New Review!!! America's Math Teacher!!!

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About the product/service: As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received free access to the America's Math Teacher website from Math Essentials.  This site is set up to be as close as you can get to having your very own math tutor. 

Rick Fisher is your student's tutor as he teaches everything from basic math to Algebra.  You can see samples of what is available here.

Once I got the hang of it, I found this program to be rather simple.  Your student watches video tutorials, completes correlated exercises, and then is evaluated to make sure he or she has learned the material. 

What are the pros of this product? This product doesn't seem to have left out anything anyone might need to know.  The site is so complete it could easily be used as a stand alone curriculum.  Here is the list of advantages to homeschoolers according to the America's Math Teacher website:

Online access anywhere anytime

Access entire library of courses

Provides great addition to classroom learning

Students learn and master exact topics recommended by the National Math Advisory Panel

Excellent for families with children at different levels

Curriculum spans Grade 4 through Algebra, and Algebra II COMING SOON!

Written exercises ensure practice a necessary part of learning

Resource Center with Glossaries, charts, tables, and more.

Students can work at their own pace and repeat lessons when necessary

Students will master the topics necessary for success in college

Excellent for adults as well as children No fluff or side topics: just good solid instruction

What's not to like? I was totally overwhelmed by this website when I first checked it out.  There was just so much on it!  I'm one of those people who takes forever to order at a restaurant if the menu is too large.  It does take some time to get to know the site.  Once I did figure it out, though, I realized it is actually quite well organized.  It's just that my mind is not!  :)

Also, the price is for a whole year which may be more than most people need.  For example, if you're just having a problem with one concept, with one child, this wouldn't work unless you were willing to pay to access the whole website for an entire year. 

The Crazy Mom take:  I have to be honest and say that I don't think this service is a good fit for my family.  We have been using textbooks for math all along, and in all honestly, we don't have a lot of time to do much else.  I don't mind popping in a DVD to help with a concept or having my kids use a drill program for fun once and a while, but we don't have the need for something like this.  Not that it's not a good program, but there are just not enough hours in the day. 

This site has tons available on it.  Like I said above, I was rather overwhelmed by it all.  I'm sure there is a lot on it that would be valuable to us if I really took the time to search it out.  However, what I am already doing seems to be working for us, so this site just didn't meet a need.  Besides, I don't like paying an annual fee for anything unless I'm abolutely sure I'll be using it throughout an entire year.  But, like I always say, your family is different than my family, so check it out yourself.  You just may have a need that America's Math Teacher can fill!  :)

Happy math! 

What's the bottom line? $195 per year per family

I am going to give America's Math Teacher  out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out! http://americasmathteacher.com/

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783008/

*The Smiley System:

I can't really recommend this product.

I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!

Disclaimer!!! I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew. I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others. Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way. I am in no way obligated to give a positive review. I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal! What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive.

As with all products, you must do the research before buying. Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying. I can't guarantee that a product will work for you. You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s). I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review. I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else. I am simply giving my opinion; only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath. Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!

Copyright 2010 Ramblings from the Crazy House 2