New Review and Giveaway! Carlito C. Caterpillar's Math House Games

Contest Closed.

I just got another package from propeller which contained Carlito C. Caterpillar's Math House Games.  I honestly didn't even know what I was getting.  I half expected an online game, or perhaps a board game.  It was neither.  This is several cards on a ring with different games on each card.  A description from the company follows, but first I had to share a little classic Crazy Mom funny.  One of the games is about matching.  It starts out by telling you to seperate some pairs of matched socks.  Okay, that's hilarious!  Matched socks!  Here?  At my house?  I was just glad none of the games involved clean underwear!

Okay, moving forward...  ;)  Here's what the makers of this product have to say:

Carlito the Catepillar's Math House Games is based on a 20 step sensory math teaching system, which teaches kids math in a fun way! Early childhood development professionals note that young children are most open to learning when they play. Thus, they have created activities and games for parents to play with their children. The material is presented in 3 stages, with a total of 20 steps and 2 games in each step covering quantity, numeration, and operations.

Now, here's a letter to moms from the creator:

Dear Mom,

Most parents know the importance of math but many are unsure of how they can help their young children learn the fundamentals of math. There are so many questions. "How early should I start? What does my child need to learn? What concepts are most important? What do I do if my child has more trouble than other kids their age?" Often times the answers to these questions are not clear or consistent.


The c3pla Sensory Math Teaching System was created by Domenico Marcario, M.S., a retired math teacher and loving grandfather, to answer those questions. This system utilizes the natural way children learn to teach them math skills. We have built the Carlito C. Caterpiller's Math House GamesTM from this system and are excited to offer you a chance to receive a copy of the Games Pack to review and a copy to offer as a gift to one of your readers. The Game Pack is presented in 3 stages, with a total of 20 steps and 2 games in each step covering the math skills of quantity, numeration, and operations.


You are a mom and understand the importance of learning. We value your feedback about the product. We want to help kids learn math and we want to help parents to have the resources they need to make that happen. Thank you for your consideration of the Carlito C. Caterpiller's Math House GamesTM.


Sincerly,

Bill Haljun
Co-Founder, Director of Creative Development

So now you might be wonder what I thought of the games.  (Well, I hope you do!)  Anyway, first of all, my youngest is now eight (sniff, sniff) so he is beyond these games, so I really wasn't able to actually use these games with any of my kids.  I did do some of these kinds of things with my kids just sort of naturally.  Well, I did with the older ones, because, well, I wasn't quite so overwhelmed with life at the time.  I have often thought that I wish I could have done more with the younger kids.  I admit that I did far less with them just due to the fact that I was also teaching their older siblings, and cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry for ten.  Soooo..... yeah, I did struggle to find time to work with them doing fun little things as the day went on. 

Perhaps having something like Carlito C. Caterpillars games could have helped.  It's all planned out sequentially.  (And if you know me, you know I am totally sequential.)  Being honest, I doubt even with this product I could have squeezed in a whole lot more time out of my schedule, but I could have put an older child in charge of playing these games with the younger kids. 

So, I have pondered this, and here is what I have come up with.  I think most parents with just one or two small kids probably wouldn't need something like this necessarily.  However, I know a lot of parents like to get started "schooling" at the preschool level because, let's face it, it is a huge undertaking to homeschool a child.  So, for the parent who is either very structured, or just feels he or she needs something tangible to use for early math, this is great.  My philosophy is to hold off on things like worksheets as long as possible becasue most kids, especially boys, just aren't ready for it.  However, what kid wouldn't love to spend time playing games with Mom or a big brother or sister?

I think Carlito C. Caterpillar's Math House Games is also be a great idea for a preschool class or co-op.  I mean, it is all logical and thought out, and even though my kids just did fine as we did it my way (all of them, even the younger ones who didn't get my full attention) I know there are folks out there who love things like this.   As always, my suggestion is that you check it out for yourself. 

Website: http://www.c3pla.com/products.shtml

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carlito-C-Caterpillars-MathHouseTM-Games/190370157687889

How would you like to win one of these games?  It's easy!  All you have to do is leave a comment either here on my blog, or, if for some reason that doesn't work, leave it on my facebook page.  (Under the contest post, please or I might miss it.)  I have had several people tell me they tried to comment, but couldn't, plus I know some others actually read my posts via facebook, so I am trying out this option.  Please don't comment in both places as I am trying to keep it fair.  ;)

For each of the following you can gain one addtional entry.  You must let me know either here or on facebook under the contest post with a seperate comment for each thing that you do for a total of five possible entries. 

Like me on facebook.
Follow me on Twitter.
Become a Google Friend Connect friend.  (See sidebar.)
Subscribe to my posts via Feedburner.  (See sidebar.)

NOTE!!!  I have changed up the rules a bit!  For this contest you must be at least 13 years old, and not a member of my immediate family to enter.  More than one person per household may enter, but please do not enter as an individual more than the five possible entries.  Make sure you leave me a way to get ahold of you if you win!!!  THANKS!!! 

The contest will end at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, October 23, 2011.  I will draw and contact the winner sometime on Monday, October 24, 2011. 

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

______________________________

Happy game playing!!!

New Review!!! Mad Dog Math!

Well, hello there!!!  I'm so glad you stopped by!  :)  I bet you'd like to get my posts delivered right to your inbox, now wouldn't you?  So why not sign up for Feedburner?  Check it out, it's right there in my sidebar!  Thanks!!  :)

About the product/service: As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received a free download of Mad Dog Math.  Math Dog Math is a program that is set up to review the basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.  The program is set up so that kids move from level to level as they advance through the worksheets.  The first goal is to get the problems done in two minutes.  Utlimately, the goal is to get it done in less than 30 seconds.  A cute little dog Ruff, helps lead the way!

What are the pros of this product? It's great review for kids and the cute little dog just adds to the fun.  The best part is that kids compete against themselves, so they are motivated to learn their facts!




What's not to like? Nothing really. :)  It is a wee bit confusing at first understanding how it works, but that's probably just me.  :)  My kids seemed to get is just fine. 


The Crazy Mom take:  I mostly had Baber doing this program.  He's always begging to get on the computer, so I would bribe him by saying he could get on to do his Mad Dog Math!  He didn't seem to mind (most days) and he enjoyed being able to try to get the problems done quickly.  It's a nice program, and the dog is really cute, so it's one I'd recommend.  :)

Happy problem solving! 



What's the bottom line? One year license $19.99/Two year license $29.99/Perpetual license $39.99

I am going to give Mad Dog Math 4 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out! http://www.maddogmath.com/about.html



See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @ http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783984/




*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 2011 Ramblings from the Crazy House 2

New Review!!! Math Rider!

Well, hello there!!!  I'm so glad you stopped by!  :)  I bet you'd like to get my posts delivered right to your inbox, now wouldn't you?  So why not sign up for Feedburner?  Check it out, it's right there in my sidebar!  Thanks!!  :)

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

New Review!!! Times Alive Software!

Well, hello there!!!  I'm so glad you stopped by!  :)  I bet you'd like to get my posts delivered right to your inbox, now wouldn't you?  So why not sign up for Feedburner?  Check it out, it's right there in my sidebar!  Thanks!!  :)

About the product/service: As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received a free download of Times Alive Software from City Creek Press so we could use it in our homeschool and let you know what we think! 

 

This product is a software adaptation (available as a download or on a CD-ROM for both Macs and PC's) of the the Times Alive book I've seen advertised over the years.  The idea behind both the software and the book is to create silly stories out of multiplication problems in order to help your child learn them better.  The book uses cartoons, but the software actually uses "music videos" that take the cartoons and animate them, adding a song to help remember the problem. 

An example of a problem would be a little story about two snowmen, which represent two 8's.  The snowmen/8's are cold and want to warm up by a fire so they need some sticks.  "Sticks are for" the fire.  "Sticks are for" sounds like 64, so now you remember that 8 X 8 = 64.

The software also has pre-tests, worksheets, coloring pages, and more!

This method has been proven to work and kids can help kids retain up to 95% of their multiplication tables!

Check out a sample here. 

Check out kits which are available to learn multiplication here. 

Check out City Creek's products to help learn addition facts here.

What are the pros of this product? It's FUN!!!  And it WORKS!!!  Do I really need to say more?


What's not to like?  There was nothing we didn't like about the program.  However, it would be nice to have a drop down menu when you sign in because say your daughter, Jennifer, signs in as Jennifer the first time, and then forgets and signs in as Jen or Jenny, she will not access her previous work.  Not a big deal really, but I guess I am just used to drop down menus for signing in.


The Crazy Mom take: My kids love this software. I have only assigned it to them as part of their school day a few times, because they often just want to do it on their own. Baber, 7, Bear, 9, and Dode Man, 11, especially love it. It's just silly enough to make learning multiplication facts fun.  I have always used little games and tricks to memorize things, so this just makes total sense to me.  The fact that it's now software makes even more sense.  We really have enjoyed this program!




What's the bottom line? $44.95

I am going to give Times Alive 5 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out! http://www.citycreek.com/

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783695/





*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