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Single-Digit Addition & SubtractionAvailable now

Math-U-See Alpha

Math-U-See Alpha focuses on single-digit addition and subtraction. Using the program's hands-on integer blocks and the build-write-say method, students master the addition and subtraction facts and build a solid foundation in place value.

Math-U-See Alpha cover
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What Math-U-See Alpha Covers

  • Counting and skip counting by 2, 5, and 10
  • Place value and the manipulatives
  • Single-digit addition facts and strategies
  • Single-digit subtraction facts and strategies
  • Solving for an unknown
  • Basic shapes and telling time

Math-U-See Alpha Table of Contents

Alpha focuses on building a strong foundation for the concepts of single-digit addition and subtraction. We use systematic teaching strategies to help your student commit addition and subtraction facts to memory.

30 lessons

  • Lesson 1·Place Value and the Manipulatives

  • Lesson 2·Counting to 20

  • Lesson 3·Unit Bars

  • Lesson 4·Addition: Symbols, +0

  • Lesson 5·Addition: +1, Commutative Property

  • Lesson 6·Counting to 100, Skip Counting by 10

  • Lesson 7·Addition: +2

  • Lesson 8·Solve for an Unknown

  • Lesson 9·Addition: +9, Mental Math

  • Lesson 10·Addition: +8

  • Lesson 11·Shapes: Circles and Triangles; Skip Counting by 2

  • Lesson 12·Addition: Doubles

  • Lesson 13·Rectangles, Squares; Skip Counting by 5

  • Lesson 14·Addition: Doubles +1; Associative Property

  • Lesson 15·Addition: Making 10

  • Lesson 16·Addition: Making 9

  • Lesson 17·Addition of the Extras: 3 + 5, 4 + 7, 5 + 7

  • Lesson 18·Introduction to Subtraction

  • Lesson 19·Subtraction: –1 and –0

  • Lesson 20·Subtraction: –2

  • Lesson 21·Subtraction: –9

  • Lesson 22·Subtraction: –8

  • Lesson 23·Subtraction: Doubles

  • Lesson 24·Subtraction: Making 10

  • Lesson 25·Subtraction: Making 9

  • Lesson 26·Subtraction: Extras

  • Lesson 27·Subtraction by 7, or Adding Up by 3

  • Lesson 28·Subtraction by 6, or Adding Up by 4

  • Lesson 29·Subtraction by 5, or Adding Up by 5

  • Lesson 30·Subtraction by 3 and 4

Find the Right Starting Point

Math-U-See levels don't map neatly to school grades, so the free placement test is the reliable way to confirm Alpha is the right fit — it only takes a few minutes, and it's more than okay if it points a level back.

Take the placement test

Books & Materials for Alpha

Nicole's video lessons follow the publisher's books, so you'll work from your own copy of the Alpha materials alongside the videos. Our textbooks page shows exactly what you'll need and where to buy each piece.

Find the Alpha books & materials

Math-U-See Levels

AlphaBetaGammaDeltaEpsilonZetaPre-AlgebraAlgebra 1

Math-U-See Alpha — Common Questions

Math-U-See Alpha covers Counting and skip counting by 2, 5, and 10, place value and the manipulatives, single-digit addition facts and strategies, single-digit subtraction facts and strategies, solving for an unknown, and basic shapes and telling time. Lessons build incrementally and review earlier skills so concepts stick over time.
Math-U-See Alpha is designed for students working at roughly a 1st Grade level, but placement is based on mastered skills rather than age. The most reliable way to confirm the right starting point is to take the free placement test.
Most students complete Math-U-See Alpha in one school year at a pace of about four to five lessons per week. You can move faster or slower — the program is self-paced, so spend extra time on tougher topics and move quickly through ones your student already knows.
Yes, we have a full course for Math-U-See Alpha available now. Take the free placement test to confirm the right level, then start a free 7-day trial.

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Math-U-See curriculum overviewTake the Math-U-See placement testWatch a free Alpha sample lesson