Review: A+TutorSoft Math

I try and pretend that I don’t have somewhat of a math phobia. I am not going to go into any details right here and now, but let’s just say that the A I received in College Algebra should probably be considered a miracle. 

I’ve  always felt as if my early math instruction was hit and miss. If I missed something in class (most likely because I was imagining that the kid in front of me was in all actuality a pirate) I never had much of the opportunity to catch up. I was a dreamer and least likely to draw attention to myself by admitting that I hadn’t quite gotten the concept being taught. My math experiences as a teacher and then as a homeschool parent have improved, but it is always a daunting task for me teach math. 

A+TutorSoft,Inc. to the rescue! The company recently gave several of us the opportunity to review the Homeschool line of their A+Interactive Math software.

What I received

2 Grade - Multi-Sensory Interactive MATH CD Software

How it Works

The program itself requires that your computer has Microsoft Windows (XP, Vista, Windows 2000, or Windows 7). Internet connection is not required every time you use it, except initially during registration. 

You are given opportunity to add more than one child to your account.

This is a complete curriculum. Lesson plans are provided every step of the way. You are even given the option of printing the whole thing off.

The lessons begin with an animated step-by-step instruction video. After the video the student is given the opportunity for interaction with a Q&A. 

As you can see the screen is easy to see and it's uncluttered with busy graphics. 

 The Interactive Q&A helps reinforce what was just learned.

And some positive feedback!

Within each Chapter there are several separate lessons. In addition, worksheets are available for printing, along with reviews and exams.

The CD version requires the teacher to keep track of the student’s progress manually. There is even a section to print off certificates of completion after each unit. 

 The Online version takes care of the tracking for you.

Here are the Chapters covered.

      1. Number Sense - Counting and Identifying Numbers

2. Number Sense - Place Value, Writing Numbers and Number Combinations

3. Number Sense - Naming, Comparing and Arranging Numbers

4. Addition

5. Subtraction

6. Multiplication

7. Division

8. Rounding and Estimating

9. Fractions

10. Tables, Charts and Graphs

11. Algebra

12. Geometry

13. Time

14. Money

15. Measurements

 

How We Used It

Josiah would begin with the multimedia lesson, followed by the Q&A. During his "homework" time (yes, my homeschooler has homework) he would complete the worksheet portion of his lesson. I could tell fairly quickly if the concept covered was something we needed to cover again. There was a few time I would make him go back and review the lesson that day!

The lessons aren't so outrageously long that we couldn't do that when necessary. Also, a nice part about having easily accessible worksheets is that I could print some for review for the next day.

 My Thoughts

This program was extremely user friendly.  I enjoyed being able to leave Josiah to watch the lesson and then interact with the Q&A. I could control how many, if all, worksheets we printed out for review.

I think the best part is that I could move easily within the program. If I felt a concept needed a bit more review we simply repeated it. And because Josiah’s math skills are a bit all over the place, some things he zipped right on through while others he needed a bit extra attention. I liked having that control.

Josiah enjoyed the program overall. He never gets too excited about math in general, but he felt that the lessons weren't so long that he missed important things... like lunch. And video games. He also liked being able to print off worksheets if I asked him to. 

The CD version (while it doesn’t keep track of scores and progress automatically) could be installed on both of our computers and we were able to pack our math with us (laptop) without lots of books, etc. when going out of town. Once it’s installed there is no need to reinsert the CD (unless you need to reinstall it for some reason).

This is the perfect curriculum for those who long for an easy answer to their math woes. It would work best for those who have kiddos who learn auditory or visually. I prefer to have a few more “hands on” experiences, but Josiah learns well kinesthetically. I love being able to have that extra reinforcement.  I will continue to use it in that regard. 

And the best news! You don't have to have gotten an A in College Algebra (or High School Algebra) for that matter to use it!

Here are a few more particulars:

• Second Grade Math Premium Edition CD software -$124.99
• Second Grade Full Curriculum CD (standard) -$99.99
• Online Homeschool Edition – monthly, quarterly and annual subscriptions (free one-month trial available.

Right now, through the end of March, you can get in on a GREAT deal. A+TutorSoft is offering 50% off.  Coupon Code: SPOFFER50.

This is a fantastic offer! 

There are also additional helps on the A+TutorSoft, Inc. website. Including a placement tests and free downloads. You can even take the Online Edition out for a test drive free for a month.

You can read more reviews about this product and others from The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew.

Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.