Are you looking for an out of the box math program? Do you think your child would love reading a story to learn about math? In the Life of Fred books, five year old Fred Gauss teach math at KITTENS University in Kansas. And he makes everything an adventure!
What is Life of Fred Math?
Life of Fred math is a literature based approach to math. It is a COMPLETE math program that relies upon the self-teaching learning style so many of us homeschoolers use.
Life of Fred texts are hardcover, non-consumable textbooks with Smyth-sewn bindings; students write their answers on separate paper. Answers are also included in the text (written directly to the student) for most texts; geometry and the college-level courses have selected answers in the texts with answer keys (sold-separately) that include the remaining answers.
This series is designed to teach you the math you need to know without repetition, redundancy, and a multitude of problems to work.
Dr. Schmidt, author of the Life of Fred series
How Life of Fred is Structured
Students should do two books per year up through pre-algebra. Then beginning with algebra, one book per year.
Elementary and Intermediate Books
These books are geared towards the 1st – 5th grades.
- Apples
- Butterflies
- Cats
- Dogs
- Edgewood
- Farming
- Goldfish
- Honey
- Ice Cream
- Jelly
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Mineshaft
“Before High School Mathematics” series
This section features arithmetic & pre-algebra books for late elementary and middle school ages (grades 5-8).
- Fractions
- Decimals and Percent
- Pre-Algebra 0 with Physics
- Pre-Algebra 1 with Biology
- Pre-Algebra 2 with Economics
High School Mathematics
- Beginning Algebra
- Advanced Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
College Level Textbooks
- Calculus
- Statistics
- Logic
- Linear Algebra
- Real Analysis
- Complex Analysis
Zillions of Practice Problems
Many of the upper level books have an optional book purchase called Zillions of Practice Problems…. and then the specific title. Such as:
- Zillions of Practice Problems: Fraction
- Zillions of Practice Problems: Pre-Algebra 1 with Biology
- Zillions of Practice Problems: Pre-Algebra 2 with Economics
- Zillions of Practice Problems: Pre Algebra 0 with Physics
- Zillions of Practice Problems: Decimals
- Zillions of Practice Problems: Advanced Algebra
Life of Fred Reviews
Life of Fred Homeschool Math by Heather Woodie (one of our authors) at Blog She Wrote – Heather gives a wonderful overview of the Life of Fred series and how it pertains to using it in your homeschool.
Life of Fred for Elementary Math by Amy Matkovich here at TCC take a look at how Amy uses the Life of Fred elementary math books in her homeschool.
Life of Fred Books by Kendra here at TCC in this review Kendra covers what they liked and didn’t like, as well as some common questions of Life of Fred.
Life of Fred Fractions by Richele here at TCC – Richele gives us a look at the Fractions books specifically.
Learning High School Math with Life of Fred by Heather Woodie (one of our authors) at Blog She Wrote – Heather does an amazing job of sharing her real life experiences and insights with all of us. She has used Life of Fred all the way through high school with her kids and gives us the nitty gritty on how, why, and even things she doesn’t like about the series.
Still Looking for the Right Math Program for Your Family?
Be sure to check out our article on The Very Best Options for Homeschool Math
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Math does not have to be taught straight out of a textbook! Math can be fun! Be sure to check out Making Math Fun! With Math Games
Heidi Ciravola is mom to three kids who were all homeschooled. Two have graduated college and one is finishing homeschooling high school. She spends much of her time navigating the high school waters (from electives to college prep) and reviewing homeschool curriculum for all ages. You can find her writing about these things as well as her love of books and homeschool life in general over at Starts At Eight.
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