IXL - a review

I've seen the IXL logo around for years.  Every time I did a google search for anything related to math and homeschooling, it popped up. It's a clever little name IXL (I excel), don't you think? I'm not sure why I resisted considering it. Well, okay, we all know why. It wasn't free, and I'm cheap.

My girls have done really well catching up this past year. We held off on doing formal math until they were a bit older, like everything I've researched recommends. I was a bit scared that it would put them terribly behind, but the research is proving to be true. They have grasped concepts much better this past year and we're well on our way to being on track. However, they needed some extra practice when it comes to memory work. And that is where IXL came in. IXL gave my family a One Year Subscription to try out and my girls have loved it! They've especially loved that they can play on their accounts using the iPad app.


IXL covers everything from Pre-K to 12th grade. It doesn't teach new concepts, but it reinforces very well. I teach math to my 3rd and 4th grade girls Monday-Thursday. On Friday's, they do math on IXL. They enjoy it and have asked many times to do it for extra work through the week. This surprised me a bit. The math problems aren't presented as games. They have regular math problems for them to work through. But it is laid out cleanly and is very attractive. The pages are uncluttered and the sounds are practically nonexistent.

 

The lack of obnoxious sound is my favorite part. When a student gets the right answer, a "Good job!" "Nice Work!" or "Brilliant!" sign pops up. No dinging or buzzing or irritating noises. There are sounds, but they are relevant to the problems. For example, when matching shapes up to words, there are audio clips, reading the words Square, Circle, or Triangle to the student. There is also audio available to read the instructions to students in PreK through 1st grade, making it an independent activity.

Students each get their own account and you can choose a different icon to represent each student. They click on their icon and it opens up a list of activity levels to choose from. Skills levels are listed from Level A through Level M. The skills are listed under each level. Level A includes 42 skills, including shapes, money, counting to 20, comparing sizes and quantities, etc. Level B includes 127 skills, including seasons, making graphs, skip-counting, time, addition, etc.

The problems are intuitive and this is a part that I think is key to this program. There aren't set number of problems and the child passes or fails. Instead, the problems are presented with the basics first and they progress in difficulty level as the student answers correctly. If the student misses a problem, it tells them what they need to do differently and continues to quiz them until they consistently answer correctly. It doesn't waste their time, grilling them on things they've proven they know. And it doesn't rush them through, moving them on before they are ready.

Once students master a skills, they receive a gold medal:

 The Gold Medal page includes a wall of medals, each revealing a different "prize" behind their square. These are fun pictures of toys and such. Not a huge motivator, but a great marker for accomplishments. The motivation is doing well and seeing the improvements along the way.

Each problem page shows the time they've spent learning math for that session, but this feature can be turned off if your student is overwhelmed. My girls didn't really even notice it. I appreciate that it tells me how long they spent on the computer.

IXL sends weekly email updates to the parents, sharing performance reports. The performance reports are another unique element of this program. They tell me everything. I can see at a glance how well they are doing. I can look a little deeper and see their improvements over time. I can see how long they spent on specific areas. I can see their trouble spots so we can know which areas to work on together. I can even look at the individual problems they missed, seeing the question, their answer, and what the answer should have been.

It isn't a program in itself, as it doesn't teach material, aside from explaining errors, but it is incredible for reinforcement. I think it would be especially excellent for parents wanting to be sure their student had covered all of the skills before moving on to the next level of math. It is a great confidence builder, and not in the A-for-effort kind of way. It helps them see their progress and the fruit of their effort.

The only thing I might want to see change is the fact that students can access all levels of math problems, regardless of which areas they have mastered or not mastered. A preschool student could choose to scroll down and attempt some Algebra 2. My girls never tried anything over their level, but I think my boys might have tried something like that when they were younger.  But thanks to the progress report, I would have been informed before that nonsense went on for very long.

 

I rarely spend money on non-essential and I have avoided purchasing this program when I knew I could find some free printable worksheets somewhere on the web. But now that I have tried it, I am a huge fan. Worksheets and even free math game websites don't provide this kind of feedback to me, the teacher. They generally come with obnoxious sounds and they nearly always include cluttered and distracting pages that make it difficult for students to focus. This site is clean and attractive and easy to use. IXL's One Year Subscription for $79 or you can order it monthly for $9.95 

IXL now offers language arts lessons! My family didn't use them, but other crew members tried it and have shared reviews about that program. Be sure to check out other reviews of IXL math and L.A.

Review of Math Mammoth

Honor has been working through an old favorite of mine: Maria Miller's Math Mammoth. I've used several Math Mammoth products in the past and have never been disappointed. This time, we received a book from the Light Blue Series, a complete Grade 4 Math Curriculum.

My daughter doesn't have a lot of confidence in her math skills and was thrilled to find out she was ready for 4th grade math. She was doubly thrilled when she found out she could do the work. She told me that it is hard, but not too hard. It makes her think and she appreciates the challenge.

Math911

Math911 is an Introductory Algebra program that you can instantly download to your computer. At the moment, it is available for free. It's Algebra and it's free. This is a great combination of words for a homeschooling Mama.

According to Professor Weissman, "Math911 is for students who believe that Algebra must be a struggle, difficult and complicated. Math911 is the easiest and most economical solution for Algebra students. The Math911 approach is what learning Algebra should be: quick, fun, and easy. Math911 will let you absorb Algebra effortlessly."


Absorb seems to be the actual way students are expected to learn Algebra with this program, at least to me. Math911 uses what is called a Mastery Learning approach to teach math. While this method is not a good fit for me, I know that many students have great success with it. Mastery Learning simply means that a student continues to try for the right answer until they "get it". Wrong answers don't count; students just keep trying until it clicks. For some students, this takes the pressure off and they don't have to worry about getting the wrong answer, they get to figure the right answer out for themselves. For students like me, this method means that they might eventually figure out the method of how to get the right answer, but won't necessarily understand WHY the method works.

In addition to the Introductory Algebra Program, math911 has a Premium version that you can purchase for $49.95. This premium version includes Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, and Statistics. Every level of math that you'll ever need for $49.95 is a very good deal, if the program is a good fit for your student.

The Premium version includes free upgrades and technical support. Professor Weissman is very quick to respond to questions. Students have a running time clock that shows how much time they've spent in the lessons. It includes periodic testing and keeps track of grades for you. Students are scored on how much of the program they've completed, not on number of problems missed. You can also have multiple accounts for multiple students (including mom and dad if you're so inclined.)

The graphics are very dated. I'm a fan of simplicity and prefer to not have flashy graphics in a math program. As simple as the graphics are though, it still feels very busy to me. To work a problem, your eye has to travel the page. If you look at the graphic below, you'll see that the problem is listed near the top: "- 2 or - 9". The answer box is then in the middle of the screen, at the left. And then the instructions for what to do with the problem are located at the bottom of the screen. 

Much of the program is intuitive. There is not a lesson that explains how something works and then gives you sample problems to try. It begins immediately with a problem and you figure it out. If you get the wrong answer, you can click on a green box on the right that says "See Solution". This will give you the answer. If you are still unable to see how to arrive at the right answer, you can click on "See all the Steps". There is no textbook, but Professor Weissman insists it is not necessary. This is not a drill program; it is intended to be complete.

I tried entering a few problems incorrectly on purpose. For the problem " - ( + 2 ) " I entered, "2". When it marked it wrong, I clicked on "See All the Steps". And it gave me " - ( + 2 ) = - 2 " And the explanation at the bottom of the screen said "The opposite of a number in parenthesis is the number in parenthesis with the opposite sign." If that sounds helpful to you, you will probably really enjoy this program. For me, had I not known how to simplify the problem, reading about the "opposite of a number" would not help me understand the concept of positive and negative symbols.

Each student is different and it really is something you would want to try first to see if it was a good fit. For one of my sons, this method is perfect. If he figures it out on his own, he "owns" it through and through. However, the layout is not appealing to him and the "ding" sound that goes off each time you submit an answer is annoying, so it's still not a good fit for him. To get a feel for the program, you can download the complete Algebra Course for free right now as a back-to-school special offer. It is an instant download and easy to install, letting you know whether or not it's a good fit for your student.

The program can be shared on a network if you have multiple students and/or computers involved with Math911. The download is for PC only and will not work on a Mac.

Math911 also has a Flash Drive Algebra, for those who prefer a drive instead of a download. This is usually priced at $49.95, but with the promotion code: homeschool, you can purchase it for $9.95 plus shipping at Algebra in a Flash. This special will be ending soon.

Disclaimer: I received this material in exchange for my honest opinion as a member of the TOS Crew, and received no other form of compensation. For whatever they're worth, the opinions are mine and mine alone, as stated in my disclosure policy.

Math Essentials

My boys love math. It is their instant answer when anyone asks them what their favorite subject is. I'm their mom, so I can brag: they are very good at math. It seems to come pretty naturally for them. As much as I love math, it doesn't come naturally to me at all, so they didn't get it from me. And I only thought I liked math. My boys take it to a whole new level. You see, whenever I have a new review opportunity, I run it by the kids to see if they are interested. I was shocked when the boys jumped at the chance to review an algebra book. They were already well into their algebra books and doing fine, but they both loved the idea of mastering the subject. When they found out they would also receive a bonus geometry book, they were excited about it! Freaks. They had learned a little geometry but wanted to get better at it. 

All that to say, we loved the books, but I'm not the best judge of saying if it's great for people who have never had algebra exposure or not. I think so, but no promises. Truly, the book does seem to make everything so simple. Each day, a subject is introduced, helpful hints are given, an example is shared, and then around 12 exercises are given for students to work through on their own. At the end of each lesson, 4 review problems are given to keep students memories fresh with old lessons. In addition to the easy-to-understand lessons, there are also online video lessons your student can watch.

Things I like:

• All answers are in the back of the book so there is no separate teacher's text to purchase. 
• Students are encouraged to work through the example problems on paper for themselves to solidify their learning.
• Lessons only take about 20 minutes per day.

I love that halfway through the book, there is a full page reminder to utilize the resources in the back of the of the book. These resources were listed at the beginning as well and they include:

• Glossary
• Important Formulas
• Important Symbols
• Multiplication Table
• Commonly Used Prime Numbers
• Squares and Square Roots
• Fraction/Decimal Equivalents
• Solutions

There are 105 lessons, including reviews, giving you 21 weeks of algebra. It is intended for Grades 8 and up, but my 12 yo, going into 7th grade hasn't had any trouble with it. The cost is $27.95, making it just an absolutely amazing deal for an Algebra credit course!

The Geometry book includes 29 lessons followed by 4 pages of Review Tests. It contains a beautiful dose of review of basic math, necessary to proceed very far into geometry. There is a word problem at the bottom of every page, which I really appreciate. Each lesson begins with 6 Review Problems to keep students fresh in their basics, a very brief "Helpful Hint" to help introduce new concepts, 7 Exercises, and a Word Problem at the end. Brief and easy lessons that help students master geometry. You can view samples here. This workbook is also very reasonably priced at $11.95.    

There are several more books in the series and you can read reviews on them all over at The Crew Blog. Be sure to check it out!

Disclaimer: I received this material in exchange for my honest opinion as a member of the TOS Crew, and received no other form of compensation. For whatever they're worth, the opinions are mine and mine alone, as stated in my disclosure policy.

Professor B

I have some strong ideas about math. Those ideas have developed over many years of watching students learn and watching them apply what they've learned. I've seen the damage from pushing math memorization too early, before math concepts could be grasped. Again and again, I've seen the love of math grow in students that were properly (but not overly) challenged 

And while I know that every student is different, I was pretty settled on what I felt was the best curriculum available. For years, a friend insisted that I give Professor B a try, but I insisted that it was unnecessary. Nothing could compare to my favorite math program. My boys excelled with my curriculum of choice. Well, okay, we did have to stop for a few months and drill in addition. And, yes, we did have to stop again and drill in multiplication. But otherwise, the curriculum was excellent and they soared on to Algebra by the 6th grade. Why would I need to try Professor B? 

But then my girls left me stumped. They enjoyed and understood my curriculum of choice, but it just was NOT sticking in their heads. It wasn't clicking. We gently but consistently trudged onward. I could have pushed memorization and they would have obliged, but I wanted them to "get it". We lingered over lessons, used money and buttons and kept trying to learn it a different way. They understood the concept of adding and subtracting. They even memorized most of the facts on their own, but they still stopped to count fingers. It still hadn't clicked. After several months of this, we tried Professor B's E-Learning program. Wow!

My 8 year old, Honor, learns from videos very well. I haven't figured out if it is visual or auditory for her, but she seems to be able to remember anything she watches on a screen. My 6 year old, Sarah Grace, is more kinetic, and needs to involve some sort of motion to learn. Professor B combines both styles beautifully. Within 10 minutes of online lessons, the girls were smiling over how easy the new lessons were going to be. I began to wonder if I had chosen far beneath their level. They were well past counting to 10. After another 10 minutes, they were feeling the challenge. And ten minutes after that? They were on fire. They were adding images of stars and pandas and balls as quickly as they popped on screen. It was incredible. MY brain was scrambling to add them fast enough and the girls were flying right along, excited and confidant. I was sold. 

Professor B teaches toward mastery of each concept. Again and again, we sit to down to lessons and I am amazed at how quickly the girls grasp and then master a new concept. In one sitting, my girls learned place value into the trillions. One short sitting! Keep in mind that we have gone over place value many times over the past two years. We have used props of all kinds, worksheets galore...Hours invested in it and they were barely slumping along with the idea of ones, tens, and hundreds. But 10 minutes of Professor B and they were accurately reading this number: 900,060,607,084,005. Truly! And many more like it! 

I think there might be some sort of magic associated with this program. I cannot quite grasp what the ingredient is that makes all the difference, but I know that it works. You can read about the History and Philosophy behind Professor B's methods here  You can also watch samples lessons here. Don't be deceived by it's supposed simplicity. It is magic, I assure you. 

There are 3 levels to Professor B's E-learning program. Each level teaches 3 years of math lessons in one year. Each level also includes a PDF workbook to print. These are between 140 to 180 pages long. The levels are as follows: 

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 levels and free placement tests can be found here, but keep in mind that the pricing listed on this link is not yet updated and does not reflect the excellent price drop. The new price for Professor B's E-Learning program includes a package deal of $100 for 3 years access to each level. As they are working to update the site, customers can call  678-765-6655 to place an order and they will honor the new price. 

I am a tightwad through and through. I frequently receive free curricula and have become a snob when it comes to spending money on programs. I don't casually purchase material. Knowing this, please appreciate the value I place on this curriculum when I say that I think it's price is well worth it and that I will happily purchase this program when my free membership runs out so that we can continue this level of mastery. 

And now I have to go tell my friend she was right and I was wrong. 

For more reviews on this fantastic program, be sure to visit The Crew website:

Disclaimer: I received this material in exchange for my honest opinion as a member of the TOS Crew, and received no other form of compensation. For whatever they're worth, the opinions are mine and mine alone, as stated in my disclosure policy.