Ep. 110 - What Is the Science of Math and Why Does It Matter? // Nathan King

There is a new term making its way through the education world right now — and researchers say it could change how we teach math the way the science of reading changed how we teach kids to read. Christy-Faith and Nathan King of CTC Math unpack the Science of Math movement and what it means for your homeschool. 🟢 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). In this episode, you'll learn: What the Science of Math is and why it's gaining momentum now How it parallels the science of reading — and what that means for your homeschool What explicit instruction is and why the research supports it Why so many kids (and moms) develop math anxiety The difference between mastery-based and spiral math curricula Why homeschool families already have a built-in edge What math automaticity is and why it matters How to evaluate a homeschool math curriculum based on research, not marketing Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 Browse BJU Press Homeschool Curriculum CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Visit CTCMath Curriculum LearningRx ✔ Proven program to strengthen cognitive skills ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help for ADHD, dyslexia, and learning challenges — use code HOME50 for $50 off 👉 Learn More at LearningRx Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources Mentioned: Education Week — "Debates Over Math Teaching Are Heating Up" (January 2026) The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly businesses and providers Thrive Homeschool Community — Christy-Faith's membership community for homeschool moms Other episodes for you: From Struggle to Success: Building Confidence in Math with Pat Murray What I Wish I Knew Before Buying Homeschool Curriculum Is It a Learning Disability, a Skill Gap, or Something Else? Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram — @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok — @christy_faith Website Homeschool Rising — my book ⭐ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction: The Science of Math (02:23) - Meet Nathan King of CTC Math (04:55) - What Is the Science of Math? (07:33) - Science of Math vs. Science of Reading (13:03) - What Ideal Math Instruction Looks Like (19:07) - What This Means for Your Homeschool (26:37) - Mastery vs. Spiral — What Every Parent Should Know (31:22) - Why Homeschoolers Have the Edge (32:38) - Fun vs. Effective: The Edutainment Question (39:55) - Why Math Automaticity Still Matters