I am no math wizard. So when I recently stumbled upon an awesome website that helps children with K-2 Math skills, I literally did a jig of joy right there on my computer chair.
- DreamBox Learning K-2 Math: This site offers “a robust math curriculum, individualized to each student” which is what I find amazing about it. It’s seriously one of the coolest sites around because it’s almost like having a private tutor for your child. For any parent who’s looking for a way of enriching their child’s math skills while they are playing “games” on the computer, this is totally worth checking out.
I’ve had Maddy and Owen registered for the last few weeks, and after they chose their own character and password, they immediately got started playing.
I have to say that Owen–at 3 1/2 years old–is definitely on the young end for this game, but he still enjoys playing–he just finds more success if he plays the games after he watches Maddy work through them. Maddy, at 5, is at a perfect age–she loves the challenge of learning new skills, feels so proud when she successfully makes it through an activity, and only occasionally asks me for help.
Parents can view their children’s progress in the program by looking at the “Parent Dashboard”, and students’ scores in each section as they work through the curriculum are posted and explained for each category. You can also receive notices via email when your child plays and reminders if your child hasn’t played for a few days. It’s awesome. I need and appreciate reminders.
The site also has a “Parent Resources” area on the Dashboard where several articles about students and math learning are posted and where potential questions are answered. I’ve found these resources to be particularly helpful and informative.
If you have a child K-2, or even as young as 3 or 4, here’s why you should check out Dreambox Learning:
- You get a free trial!! Just register here.
- The curriculum is aligned the Focal Points of each grade set forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).
- Each player is offered choice in the direction he or she wants to take the game (kind of like our old Choose Your Own Adventures!).
- A ton of positive reinforcement is used throughout each activity; points are earned and some prizes can be redeemed through games at the carnival–this is Maddy and Owen’s favorite part!
- The graphics are simple but not boring, and the colors, stories, and characters are engaging.
I find this site a great way of having some help in sneaking in a little bit of math learning every day–or every few days! Let me know what you think!
