Virtual Curriculum Fair 2014: Basic Instincts

Flash cards. Definitely not.

Timed math drills. Tear inducing.

Free math programs. Absolutely no way.

Free trials. So-so.

I was having a horrific time trying to figure out a way to drill math facts into Chipette’s brain. Everything that I tried met with resistance. I had pretty much tried everything I could think of to make math facts fun (I know, oxymoron), but nothing was working. I decided that maybe knowing your math facts with instant recall was too much for her until…..

REFLEX MATH!!!!!

Yes, that is me shouting from the rooftops about this program. It finally, finally has made math facts fun enough for Chipette to be motivated to learn them.

The setup is pretty simple. The child takes a placement test on their math facts the first day, then Coach Penny begins working with them on memorizing the ones they don’t know. Before the game part of the program can be played, Coach Penny teaches them the fact families for one or two facts that they have not mastered. That’s right! This program not only drills, but also teaches the facts as well!

After they spend about 5 minutes learning and completing picture puzzles with these new facts, they move on to the next part of the program: The Island. On the island, the different games are located. At first only one game is unlocked, but every day that they play adds up until they can unlock more games on the island. Not only are games unlocked, but they also earn tokens to spend in the store on the island customizing their game avatar’s clothing, hair, accessories, etc. Obviously this is Chipette’s motivation for learning the facts; she wants tokens to spend to make her avatar look good!

I never thought I would see the day, but Chipette actually begs to play Reflex Math. The games are a lot of fun, and the best part is that she is learning her facts. As the teacher for Chipette’s “class”, I get a weekly progress report of how she’s doing, and at any time, I can log into the teacher account to see which facts she still needs to work on. I can also choose which math operation I want her to work with, addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.

I know that there are a lot of free options out there (we tried them ALL!), but for only $35 a year, Reflex Math has been worth EVERY penny. If you’re interested in trying it out, they do offer a two week free trial.

Check out the other people participating in the Virtual Curriculum Fair:

Our {almost} FREE 2nd and 4th Grade Math Program by Susan @ Homeschooling Hearts & Minds

Supercharged Science's Mathemagic  by Kristi K. @ The Potter’s Hand Academy

Math & Logic Resources by Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses

How We Tackle Middle School Math, Logic & Science by Christy @ Unexpected Homeschool

 A Peek into our Homeschool: Math & Logic by Brittney @ Mom's Heart

Math and Logic: Patterns and Reasoning by Leah@As We Walk Along the Road

2014 Virtual Curriculum Fair: Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science by Stacie @Super Mommy To The Rescue

Virtual Curriculum Fair: The World of Patterns and Logic by Joelle

Discovering Science & Math w/ Apologia & Saxon  by LynnP @ Ladybug Chronicles

Make Math Fun: Your Kids Will Thank You by Tauna @ Proverbial Homemaker

Our Curriculum Choices 2014 ~ Mathematics by Renata @ Sunnyside Farm Fun

My Favorite Math For Boys by Monique @ Living Life and Learning

Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science in our Classical Homeschool by Sharra @ The Homeschool Marm

Homeschool Math Choices for a Future Scientist or Computer Programmer by Amy @ Eclectic Homeschooling

Math--Our Four Letter Word by Nicole @ Schooling in the Sun

If I Knew Then What I Know Now by Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset

Godly Patterns in Homeschooling by LisaN@Golden- Grasses

Math and Science anyone? by Michele@ Family, Faith and Fridays

My 7 Favourite Math Resources by Kim @ Homestead Acres

Basic Instincts by Chelli @ The Planted Trees

Getting My Teens Ready for Algebra by Debra @Footprints in the Butter

Math We Love by Laura @ Four Little Penguins

2014 Virtual Curriculum Fair ~ Math & Science by Jennifer @ a glimpse of our life

Our Take on Math, the Elementary Years - Charlotte Mason-style by HillaryM @ Our Homeschool Studio

Tackling Math and Science from Multiple Angles by Laura @ Day by Day in Our World

Math fact recall has become one of our basic instincts in the tree house,