CTC Math Review

I am not a huge fan of teaching math.  The younger grades are ok, but even with easier math, how do you keep math from getting boring.  We have kids that struggle in math.  And because they struggle, that means it becomes a fighting subject.  I am always looking for extra math practice that I can disguise as fun and build the kids confidence in their math skills..  We recently had a chance to review the 12 month Family subscription from CTC Math with the kids, and it has been the answer to this.

CTC Math is available for grades Kindergarten through High School level math. Each lesson offers video instruction which can be repeated as often as a student needs.  To go along with each lesson, there are quizzes to reinforce and provide practice in the skills that your student needs extra help in.  

CTC Math provides:

• Almost 1,400 math videos and interactive lessons
• 57,000 interactive questions
• Diagnostic tests
• Instant feedback for both parents and students
• Help with higher level math such as algebra, trigonometry and calculus
• Math lessons are available for students in levels from kindergarten through high school

We have been using the 12 Month Family plan for a few weeks now.  The Family Plan allows each student in a family to work at their own level.  It is meant to save you money.  They offer monthly, semi-annual and annual plans for families to help out your budget situation.  They also offer a free trial to see how you like it also.

At first I thought of just using CTC Math as supplemental material.  But the video instructions for each lesson are very nice.  They are not flashy or full of distracting graphics.  The explanations for the topic is very nice.  The interface is also kid friendly.  So we use CTC Math more as break from our other math curriculum.  Currently we are using it to help them practice those trouble areas that extra practice is not provided in their other curriculums.  

Caty is working at the Kindergarten/1st grade level currently.  The lessons are not lengthy.  The videos for her level last roughly 2 - 5 minutes.  Depending on how well she grasps the new concept, we continue on to the questions.  If she needs more help, she can easily work on the same topic again the next day.  The look on her face when she sees her score just makes me smile every time.  She gets so excited and we print the pages for her files.

Lydia working on 3rd to 4th grade level math.  The short videos keep her attention better than other similar math videos we have attempted in the past.  Lydia is very much driven by seeing high scores and those green checks that she got the answers right.  The instant feedback is such a wonderful feature for her.  She is so proud and I have to print off her certificates right away!

I was about to give up on Joey with math.  CTC Math has been helping him as I took him back to basic concepts that he is still struggling to grasp.  He will always struggle with math, but the videos have really helped him.  The length of the material is not overwhelming.  He can easily navigate the website without help.  Most of the questions are read to him.  And he can easily re-watch any video that he needs further help with.

We will continue using CTC Math this summer before they move up their grade levels in the fall.  And if they are still making progress like they have been, we will actually just continue using CTC Math as our core Math curriculum.

We did use the CTC Math Homeschool version, but this program could be used by any student who is struggling with math topics.  This is a cheaper option than visiting some of the tutoring facilities that are opened now.

I like that I am easily able to make a list of lessons that I want them to complete.  I can print the quizzes for their portfolios, and can also print the certificates they earn to hang them up so they can see their accomplishments.  CTC Math is easy for the kids to navigate on their own.  This program has really helped to boost their confidence.  Caty really does love using CTC Math over her previous program.

I am going to mention one more of my favorite things about CTC Math.  The simple videos.  My kids like playing math games online.  But sometimes the flashier the program, the less they learn.  The videos on CTC Math are simple and to the point.  They give a very good explanation.  

The ease of use for myself in helping the kids with their math education has made CTC Math a priceless addition to our homeschool.

Several members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew were given the opportunity to try CTC Math with their families.  Take some time to visit the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog to see how they used CTC Math in their homes.