TOS Crew: Quarter Mile Math

Math can sometimes be the dreaded subject around our house, but lately, we've added something fun into the mix to help with review. It's Barnum Software's Quarter Mile Math, that allows Jacob to practice his math concepts on the computer, and it's really been enjoyable for him.

So far, we have been using the addition games quite a bit, as well as the number games, making the smaller or larger number. Basically, Jacob has to answer a set of questions while racing. The faster he answers, the faster his car or horse will go; he is actually racing against other cars or horses.

He loves that he can choose whether to race cars one day or horses the next. Personally, I like the horses for the sound effects.:) If you'd like to see what I'm talking about, there is a video on the Quarter Mile Math website that you can watch, and it only lasts a couple of minutes, but it's very informative. You can also download the Free Demo on their website.

We received the Quarter Mile Math Deluxe Levels 1, 2, and 3 Bundle. This bundle covers many topics, including keyboarding, the alphabet, counting, place value, grouping, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, rounding, fractions, decimals, percents, estimation, equations, and so much more. Here is a complete Topic List. The topics cover from kindergarten age through 9th grade, and they are well-rounded, covering things I would never have thought of, like Morse Code. Level 1 is considered Grades K-3; Level 2 is Grades 4-6; and Level 3 is Grades 6-9. For the Standard version, which is just a one-time purchase, you can buy each level separately, or you can buy them in bundles. If you were to buy Level 1, 2 or 3 separately, your price would be $39.95; to buy the bundles of Level 1 & 2 or Level 2 & 3, it is $64.95; to buy the bundle with all 3 levels, the price is $89.95. Now, the Standard version has limited tracking when it comes to your child's progress, and there are other differences as well. The Deluxe version is the bundle of Levels 1, 2, & 3; the prices are according to how you want to pay: $2.95 per family per month, $19.95 per family per year, or $34.95 per family for two years. You should really look at the Comparison for both products in order to make a more informed decision as to what's best for your family. For myself and my family, I like the Deluxe version because it will track Jacob's progress more thoroughly; and another plus is that if he wants to race against his Pappy up in PA, he can do that.....which would actually be really fun for him. Plus, with financial budgeting, it makes more sense to spend less right now; yes, it costs more in the long run, but at the moment, it would make more sense, budget-wise, to go with the lower payments. Do I think it's worth it? Oh yeah, I do, at least for us, because I know it works with Jacob.

To me, the tracking feature of this program is one of the best features. It allows me to see how Jacob is progressing or areas where he might need more help. It also allows him to race against himself; his old times are used to race with him, so that he can try to beat them. It's just something fun that we can add to our math load if we have a short lesson or if he needs review. I like the fact that I can feel confident in leaving the room to go do something else while he's playing but learning at the same time.

For my readers, Quarter Mile is offering you a $5 discount on any product, Standard or Deluxe; all you have to do is put the following code into your order form: 7P7A7. The code is good until September 30, 2009.

To read more reviews for Quarter Mile Math, check out The Old Schoolhouse Crew Blog.