My kids love computer games -- so I love educational computer games. If it's on the computer, they're thrilled to do it. A writing assignment is tackled with less complaining if they can type it into a word processor, and reviewing math facts is a drag unless they can do it on the computer.
The Quarter Mile Math is a software that allows kids to review their math facts in a fun game. The best part is that they're not competing against the computer, but against their own previous best scores. They can either choose to "drag race" with cars or watch "riderless horses" run through a meadow. Each time they sit down to play, their current horse or car is on the left side, and their 5 previous best scores are running to the right of them.
We had never used The Quarter Mile Math before, although I've heard about it and have seen ads for it before. We received The Quarter Mile Math Standard - Levels 1,2,3 Bundle as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew. We asked for the standard version because our kids' computer is currently having internet problems, and the parents' computer is too busy to really let the kids spend time on it. The standard version does not require internet connection to operate.
The Quarter Mile Math software is a supplemental math program for the whole family. It is not a stand-alone curriculum, but is designed to help our children master their math facts and develop greater speed and accuracy. They recommend at least three 15-minute sessions of review per week for each student.
The Quarter Mile Math can benefit Kindergarten students through early high school students. The Level 1, 2, 3 Bundle covers a large range of topics -- basic addition and subtraction, multiplication, fractions, division, squares, means, estimation, pre-algebra, and more. Parents can assign half an hour of fraction review, 15 minutes of estimation review, and 15 minutes of multiplication review for their 6th grader for the week. There is also a Printable Progress Chart in the Homeschool section of the website that parents can utilize in their school reports.
My kids have always resented math facts review and they have especially disliked flash cards. But they enjoy using The Quarter Mile Math computer game to review their math concepts. My kindergartener, 3rd grader, 5th grader and 7th grader have enjoyed spending time on it. With the Levels 1, 2, and 3 bundle, all of my children were able to use the same software for math practice. Not only is The Quarter Mile Math more fun than flashcards ... the kids don't need YOU to take them through the flashcards.
The Quarter Mile Math Standard CD (Levels 1, 2, and 3 Bundle) retails for $89.95. It is a one-time purchase that your children can use for years to come. The standard version is also sold in different levels and combinations of levels. The Deluxe version is available as a download, or a CD (an additional $5), and requires a monthly subscription. The monthly subscription is $2.95/month for an entire family, $19.95/year family subscription, and $34.95 2-year family subscription. You can see the differences between the Standard and Deluxe versions HERE. If you need to stop your subscription to the Deluxe version, you can resume it again at any time.
If you're tired of flashcards stacked on your school shelves, and you keep forgetting to make time for math review in your homeschool ... The Quarter Mile Math may be the solution! While the kids happily review their math, maybe you can find time to read a book, paint your toenails, or just enjoy a quiet cup of cocoa alone.
EDITED FOR SPECIAL SALE PRICE! Barnum Software is offering a special $5 off for TOS Crew Review readers! If readers use the Referral Code 7H7K7, they'll get $5 off any product--Standard or Deluxe. There is a place to input this code on the order forms. This Referral Code will be good until September 30, 2009.
Click the TOS Homeschool Crew banner at the top to read more reviews on this product by other Homeschool Crew members.
Trusting in Him,
April
