Scrutiny by the Masses: Dreambox Learning

I vividly remember seventh grade math. I think it was pre-algebra, maybe just general math - but the memory comes not from the skill but the absolute DREAD I felt every day as I walked to the class. I never understood what the teacher was trying to explain, didn't get the concepts or ideas, and skated away from that class with a low D.

Sure, I can multiply, divide, convert fractions and do the necessary computations to double or halve a recipe, or determine the mileage - but anything above that might as well be the moon. I've always had difficulty understanding math. My two oldest kids are the same was; we just aren't wired for math. My third oldest is brilliant - no thanks to me - I think it must have skipped around from different family members.

When I was invited to preview the new online math game Dreambox Learning, I was, I'll admit, kind of skeptical. I really don't think of math as "fun", although I did learn my multiplication tables by listening to hours upon hours of SchoolHouse Rock. (I can still sing most of the multiplication songs - karaoke night would be AWESOME with me, yes?) Dreambox Learning is billed as a fun, interactive site to help kids from K - second grade learn their basic math skills in a fun, exciting way.

From the personalized sign in (which used a picture password - great for pre readers) to the arcade style carnival games, my preschooler and kindergartener were entranced and excited to play. My younger daughter, who is in preschool, is not technically the target market, but after picking her personalized avatar - an African American with long braids - she was excited to follow her big sister. One thing I often hate about online games for kids this age is the need for me to be right there - reading prompts or helping them to understand. Not necessary with Dreambox. The animated gude walks them through each and every step of the way, explaining the games and concepts clearly and concisely, freeing me to do more important things, like solving world peace cooking a gourmet meal reading blogs.

There are three areas of fun play to choose from: The House, the Carnival and the Adventure Park. Emma (K) likes the House the best, because "you can see your adventure friends and change your character. " Riley (pre K) likes the Carnival the best because "you can play games - one of my favorite games is the feeding animals one." Translation: fitting animals into fenced in areas, to judge spatial awareness. After picking an area of interest, the kids are given a challenge to solve, and they use pirates and fairies. They count by fives and tens, work on mouse skills, and determine patterns.

My girls LOVE this online game. They argue over whose turn it is, laugh while they watch each other and try, like siblings always do, to best each other. The best part of the entire game, though, comes at the end. Almost as soon as they signed out, I received an email, telling me the skills that my girls had worked on. When she began, her first game was actually a behind-the-scenes placement lesson that allowed us to start her at the right place in the math curriculum based on what she already knows and should skip, and what she should focus on. For example, Emma demonstrated her understanding of comparing sets of 1 to 10 objects and identifying which is more and less. I can also check the Parent Dashboard at any time to check on their progress.

My only beef with the entire system? I wish it went into multiplication. My third grade son is struggling.

Want a free 14 day trial? Check out Dreambox Learning. You'll be so glad you did.

This review was thanks to the lovely ladies at The Parent Bloggers.

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