New Review!!! Math Rider!

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About the product/service: As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received a free trial download of Math Rider.  I would describe this game as a morph between a math facts drill program and a role playing game for young kids.  (The program is bascially geared towards grade school kids.)  The whole idea is that the child goes on a "quest" to do things like get magical flowers, return a gem to elves, or rescue a princess.  Things must be done along the way, but to do them, basic math facts must be correctly answered. 

I should add that math is not taught with this program.  The basic (0-12) additon, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts are simply practiced.  You can also choose the level of difficulty, so, for example, if your child is just learning, he or she can simply pracitice the 0-5 facts.  It's an intuitive program, so facts that are answered incorrectly are repeated more often until the child consistantly gets it right. 

What are the pros of this product?  The fact that the kids practice the facts as they follow the "storyline" of the game keeps them interested.  The are so busy trying to reach their game goal, they hardly notice they are doing math!   

It's also nice that you can choose both the type of fact, and the level of difficulty.  Kids can also play in practice mode in case they need to brush up on facts before starting a quest.  Also, the game includes a simple chart so that parents can follow their child's progress. 

Oh, and a big deal for me is the fact that the storyline is read to the player so my youngest can play.  He does well with math, but is not yet reading, so most books and games are difficult for him because he needs someone to read everything to him.  This is great!

What's not to like? The game does involve things like magic and wizardry which some parents might not approve of.  The graphics are also not the greatest which might make some kids who play a lot of fancy schmancy games misjudge its "fun" potential.  Also, the quests don't have a lot of variety.  Some kids might find this boring. 

The Crazy Mom take:  I have four kids who have been playing the game, Princess, 12, Dode Man, 11, Bear, 9, and Baber, 7.  They have all very much enjoyed playing this game.  I love games like this that make it fun to try to do a math fact quickly as well as correctly.  My kids all can add, subtract, etc., but they don't necessarily have the facts down so well that they don't have to think about them for a few seconds sometimes.  Games like this really help motivate them to keep practicing. 

As for the graphics, I kinda like the more, not sure how to say it, "basic" graphics.  Okay, I really mean "low budget" but that doesn't sound quite right and has a negative connotation.  I mean, really, that's the reality; however, those fancy graphics cost a fortune to make.  This game most likely didn't have a budget in the millions.  Still, I think it makes it kinda cool.  That's just me, so check it out for yourself!

Happy gaming!!!



What's the bottom line? Retail Price $49.95 Currently on Sale for $37 (as of this posting)

I am going to give Math Rider 3 out of 5 smileys!!!

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


See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783766/





*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