Tell me more ×
Parenting Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for parents, grandparents, nannies and others with a parenting role. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite
1

Looking for a game like interface that presents math facts starting at basic concepts like "1 + 1" then models the childs fluency, or lack of, and uses that data to present questions. Errors should be corrected as they're made; doesn't require an explaination, even just a error-buzz sound and a reseting of selected. Game wise it the game should present a charted preformance based on past preformance.

Open to other approaches, just believe the system above is what I'm looking for.

share|improve this question
I am, I am, I. (It looks like you were in need of a few words. You're welcome.) – Torben Gundtofte-Bruun♦ Nov 28 '11 at 19:06
This is essentially a shopping request, and not really relevant to parenting as is. – Beofett♦ Dec 3 '11 at 19:03
1  
@blunders I said it was "essentially" a shopping request. A shopping request in Stackexchange terms doesn't mean "I'm looking to exchange money for a product" but rather "I need something that meets these criteria; please provide recommendations that might work". This typically results in a list of answers each recommending a different product or products, and are considered off topic for stackexchange sites. – Beofett♦ Jan 10 '12 at 17:57
1  
Regarding teaching math and its relevance to parenting... that's a very timely question! We're currently having discussions as to where the line should be drawn between "teaching" and "parenting" as it pertains to our site. I encourage you and everyone else to hop into our meta site and chime in. – Beofett♦ Jan 10 '12 at 18:00
1  
@blunders The blog I linked goes into much better detail than I could, but yes, the question is subjective, and also any answers would be too localized and subject to change (if you got a good answer, a year later that answer may be obsolete). – Beofett♦ Jan 10 '12 at 18:35
show 6 more comments

closed as off topic by Beofett♦ Dec 3 '11 at 19:02

Questions on Parenting Stack Exchange are expected to relate to parenting within the scope defined in the FAQ. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about closed questions here.

2 Answers

up vote 4 down vote accepted

Definitely try Khan Academy! It's free! Google and the Gates Foundation have contributed money sponsoring it. There is talk of it being translated.

  • presents math drills from 1+1 to university level calculus and algebra
  • supported by youtube videos explaining the concepts
  • achieve badges based on proficiency
  • must answer 10 questions in a row correctly in order to be considered proficient; answer incorrectly and the count starts again, badges for persistance
  • must answer question correctly before continuing to next question
  • success indicated with a happy or sad face (no annoying sounds if you keep getting it wrong)
  • hints are available on request that present the solution step-by-step each time you request an additional hint
  • progress is charted on a star chart which maps the math concepts to one another
  • some reading is required; not a problem with parent support
  • coach accounts (e-mail of the coach) allows tutors to follow progress

I would also recommend Math Blaster:

  • arcade style game with time pressure
  • different levels of difficulty
  • sound and visual indication of success or failure
  • questions answered incorrectly return more frequently
  • kids tend to stick with it, very engaging (I don't like playing it but my kids do.)
  • audio instructions, little reading required
share|improve this answer
1  
Oh Math Blaster..... +1 for reminding me of my grade school days. :) That game was the best! – jlg Nov 28 '11 at 19:34
+1 @nGinius: Thanks, I'd seen Khan's videos before, but had never seen the interface for testing knowledge learned or linking the subjects. So far it's ok, not happy that the site is not secure and sends emails/names/etc unencrypted, but guess I'll just set up dummy names/emails to try it out more. – blunders Nov 29 '11 at 1:07
up vote 0 down vote

I highly recommend card games. I am convinced that this is how I got to be good at maths (and I have consistently been top of my maths classes at school).

One of the biggest advantages of this system (other than it being both fun and social) is that it introduces a competitive element, and a direct short-term incentive to learn. In order to win the card game, strong maths skills are needed. Furthermore, maths is learnt through practise, and I think that a child is much more likely to spend long periods of time playing a card game than doing maths exercises on a computer.

Depending on your child's level of maths (and experience with card games), you can start with pontoon (AKA blackjack or 21), and then move on to Rummy (Gin-Rummy is more fun :)) and Whist based games (German Whist is good for 2 players), or any other good card games you know that involve adding up. Other good maths-training games include Monopoly and darts.

share|improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.