There, it's out. Whew, that was tough to admit.
Flash cards seem to be the go to choice for math drill, or any drill really. I hate them and I have a tough time asking my kids to do something I hate. So I don't. But they still need help in learning their rote math facts. Oh, they all know how multiplication works but isn't it nice to have the times table memorized so you don't even have to think it through? Learn the how and then memorize the what. It's basic math skills.
Thankfully, there are math drill supplements out there that take the boredom out of flash cards (my apologies to those who love them. This right brain girl just can't wrap her mind around it and envies your ability to enjoy them!) and Times Alive! from City Creek Press is one that does a great job at making learning fun!
Times Alive! turns math facts into clever stories and then puts these stories to music. By combining language and story with strong visuals and song, they utilize a variety of learning styles and make it that much more likely for your child to have success in memorizing their multiplication tables.
My younger kids loved Times Alive! I would frequently discover my youngest playing just for fun. Unassigned, just for fun school? I'm loving it. Here are their unbiased reviews:
"It was cool! It helps you do math. It's a cartoon and it's a song. It's a cartoon and it's a song! And it's a cartoon and it's a song! And it's cool. Yeah, that's pretty much it!" ~Ryan (9)
"I thought it was awesome. I actually think it teaches you math because it has catchy songs that get stuck in your head and then you always know what the math is. I liked it." ~ Nicole (10)
You can view more sample videos at City Creek Press' YouTube Channel. If you decide it's what your family needs, pop over to the City Creek Press site, where you can order the download for $44.95 (Windows or Mac) or the CD version for $48.95.
*Disclosure: The download version of this software was provided to me at no cost for review purposes. A positive review was not required, only an honest one. To read more reviews on this product and more, check out the TOS Crew site.*
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