Life of Fred Math is like no other math program! The texts are written in the style of a humorous novel about Fred Gauss and how, in the course of his life, he encounters the need for the math and then learns the methods. While most Life of Fred titles are focused on math, there are more that teach the world of science and other subjects.

Learning Through Humor

Life of Fred was written by Dr. Stanley Schmidt with the intent to make math come alive with lots of humor, clear explanations, and silly illustrations that stick in the mind. Through the program the student will learn to think mathematically, as these books are designed to make children think and to learn on their own.

Using Math in Real Life

Life of Fred does not give step-by-step directions and answers to every question. Students learn to apply the concepts previously taught to current questions. Upon completion of the Life of Fred program, students will understand how math works, why it works, and how to apply it. Students will know the formulas and how to apply them in real-life situations, not just situations created for a textbook.

Comprehension, Not Memorization

The Life of Fred program relies heavily on reading comprehension and thinking, not rote spoon-fed learning that is quickly forgotten. Parents can learn the Life of Fred novel methods along with the student, but should not try to integrate the traditional rote/memorization methods.  The series starts with Apples and continues with Butterflies, Cats, Dogs, Edgewood, Farming, Goldfish, Honey, Ice Cream, Jelly Beans, Kidneys, Liver, Mineshaft, Decimals and Percents, Fractions, and then the High School Courses.