accelerated Individualized Mastery (AIM) for Addition and Subtraction {Review}
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.
Accelerated Individualized Mastery (AIM) for Addition and Subtraction is one of the newest products in the Math U See family of math curricula. Having used the Math U See curriculum for many years for all of our children, I was excited to have the opportunity to try this new product.
What is Accelerated Individualized Mastery (AIM) for Addition and Subtraction?
- Accelerated – The opportunity for students to move quickly through a skill they have not yet mastered, without extra distractions.
- Individualized – Each student is different, as are their learning preferences. Using as many approaches as possible, the program creates an environment for a student to master the skills they still need at their own pace.
- Mastery – In this program, mastery means that a student can recall all the math facts using as little mental energy as possible to remain engaged in the process of problem solving.
Often students will be able to slowly work their way through the early years of mathematics without memorizing the basic math facts. This will cause them to struggle as they attempt to learn more advanced math concepts. AIM targets these students and provides lessons to solidify these core concepts!
Who is AIM for?
AIM was created for students who
- Have completed addition and subtraction fact coursework without mastery
- Use tally marks or count on their fingers
- Are struggling as they face increasingly advanced math concepts
- Need more efficient strategies to increase fact fluency
What are the AIM program components?
The AIM program incorporates both physical resources like interger blocks and fact check cards with a digital toolbox that contains success videos and video lessons, as well as printable resources.
Should AIM replace daily math lessons?
AIM is intended to be used as a six to eight week intervention in place of a students regular math program. Some students may be able to continue working through their regular curriculum as they complete the AIM sessions, but others may find benefit in focusing exclusively on mastering these facts.
What is the format of an AIM Lesson?
AIM lessons are broken down and taught in daily “sessions” until math facts are memorized. A session should last no more than 15 minutes and should follow the instruction in the resource guide. More than one session can be conducted in a day, but it is recommended that a two hour break should be taken between sessions.
How long do AIM lessons take?
This will vary by student. The sessions that make up each lesson should be short and relaxed and no more than 15 minutes in length at a time. A break of at least two hours between sessions is recommended. Some students may need to revisit a session more than once to master a group of facts.
How do I know if my child needs AIM?
Math U See offers a video and downloadable AIM assessment to use with your student. This assessment is given in a relaxed fashion but shows clearly the students competences and math fact gaps. The assessment tool and video can be found here.
What does the AIM product include?
The Accelerated Individualized Master (AIM) Complete Set includes every thing you need to complete the program:
- AIM Resource Guide with program overview, lesson instruction, and more
- Math-U-See Integer Blocks, integrated within the lessons and strategies
- Math-U-See Colored Pencils, aligned with the integer block colors
- Math Fact Strategy Posters, a visual reminder of addition fact strategies
- Fact Check Cards, used in most AIM lessons for planning instruction and assessing mastery
- Set includes code to redeem 12-months access to the AIM for Addition and Subtraction Digital Pack.
Impressions of Accelerated Individualized Mastery for Addition and Subtraction
I was absolutely impressed with AIM, from the assessment tool to the implementation strategies. My favorite aspects:
- Short 15 minute sessions
- Relaxed approach to decrease anxiety
- Appropriate for all ages
- Kit contains all materials needed.
- Video lessons are online so they are accessible from any computer
- Extra consumables can be printed from the digital toolbox so the program can be used with multiple students at the same time
How I Used AIM in our Homeschool
For the students who, based on the AIM assessment tool, needed additional help with basic math facts, I rotated those students through time with me to conduct the sessions. I did a few things to ensure success:
- I included some physical activity in the break between sessions.
- I incorporated physical activity before each session including a sensory diet and crossing the midline activities.
- I made sure we were in an area of our home with few distractions.
More reviews of AIM
