TouchMath - A Multisensory Approach to Math

For the last several weeks Little Bits has been "doing school," just like his brother and sisters.  He was so excited to start his new math program, TouchMath Kindergarten. 

TouchMath is a multisenory math program developed by an elementary school teacher that saw a need to help children connect abstract and concrete ideas.  She met this need by creating numbers that have counting points or "TouchPoints" on them, one for each count to get to the number the student is working with.  Counting the "TouchPoints" in the TouchMath program is really the key to the program, and what sets this program apart from the rest. 

The TouchMath program consists of four units, each one includes 90 student activity sheets, that are to be spread out through the school year.  As you can see, TouchMath covers a wide range of topics:

   

    

While the activity sheets are heart of the curriculum, there are many other components that can be added to enhance your child's learning experience.  We were given the four units of activity sheets, TouchShapes, Kindergarten Software and the 3-D Numerals.

  

This is the first official math curriculum that Little Bits has used so far.  While he is not quite in kindergarten yet, I felt this level was a better fit for him than the preschool level.  He seems to be doing quite well with it.  He is not writing on his own yet, but he is still learning the concepts from using the 3-D numerals, TouchShapes and the computer program.  He really LOVES the Kindergarten Software program!

 

 

At first, using the 3-D Numerals and counting the TouchMath way was a little foreign to my little guy.  I think he had a hard time understanding why he had to count some of the dots on the 3-D numerals twice.  After a little practice he got it, and now enjoys using them.

We like TouchMath and plan to continue using it for his kindergarten year.  I think it is a very thorough program. TouchMath is laid out very well for the homeschool mom, I felt that it was simple for me to understand and teach.  I liked that it was very hands on for my busy little boy.  One major plus, Little Bits really enjoys it!

TouchMath has programs for grades Pre-K through 2nd grade:

• PRE-K
• KINDERGARTEN
• FIRST GRADE
• SECOND GRADE

 

Each of the TouchMath units are available for $59.95.  You can also purchase all 4 units for a discounted price of $199.95

 



There are additional components to the TouchMath program available:

• TouchShapes
• TouchMath Tutor Kindergarten Software
• Math Fans
• 3-D Numerals
• TouchPoint Posters
• Texture Cards
• Number Concept Posters

We found the Tutor Software, TouchShapes and 3-D Numerals to be extremely helpful pieces of the program!

 

Please take a peek at what other TOS Crew members have to say about TouchMath!

  

 

Science & Math Activity Bags {Review}

A few years back I participated in an Activity Bag swap for preschoolers.   I found a swap group online and signed up to do one of the pattern matching activity bags.  It was really simple to do.  I gathered the supplies that I needed and assembled ONE activity bag for 20 different children.  Even after a few years, those bags still get pulled out pretty much on a weekly basis. 

When I found out that we had the opportunity to review for Activity Bags I started jumping up and down!  Literally! 

Activity Bags were created by two homeschool moms, Paula and Sherri, that set out to have fun, educational and independent activities for their preschoolers.  The idea was to have activities ready for younger siblings to do while their older siblings were working on their school.

Activity Bags have since grown, and they now have several Activity Bag books for preschoolers as well as children in K-8th grade.  The books that they currently offer are:

• Preschool Activites in a Bag - eBook 1
• Preschool Activites in a Bag - eBook 2
• (Preschool Activites in a Bag - eBook 3 is in the works)
• Science Experiments in a Bag- eBook 1  Biology, Nature and General Science
• Science Experiments in a Bag - eBook 2 Chemistry, Human Body and General Science
• Science Experiments in a Bag - eBook 3 Chemistry
• Reading Games in a Bag - eBook 1
• Math Games in a Bag - eBook 1
• Travel Activities in a Bag - eBook 1
• Coordinator Book - for those that was interested in hosting swaps

  

     

 

   

 

We were given the Science Activities in a Bag eBooks 1,2,3 and the Math Games in a Bag eBook for this review. 

When Sherri and Paula created the Activity Bag books they created them in a format that makes it very simple for several moms to get together, each take an activity, assemble them and then swap.  But, if you are a homeschooler you know that we are famous for thinking outside of the box, right?! 

I decided that for our family right now, the best way to use the Activity Bag books was to do the individual experiments and games with out assembling all of them prior to use.  I think that, for us, we will work through the experiments and games one by one and then assemble the Activity Bags for the ones that are our favorites. 

For example one of the experiments that we have done so far is the Dancing Peanuts.  It is from the Science Experiments in a Bag -eBook 2.  In the experiment the kids start with a glass of water and baking soda.  Next they add 5 peanuts, and then vinegar.  The peanuts dance by moving up and down in the glass.  This is one of the experiments that we will make a bag for, because I know it is something that they will want to do over and over again. 

I really like how the Science Activity Bags not only include the experiments, but experiment logs, with observation questions and additional experiment suggestions.  I was happy to see that they also suggest for the children to draw what happens in the experiments. 

 

Each of the Science Experiments in a Bag have 25 experiments in them.  Some of the experiments included are:
 
eBook 1

• Catch a Web - observe intricate patterns of spider webs and draw them.
• Feasting Yeast - see how yeast and sugar can inflate a balloon.
• Fungus Amungus - learn how to grow mold.
• Worm Farm - learn what earth worms do that is good for soil.

eBook 2

• Big Bubbles - kids make their own bubble frame and make some pretty big bubbles too!
• Crayon Creations - see how heat changes a solid to a liquid, and then by cooling the liquid, how it changes back into a solid.
• Siphon It - learn how a siphon works.
• Spinning Around - how heat makes a spiral turn.

eBook 3

• Get Gluey - learn how to make glue from vinegar and milk.
• Lots of Lava - make a volcano with flowing lava.
• Seltzer Rocket - learn what happens when gas builds up.
• Sun Burn - learn how to cut a string by the sun's rays.

The Science Experiments in a Bag eBooks are available for $15.00 each.  You can also purchase the Science in Experiments in a Bag eBook Bundle, which includes ebook 1,2 & 3 for $39.00. 
 

We also got the chance to review the Math Games in a Bag.  This eBook has 32 games in it!  The games are geared for kids in elementary grades.  Some of the games included are:

• Telling Time
• Trickster #1 - find out how all roads lead to 99
• Word Problems
• Place Value - roll the dice and put numbers in the correct place value. 
• Number Writing - practice writing numbers

We were pretty impressed with the games included in this book, although I felt that they were more for the younger elementary grades.  There are lots of activities to help students master things that they are already learning. 

The Math Games in a Bag eBook 1 is available for $15.00.  Here are some sample pages from this  book.

Activity Bags has a short survey on their website to help them better gage the wants and needs of their customers.  If you take just a few minutes to fill this out they will send you a free eBook sampler of the different Activity Bag books available.

I recommend Activity Bags, they are an easy and inexpensive way to incorporate fun, hands on learning activities that can be used independently!

 

 

Check out what other TOS Crew Members have to say about Activity Bags!

Disclaimer:  We received the Activity Bag eBooks mentioned in this review at no cost to us in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Professor B Math {TOS Crew}

We were given the opportunity, through the TOS Crew, to review for Professor B Math.  Professor B Math is a interactive math website designed to teach 3 years of math in just 1 year. 

The lessons are geared for children in Pre-K through 8th, but the focus is the level that your child needs to work on and not necessarily their grade level.  

The levels are set up like this:

Level I
Pre-K though 2nd graders and remediation of older learners. Introduction to Addition/Subtraction Facts – Counting to One Hundred – Lower Addition and Subtraction – Higher Addition and Subtraction – Place Value Fractional Parts & Order – Time – Money

Level II
3rd grade through 5th grade and remediation of older learners. Multiplication/Division Facts and Problem Solving – Introduction to Fractions – Fractional Equivalence – Addition and Subtraction Fractions

Level III
6th through 8th grades and remediation of older learners. Multiplication/Division of Fractions – Decimals – Percents

  

The Professor B program has structured the content of math as a developmental, contextual flow, kind of like a story.  The goal of this method is to help the children to more quickly absorb its content without learning gaps.

For our review we were given access to all 3 levels of the program along with worksheets and answers keys.  I decided to allow Computer Girl (4th grade) to be our review gal on this one.  She enjoyed the lessons and did fine on the worksheets. 

I was a little disappointed that during the program the Bee that helps with the teaching did not talk.  I later learned that this was very intentional from the company.  Here is what their website says about not having the sound....

The decision to not have the Bee speak was intentional. We did not want parents leaving the student at the computer by themselves. If the child answers incorrectly, you would not know unless you are there. This is not a game. This is a teaching program

After reading this statement I understood their reasoning.  If you are looking for a math program that your child can go and be totally independent from you then this may not be a great fit for you. 

I do feel that the content of this program is superior.  I like the way everything is laid out and the lessons are easily understand.  Professor B would be a good solid math curriculum if the website was used along with the worksheets.  It would also make a great supplement for a child that is struggling in math.  This is also a wonderful program for a visual learner.  

Professor B is very affordable for homeschooling families.  Several children, at different levels, can use this program at one time.  Currently all 3 of the Professor B Math Levels can be purchased for $100.   This one time purchase will give your family 3 full years of access to the program.  Professor B's website is not currently updated to the new price change so if you are interested you can call them directly to order 678-765-6655.

You can also order on a month to month basis:

• 1 Level- $20/ monthly for one level
• 2 Levels (at the same time)- $15.00/monthly for 2nd level
• 3 Levels (at the same time)- $10.00/monthly for the 3rd level

We feel that Professor B is great math program that is also affordable and definitely worth you checking it out!   You can see what other TOS Crew members thougth about Professor B Math here.

Disclaimer:  As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are mine.

TOS Crew: enVision Math by Pearson Homeschool

Computer Girl was coming to the end of her math book for the year when the TOS Crew gave us the opportunity to review the 4th Grade enVision Math by Pearson Homeschool (the same company that publishes Sing, Spell, Read and Write).  I thought it would be a great math book for her to start and continue to use this coming year. 

We were given the enVision Math 4 Homeschool Bundle which includes the Student Edition Textbook, MindPoint® Quiz Show CD-ROM, Teacher Edition CD-ROM and Parent Guide.

Student Edition - The Visual Learning Bridge teaches math concepts step-by-step with purposeful, sequential illustrations while connecting learning activities and lesson exercises. Grades 3–6 hardbound edition expands visual learning with focus questions and pictures with a purpose, and students learn to express concepts in writing.

MindPoint® Quiz Show CD-ROM - Multiple-choice questions in a game-show format give your child additional math practice. Ideal for children to play on their own or with you involved.

Teacher Edition CD-ROM - Contains the entire contents of the Teacher's Edition with easy navigation. Includes customizable lesson plans, teaching guides, reviews and assessments, and numerous printable resources in .pdf format all organized in a friendly, easy-to-use format.

Parent Guide - This guide walks you through the program highlighting the main elements of the student and teacher materials and provides guidance on setting up your lesson plan, pacing, and adapting the curriculum to fit your family.

The enVision Math series has levels for students in K-6th. This program engages your child as it strengthens their understanding of math. It uses problem based interactive learning as well as visual learning to deepen conceptual understanding. EnVision incorporates visual tools to promote problem-solving skills, while providing data-driven differentiated instruction to ensure success.

The table of contents for Grade 4 are:

Topic 1: Numeration

Topic 2: Adding and Subtracting Whole Numbers

Topic 3: Multiplication Meanings and Facts

Topic 4: Division Meanings and Facts

Topic 5: Multiplying by 1-Digit Numbers

Topic 6: Patterns and Expressions

Topic 7: Multiplying by 2-Digit Numbers

Topic 8: Dividing by 1-Digit Divisors

Topic 9: Lines, Angles, and Shapes

Topic 10: Understanding Fractions

Topic 11: Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Topic 12: Understanding Decimals

Topic 13: Operations with Decimals

Topic 14: Area and Perimeter

Topic 15: Solids

Topic 16: Measurement, Time, and Temperature

Topic 17: Data and Graphs

Topic 18: Equations

Topic 19: Transformations, Congruence, and Symmetry

Topic 20: Probability

Here's what we thought:

• This is the most beautiful math book I have ever seen, but to be honest I felt like there was a lot going on on each page.  My brain was on stimulation over load, my daughter on the other hand had no problem-o.  She loves this book!  So much so, that the other day she did 6 pages when usually we just do 2 pages at a time. 
• While I do appreciate non-consumables, math is a subject in which I would prefer a workbook.  In saying that, the teacher edition has oodles of printables that are great for reteaching the lesson and for daily review.  I am considering just using these along with the lesson in the textbook.
• I do like the way this book explains concepts. Math is not necessarily Computer Girl's strength, but she has been understanding and learning the lessons.  She is not dreading math, she is actually enjoying it!
• I really like the Teacher Edition CD.  While I would like a more portable answer key, I really appreciate all the goodies on the CD.  Things that would not be included in a standard answer key, like the additional printables, center activities, vocabulary cards and teacher helps are great a great bonus!
• Did I mention there was a QUIZ SHOW??  Let me just start by saying this is sooo cool!  All my kids want to play this.  The quiz show allows the player to select which topic they want to play from {same topics are their lessons}.  They can play as a single, multi-player and team play.  There is also an option to play against the computer or to beat the clock.  This quiz show makes learning so much FUN!!

The enVision Math Program by Pearson Homeschool if definitely worth checking out!  The homeschool bundle is available directly from Pearson Homeschool for $99.99 which includes the Student Textbook, MindPoint® Quiz Show CD-ROM, Teacher Edition CD-ROM and Parent Guide.

Check out what other TOS Crew members are saying about Pearson Homeschool Products!

Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.

TOS Crew: Math Rider

We love us a good math facts game, especially one of the computer variety!  That is exactly what Math Rider is, a computer oriented math facts game.  BUT there is more....  Math Rider is a fun math game for kids that allows them to practice their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts while not being bored to death in the process! 

My girls really truly loved this game from day one.  I do not have to even say "go do your math drills," because usually they have already done them. 

 My oldest daughter, The Lil' Chef, really likes the idea of being timed.  She likes that Math Rider times her and keeps score for her, so that she can try to beat those scores the next time she plays.  She also likes that Math Rider shows her progress in mastery.  She likes to know that she has mastered 86% of her multiplication problems and 84% of her division.  This is helpful for mom to know too!  ; )

My younger daughter, Computer Girl, likes that Math Rider is cute, colorful and revolves around a story.  Computer Girl enjoys riding through the Land of Ray {as she completes her math facts} with her trusty horse Shadow in a race to rescue the Princess Fairblossom from the evil king!  She likes that she can see how far she has to go to reach the castle {master her facts}. 

As Mom, I like that they are enjoying Math Rider as well as learning their facts {WHOO HOO!} I really LOVE how Math Rider keeps track of all the statics for me.  Every so often I can check in to see what facts the girls have mastered, what facts they most struggle with as well as see their learning progression since they started.  These are all nice things that Math Rider does for busy moms like me. 

On the more technical side of Math Rider, is was created with gaming intelligence.  The Math Rider explains it better than me...

"While the rider is playing, the game learns what the rider knows and what he or she still needs to practice. Every single response (or non-response) is stored in an internal database and statistically analysed by the software. In this way the program is able to custom-tailor to each rider, which questions are asked next. No repetitive drilling of random number facts the rider already knows – but real practice of what actually needs to be practiced!"

 

Math Rider would be great to incorporate into your homeschooling as a math drill game or even for non homeschoolers who's children just need to brush up on their math facts!  Either way, my recommendation is for you to burn, bury or giveaway your flashcards and get Math Rider! You will not be disappointed! {and neither will your kids}

Math Rider is available for instant download for $47.00 but is on SALE for $37.00 up until February 15, 2012.  There is a 30 day money back guarantee if for some reason you are not satisfied. 

If you are still convinced that Math Rider would work for your kiddos please feel to check out their 7 Day Free Trial!

Please check out what others on the TOS Crew are saying about Math Rider!

We were given a trial version of Math Rider to try out for review purposes only.  I was not paid in any way for my opinions, they are indeed mine.

TOS Crew: Always Icecream Review

 

The TOS Crew asked us if we would be interested in reviewing a learning website called Always Icecream and my girls were so glad that I said yes! 

Always Icecream is a fun and educational website where girls can learn and be creative!  Over the last few weeks the girls have enjoyed playing games that have helped them learn about human anatomy, math facts, geography (USA  and Europe), dog breeds and Bible verses.

They have also enjoyed all the fun that they get to have creating their own people and rooms in the Mini World part of Alway Icecream.  This is the area where they really get to create and have a great time!  Computer Girl told me that this is her favorite thing about Always Icecream.  Oh, and believe it or not she really likes playing the math facts games (which her mama really likes too!) 

On Always Icecream, girls (and I keep saying girls because it really is geared toward girls) can invite there friends to play and chat with them too.  My girls have not done this but it is an option.  I appreciate that they have it moderated. 

Girls can also watch some pretty cool learning videos.  For instance one video taught us how to make baby shower cupcakes (too cute!), one showed us how to teach a dog to sit and another one taught us the origin of ice cream cones. 

Another fun thing about the Always Icecream site it that the kids get to earn ice cream "scoops," by watching the videos and playing the games.  They can then use these "scoops" in the Mini World to buy things for their rooms.  The kids of course LOVE THIS!! 

Always Icecream is geared toward girls ages 7-12.  My girls are 8 and 10 (almost 11 as she says) and they both enjoyed this website.  The cost is $4.99 per month, $29.99 for a year or $99.99 for a life-time membership.  Personally, I would try it for a month or two before deciding on a life-time membership. 

Your kids can even try it for FREE to see if they like it before purchasing.

We were given a subscription to Always Icecream free of charge for review purposes only.  The opinions expressed here are my own and we were not compensated in any way. 



MathTacular Winner!

Thanks to everyone that entered! 

The winner is..

Gretta said...                         17
I would like the MathTacular 4 DVD because word problems seem to often to be an issue for kids and this might help simplify them some.

MathTacular Review & Giveaway!

Have you ever heard of MathTacular?  I had not until I came across it at a homeschool convention.  Once I saw it I knew it would be absolutely perfect for Alpha Boy.  He loves hands on stuff, like most other little five year olds.

MathTacluar is a multi-level math curriculum.  Although, I hesitate to use the word curriculum because that word sounds boring and MathTacular is so NOT boring.  MathTacular is a series of DVD lessons that are based on real life math that use lots of different manipulative's. The math lessons in the DVD's are lots of fun and easy to understand.  Justin, the math master mind of the DVD series, catches the children's attention and knows how to keep it. 

There are 4 DVD"s in the MathTacular Series, lots of math manipulative's as well as several packages that are available.  We reviewed the MathTacular Educational Kit which included the following:

• MathTacular Kit DVD (67 of the 88 activities in MathTacular)
• Bear Counters
• Color Tiles
• Red & White Counter
• Mini-Clock
• Die
• Base Ten Blocks
• Pattern Blocks
• 12" Wooden Ruler
• Number Flash Cards
• Number Chart
• Gram Centimeter Cubes
• Geo Board with Bands (my kids especially love this!)
• Popsicle Sticks & Pinto Beans (for place value practice)
• Sidewalk Chalk
• Math Manipulative's Guide

We have really enjoyed watching Justin and friends teach us about ordinal numbers while running laps around a track.  As well as learning the difference between odd and even numbers while watching Justin make peanut butter and cracker sandwiches.  There is alot to learn on the MathTacular DVD that is included in the Educational Kit, from number basics to comparison, to practical math.  There are 67 lessons in all. 

The MathTacular Educational Kit that we reviewed is geared toward children ages 4-7 and costs $49.99. 

The wonderful folks at MathTacular have offered to giveaway a DVD to one of my readers!  The winner will get to choose between 4 MathTacular DVD's. 

Please leave a SEPARATE COMMENT for each entry and PLEASE DO NOT FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS! The giveaway is going to run until Friday, October 7, 2011. Here is how you can enter to win a MathTacular DVD of Your Choice:

• You must be a Follower of LSG to Win! Please leave me a comment and let me that you follow.
• If you have just become a new Follower, please tell me how you heard about this giveaway
• SPREAD THE WORD! If you blog about this contest please come back and leave me a link to you post.
• Please visit the MathTacular website, let me know which MathTacular product most appeals to you.
• Facebook or Twitter about this giveaway and leave me a comment to let me know about it.
• Like MathTacular on Facebook. 

Thanks for Entering!

  

TOS Crew: Times Alive

Through the TOS Crew we were asked to review the Times Alive Multiplication CD by City Creek Press.  We were pretty excited about it because it was quite different then plain ol' flash cards and math drills. 

Times Alive is a multiplication program, based on the Times Tables the Fun Way Book for Kids, that teaches facts from the zero's through the nine times tables.  This program is much, much more than math drills! Hard to learn math facts are illustrated in the form of a story.  The idea is that the children will learn the story and then recall the mental image and remember the answer to the fact.

I had the Lil' Chef working on this program and it seems to really be working for her.  Here's what I liked about Times Alive:

• In just a short time, I have already noticed an improvement on her multiplication memorization.  
• Times Alive holds her interest.  Some of the stories are corny, but in a very cute sort of way.  Many times she has really liked one of the stories and has called me over to check it out. 
• I do not have to hound, beg or bribe her to go do the program.  She actually does it willingly!!
• Several of the math facts are remembered by little tricks, she LOVES this.  
• I think it is pretty affordable.  For $44.95 (the download version) you have the program forever and for however many children you have.  In other words I really like that it is a flat fee and not a monthly fee.  My pockie purse likes this too! 
• While I have not reviewed the companion items for Times Alive they look really good.  They have a workbook, music cd, and clue cards.
• Last but not least, Times Alive is really FUN!

 

There really isn't anything about Time alive that we didn't like or thought they could improve on.  I do recommend this program for a child working on their times tables and definitely for one who is struggling. 

Please check out what other TOS Crew members are saying about Times Alive.

As a member of the TOS Crew, we were given the Times Alive program at no cost for review purposes.  However, the fact that this product was given to us did not in anyway effect my opinion.