Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Mad Dog Math/ TOS Review


Do you have children who struggle with memorizing their math facts?

Would you like to find a fun, and easy program that would help them with their facts?

Mad Dog Math may be just what you need.

I recently had the opportunity to review this program, and I have to say, I am really impressed with it.

It is very simple to use, but it has a lot more options than you typically find in a math facts program.

Mad Dog Math has 3 different levels to choose from, plus a challenge level.


Levels one and two cover Addition and Subtraction. Level 3 covers Multiplication and Division.

The challenge level is a fun way for your child to practice everything they have learned.

There are two sections under challenge. Mutt Math is the first one. Here, your child will play with mixed up facts. They will practice their facts from Addition all the way through Division.


The second section is called Kennel Trouble. Here, your child will get an extra minute added to their time because this section is a little harder. They will have to add first, then multiply by a given number. In this example the number is 9.


On each level you have the option to choose from the time allowed, and the fact family that you want to practice.


Under the time allowed, you can choose from 2 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, or no time limit.

It is suggested that you start with no time limit at first to let your child get a feel for the program, then move down in time from 2 minutes to 30 seconds.

In order for your child's work to be saved, they must be under a time limit. While they are practicing with no time limit, it will not save their progress.


To see your child's progress, you simply click on the yellow dog bone that says progress.


Once your child masters one section in under thirty seconds, it will mark that section off in their progress chart. You can see here that my son has mastered the 0-3 facts. He is only 6, so he can't get too far yet in under thirty seconds. Eventually he will.

As your child moves through the levels, they are only allowed to miss two or less to move on. 

As your child completes a certain number of levels, they will earn a club sticker. I do not know what that looks like though because my son isn't very far yet.

Over all, I really like this math facts program. However, my children feel differently than I do.
They find it boring, and my son says, "It is too hard to find the keys that fast".

So we are torn on this one. I actually really like it, and recommend it, but my kids would not, if they were asked.

One of my favorite aspects of this program is the fact that your child does not have to use the mouse, or click enter after each problem. It automatically moves to the next problem for your child. They can get through the lesson much faster this way.

While this program is geared towards children in grades K-5, I think that an older child who needs help memorizing their facts can definitely use this program as well.

I definitely encourage you to check out what my fellow Crew Mates have to say about Mad Dog Math, and get multiple opinions.

Have fun, and let me know if you have any more questions about this program.

If you are interested in purchasing Mad Dog Math, you have two main options:

1. CD-ROM Home School Mastery Program - $69.99

2. The Software Download Option - $19.99-$39.99


There is also a Homeschool Mastery Binder option. This is a workbook style version of the program I reviewed.

There are also a few accessories, if you would like to add them to your program.


 
Photobucket


*I have received a download copy of Mad Dog Math, free, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Review Crew, in return for my honest opinion.
No other compensation has been given to me.*

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thank-you for sharing! This looks like something I might be able to use with my son. He needs some motivation to work on his math facts and the computer might be the way to go.
Also thank-you for welcoming me to the TOS crew. I'm so excited!

Beyond the Stick Figure Art School/ TOS Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not requir...