R is for Robot Area and Perimeter Art Project

This post is part of the 2016 Virtual Curriculum Fair. The theme this week is Discovering Patterns in Math, Science, and Logic. Be sure to read this entire post, because there will be links to additional homeschool blog posts related to this week's theme.

The math curriculum that we use is mastery-based. I tend to supplement with online programs, hands-on activities, and math projects to provide variety and fill in any learning gaps.

I am addicted to teaching so one hobby I like to do in my spare time is search for educational ideas. Today's math project was inspired by an old classroom idea I used many, many years ago. Seeing it on the Internet again reminded me of my students' excitement when using this project to explore and learn about area and perimeter.

I want to share with you Alyssa's Robot Area and Perimeter Art Project. We utilized this activity to review perimeter and area.

First, she built a robot using our colorful centimeter blocks. Each body part was a different color. I asked her to include a head, neck, body, legs, and arms. You can definitely extend this activity by adding on more body parts. I also asked her to use only rectangles and squares. We also reviewed the formulas for finding area and perimeter.

Then, she figured out the area for each part separately. She wrote down the dimensions on the mini chart and did the calculations in her head. She had to remember to double (or multiply) the amount for the legs and arms, because she had two of each.

Alyssa also calculated the total area for her robot showing her work on a separate sheet of lined paper.

Next, she colored in her robot using the coordinating colors. She removed the corner blocks and placed a matching color dot on the grid paper so she'd remember the dimension and size of the body part. She wrote a descriptive paragraph about her robot. This is a great time for you to ask your child to compare or combine body parts. She wrote about the attributes and total area of her robot. Her robot's name was Felicity who is named after one of the American Girl dolls.

Finally, we verbally discussed what the perimeter was for each body part.

As you can tell by the photos she truly enjoyed this hands-on math project. She'll have time to explore the blocks next week. I'll ask her to create another robot with specific dimensions and then she'll compare the calculations for both robots.

The grip paper was found at Hand 2 Mind. The centimeter blocks are best to use with younger children or with older children in the concrete stages of learning. It helps them visualize the concept better. You could color in the centimeter grid paper to create your own set of centimeter blocks or print them on colored paper. Keep in mind the pieces will be tiny and you'll have to cut each one so have a place to store them when finished.

Try searching for colored manipulative blocks to see what you can find. In the past, I've used colored one-inch tiles for this and other activities especially when Alyssa was younger as seen at Kent State University Math. Click on the first link under Bold 1" Grid or visit Do 2 Learn and scroll down to the 1" grid paper.

Other Helpful Links
Perim-Bots Game
Robot Perimeter or The Texas Teacher
Step Into Second Grade

Please visit my Skip Counting, Area, Multiplication Oh My post for additional math ideas.

I am participating in the 2016 Virtual Curriculum Fair this year. Come check out some of the topics my fellow homeschool blogging friends have shared this week related to the theme of Discovering Patterns in Math, Science, and Logic. Click on the following links to read their posts.

Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses - Thoughts on Math and Science
Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset  - From Counting to Calculus
Laura @ Day by Day in Our World  - How We Approach Math in This Homeschool Year
Annette @ A Net In Time - Struggling with Math, Loving Science
Annette @ A Net In Time  - Lego Pulleys and Levers
Yvie @ Gypsy Road Hands - On Math with Special Needs Learners
Chelli @ The Planted Trees  - Chemistry Using Living Books
Lisa @ GoldenGrasses  - An Appalling Lack of Curiosity
Edie @ Carter Chaos  - Our Favorite Ways to Study Numbers
Tracey @ A Learning Journey  - Robot Area and Perimeter Art Project
Jennifer @ A Glimpse of Our Life  - Math and Standardized Tests
Jen @ Chestnut Grove Academy  - Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science
Sarah @ DeliveringGrace  - Learning Multiplication Tables
Kylie @ Our Worldwide Classroom  - Multisensory Multiplication
Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break  - Science and Stuff
Kemi Quinn @ Homemaking Organized  - Math in Our Homeschool for a Later Elementary Organized Reader
Joelle @ Homeschooling for His Glory  - Math and Logic - Our Steady Path
Laura @ Four Little Penguins  - Math and Science Love

I will also link this post up at Life at Rossmont's Wordless Wednesday, Virtual Refrigerator, Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet, and at Year Round Homeschooling's Hearts for Home Blog Hop.

I hope you enjoyed visiting A Learning Journey. :) Thank you for stopping by today.

Q is for Quadrilaterals

Blogging Through the Alphabet is focusing on "Letter Q" this week. I brainstormed several topic ideas, but seemed to be drawn to the word Quadrilaterals. It must be because I love teaching Math. Here are few activities that Alyssa and I did together this week to help her learn more about QUADRILATERALS.

I LOVE my FREE Teachers Pay Teachers account. I searched for Quadrilateral and clicked on FREE activities. I  found some fun options for our lesson.

First, we watched and discussed a Quadrilateral Powerpoint.
Then, we viewed a Quadrilateral Poster and discussed the Quadrilateral Family Tree Poster.

Next, Alyssa completed a Quadrilateral Search worksheet and a Quadrilateral Shape Practice Color Page.

Finally, she enjoyed the Quadrilateral Cut and Sort activity. This was a simple sort categorizing shapes that are and are not quadrilaterals. She also worked on a more complicated Quadrilateral Sort Geometry Math Center. Alyssa had to sort shapes by the six types of quadrilaterals based on each shape's properties. This activity was a little more time-consuming. I gave her the Quadrilateral Family Tree Map to help after her first attempt. I was able to see what she knew and what she needed more help on.  

 

Tomorrow Alyssa will participate in a Quadrilateral Hunt. I plan on having her take a photograph of each quadrilateral she finds and using them in a PowerPoint presentation. She likes to create PowerPoints in her free time. She'll also complete Inspire Me ASAP's Mix and Match Poster Activity using the definitions, shape names, and pictures.

I will link this post up at Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet and Year Round Homeschooling's Hearts for Home Blog Hop.

TOS Review: A+ Interactive Math Adaptive Placement Test and Individualized Lesson Plans

A+ Interactive Math has recently released a brand new product called the Adaptive Placement Test and Individualized Lesson Plan in which the Schoolhouse Review Crew team members each received up to 10 online 3-month student subscriptions to review. This math assessment and intervention product will help you pinpoint your child’s problems areas and weaknesses in their math education. 

Are you wondering if your child has any math learning gaps? 
Are you looking for a way to assess, identify, and close those gaps in math?

My daughter, Alyssa (Age 7 1/2) is working above grade level when it comes to certain math topics. We've used a mastery-based math curriculum with her since she was a wee little one. Additionally, I supplement with online math programs. This is NOT our first time utilizing A+ Interactive Math's multi-sensory math programs. I am currently using the 3rd grade Family Math Package so I am familiar with the program and how it works. In the past, we have used their First and Second Grade Homeschool Edition of A+ Interactive Math Online.

I often wonder if Alyssa has any learning gaps. We both love math. She's a quick learner so she's never really struggled with any particular math concept yet. She learned her addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts with ease at an early age. However, I ask myself quite often, "Is she working above and beyond her grade level and the public school standards? Which concepts does she struggle with the most?" How can we improve those weaknesses?" The solution to these burning questions was the Adaptive Placement Test and Individualized Lesson Plans. 

Product Description
The Adaptive Placement Test and Individualized Lesson Plan is a comprehensive and complete math program or assessment tool for grades K1-Algebra 1 offering multi-grade level "adaptive" testing that enables an educator to identify current skill levels and weaknesses. The interactive lesson plans target those problem areas. 

I needed to choose a "home" grade level which is a grade level that my daughter either recently completed or will complete soon. I chose 3rd grade as her "home" grade level. The third grade curriculum is divided into 14 concepts or mini test categories.

Concept Areas Covered

• Number Sense
• Addition
• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Division
• Rounding and Estimating
• Decimal Numbers
• Fractions
• Graphs
• Time
• Money
• Measurement
• Geometry
• Elementary Algebra 

Each grade level placement test consist of approximately 10-15 different concepts. The fourth grade curriculum has 17 core concepts. Each test had 10-25 questions given in multiple choice or type-in-your-answer format. On an average, there were 12 questions to complete. The longest 3rd grade placement test was the Geometry test. I wish that this test was divided into two parts which would be consistent with the other test lengths and reduce the amount of time she worked on the concept in one sitting. My daughter was given 1-6 minutes per question depending on the difficulty of the problem which gave her plenty of time to solve the problem on paper. 

How It Works?

1. The student logs in at the website. Each student has their own username and password. 
2. The child completes a mini unit placement test for EACH major concept or specific area for her home grade level in order to identify current skill level and weaknesses.
3. The child submits the test and receives immediate feedback with automatic scoring information and identified gaps are noted. 
4. An individualized, "personalized" lesson plan is generated for you to view targeting trouble areas if learning gaps are found within a concept.
5. Your child will follow the online lesson plan to close learning gaps. Tests are retaken to show which skills have been mastered and which gaps have closed.
6. You can view and print various progress reports.

Individualized Lesson Plan Includes:

• Colorful, Step-by-Step Multimedia Video Lessons with Thorough Explanations

• Interactive Questions that Reteach Concepts When Student Answers Incorrectly

• Online Practice Worksheets with Automatic Grading and Tracking

• Visual Student Reports

Summary Report

Reports Show

• Home Grade Level
• Incorrect and Correct Problems
• Total Number of Questions
• Skipped Problems Not Attempted
• Status At or Below Grade Level   

There are two types of reports. The summary report as seen above reveals a pie chart with percentages. You'll also see a chart listing the number correct and incorrect from a total number of questions. The progress report shows an animated man that walks across the screen to a particular goal. For each test, children must reach the goal (make a certain score) in order to pass. This is indicated by a vertical purple line. You'll see the examples later in the review. 

What You'll Receive

• Engaging and Interactive Video Lessons with Audio, Visuals, and Text
• Interactive Review Questions and Practice 
• Online Practice Worksheets
• Automatic Grading and Feedback 
• Easy to Read and Follow Progress Reports
• Multi-Grade Level Testing
• Reinforcing Lesson Plans

How We Used it? 

The Adaptive Placement Test was utilized 3-5 times a week during the review period on our MAC OSX 10.6.8 computer using Safari or Chrome as our main browsers and a high speed Internet connection. As previously stated, I chose 3rd grade as Alyssa's "home" grade level. She took 1-2 tests during each session. She wanted to complete three placement tests in one day when we first logged in which I allowed, because the previously studied topics were easy. The FAQ states that it may be better to spread out the tests completing 3-4 in a week, but you have the flexibility and choice to decide how you want to use the program. 

Alyssa worked on the tests for 10-40 minutes which varied a great deal depending on the number of tests she took, the number of questions on a test, the difficulty of the material, and the amount of time allotted for each test. The average amount of time she spent on a test was approximately 10-15 minutes.

Paper and pencil should definitely be nearby to show work. I clipped extra lined paper to a clipboard for easy access so that she could show her work for each problem. I would often use this "show your work" paper when discussing and reviewing the solutions after a test was taken. It helped me figure out why she missed particular problems.    

Special Note: When using paper and pencil to solve problems, make sure the child copies the problem correctly.  

Our Results

To my surprise, the score for the first test that I thought she would excel on wasn't as high as I anticipated but she still passed and was able to move forward. After completing the test, she said that she wanted to go back and relearn the material because she forgot it and personally felt like she didn't do that well. A lesson plan was NOT created for this concept, but luckily she still has the option to review the material because we also use the Family Math Package as a supplement. She made a 75% and the program announced that "no further action is needed." 

I found out that Alyssa did have some gaps in her 3rd grade math education. An individualized lesson plan was created for Alyssa covering Geometry concepts, because she did not meet or exceed the mastery goal required for that concept. 

After reviewing her test, I pinpointed the specific skills troubling my daughter by looking at her incorrect answers. She went to the multimedia video lessons under her plan. We saw a list of all skills for that particular concept. I only asked Alyssa to watch the videos addressing the concepts that were areas of concern. The videos she watched covered the following concepts and skills: Measuring line segments, quadrilaterals, and polygons. I didn't have her complete all the other video lessons since she didn't miss any of those problems or skills on the test.  

Next, she completed the corresponding interactive questions and printed out her reports indicating the number correct.  

After she obtained a 100% on the interactive questions, the next item on Alyssa's agenda was to complete the online worksheets to practice problems for the same concepts. In the screenshot below, you can view a problem Alyssa was given on the "Quadrilateral" worksheet.

Worksheet Problem:
"Measuring Line Segments"

Once she finished the online worksheets, I asked her to RETAKE the 3rd grade Geometry placement test. She passed the test and her grade improved. Please understand that once your child retakes the test and if they pass the test demonstrating mastery, then the individualized lesson plans for that particular concept disappear! However, I noticed that the Geometry questions that were incorrect this time were different than those previously missed. This let me know that even though she passed the test, she may have guessed on certain problems and I will need to reteach and review several more Geometry topics. I will also have her complete the concepts using the Family Math Package I purchased. The Family Math Package complements the Placement Tests and Individualized Lesson Plans perfectly. 

3rd Grade Placement Test List

Alyssa quickly passed and completed ALL of the third grade tests closing any gaps. I had the option of changing her grade level, but I didn't want to lose specific reports and information during the review period since her original "home" grade level was 3rd. 

I decided to begin testing Alyssa on the 4th grade placement test concepts, but under a different student name for the purpose of this review. The program identified the gaps she had with 4th grade Fraction concepts. 

Her scores improved and she passed the 4th grade Fraction test after following the same procedures mentioned above. Even though she passed, we'll continue reviewing concepts for the time being. We'll tackle 4th grade number line and number comparisons next week which was a difficult concept. She was asked to compare fractions and decimal numbers on a number line.    

Before
The little man stopped before meeting goal expectations.

After
The little man walked passed the goal! 

Features We Liked

• Individualized Multi-Sensory Lesson Plans Target the Issues 
• Short Assessments and Lessons Requiring Minimal Time on the Computer
• Complete and Comprehensive - Everything You Need is Included
• Program is Easy for Both Parents and Children to Navigate
• Adaptive Testing Starts at "Home" Grade Level but Covers Multiple Grade Levels
• Hide the Timer - Tests and questions were timed-bound. Some children are intimated or become frustrated when they see that they are being timed. I love that this program allows the user to hide the timer. I noticed that Alyssa worked at a much faster pace and rushed through problems missing them when focusing on the timer. I also noticed that when problems became more difficult the timer became an issue. 
• Relevant Math Examples Utilized in the Video Lessons
• Smiley Face Praise Giving her a Thumbs Up Saying, "That is correct. Good job!"
• Step-by-Step Solutions to Incorrect Responses. Click on the graphics below for solution examples.

Possible Cons

• Some children may not respond well to time-bound tests. I do feel that, for the most part, the program gives plenty of time for the test based on the number of questions (no more than 25).  

Vendor Possible Suggestions

• I was hoping this program would provide "individualized" lesson plans based on and specific to her specific incorrect test answers. Once a lesson plan was generated, ALL the skills for that concept were retaught. This program could be improved by truly "individualizing" the lesson plans so that a child is only relearning misunderstood topics they struggled with and not necessarily having to learn all of them from the concept. I went through the topics to figure out which video lessons she needed to watch in order to retake the test and not focus on topics already mastered or understood.  
• Offer multiple student discounts that can be started at different times instead of one bundle all beginning and ending at the same time.
• My daughter realized after submitting an answer that she made a mistake and wanted to go back to correct it but wasn't able to. She was frustrated when she couldn't fix it before the test was graded. Mistakes are bound to happen and some children will want to correct those errors before being graded. I think a back button should be added.  
• Is it possible to provide a read aloud feature for test questions to be read aloud for non-readers or struggling readers so that they focus can be on mathematical skills and not reading? I've worked with children that excel in math yet struggle with reading.   
• There were spelling and solution errors. For example, the number words under the "Money" placement test such as "thirty" and "twenty" were misspelled. We also came across an error in the program that needs to be fixed. The error had an impact on her test grade. In the problem below, the program stated that "Choice D: 24" was the answer to a LCM problem which was incorrect. Alyssa's score dropped and the problem was marked wrong even though she indicated the correct answer which was "C:12." The detailed solution actually shows the correct answer. Click on the picture for a larger view. 

Price
The Adaptive Placement Test and Individualized Lesson Plans will only cost you $29.99 for the 1st child's 3-month subscription and $10 for each additional child added to the package. This is a limited-time special promotion offer. The retail price is $49.99 for one student. You can add 1-10 children to your package. Discounts are given for purchasing the program for multiple children - you'll receive a 67% off discount. Check out the DEMO at their website. I love their "Buy Today, Activate Later" motto. 

Heads Up!

A+ Interactive Math is offering a 2-week 40% to 50% off sale on their “Family Math Packages” and “Adaptive Placement Testing w/ Lessons” program starting on Monday, May 4th. The deal is available from 5/4/2015 and ending on 5/18/2015. 

Note: Prices are subject to change without notice. 

Other Products
Family Math Packages offer flexibility and functionality. Several crew members reviewed this product. 

In the past, I have also used the First and Second Grade Homeschool Edition of A+ Interactive Math Online until I recently switched to a Family Math Package.

Freebies
Free Math Placement Test
Free Family Math Package
Free Single Grade Level
Free Math EBook
Free Software Download

Recommendations

I highly recommend the Adaptive Placement Test with Individualized Lesson Plans from A+ Interactive Math for homeschool families and schools needing a short term intervention or assessment tool to utilize any time of the year. This would also be a great comprehensive math resource for tutors, summer school programs, and after school care facilities. Furthermore, this math tool can be used with ANY math curriculum you are using to help identify and close learning gaps.

It will effectively assess your child in every skill under a particular concept in 30 minutes or less. I believe your child can also improve their math skills if they utilize the placement test in conjunction with the lesson plans. I would consider utilizing this tool over the summer to reduce summer learning loss, to fill in learning gaps, to encourage advanced children to challenge themselves and get ahead, or to assess grade levels prior to the beginning of a new year.

Read the following article titled, Top 12 Reasons To Do Adaptive Placement Test with Lessons for more information about the product and why you might want to use it.

Future Plans and Usage 

I intend on using the 4th grade Adaptive Placement Test and Individualized Lesson Plans at least until the end of this school year when our subscription expires in June to further assess and identify my daughter's current grade level. I hope to print out all reports for her assessment binder. Then, I will change her home grade level to 5th. I will have her complete placements tests and lesson plans concurrently for both 4th and 5th grade until I can pinpoint a possible grade level while allowing her to learn advanced concepts. 

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Visit the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog to read other reviews for the Adaptive Placement Test and Individualized Lesson Plans. Several other crew colleagues reviewed the Family Math Package.

TOS Review: GPALOVEMATH developed by GPA LEARN

The company GPA LEARN developed a product called GPALOVEMATH that we recently had the privilege and honor to review. We received an online subscription and access to SIX grade levels for a FULL YEAR. My daughter truly enjoys this program and I must say that I am more than impressed with it. My favorite subject to teach is Math, but I always use an online educational program to supplement the core curriculum.  

Product Description
GPALOVEMATH is an online, web-based mathematics program geared towards children in grades K-5. It offers over 150 lessons per grade level in addition to at least 10,000 practice problems for each grade level. We started using it after signing up for a free trial. We primarily used and focused our attention on the Third Grade Scope and Sequence lead by the learning coach, Abacus. Each grade level has a specific animated learning coach that gives instruction on a concept with sample problems. My daughter really likes Abacus, because he motivates and encourages her to complete the lessons. 

On the Learn Page, you will notice three paths on the lesson map that your child can follow: Green, Purple, and Blue. Lessons are unlocked as a child completes required lessons in a recommended order. Lessons must be unlocked in order to complete them. The locked lessons are shaded gray. Although, you do have the option of choosing specific skills or concepts to work on for each grade instead of following the suggested order.

Three standards are addressed in the LEARN section:

1. Operations and Algebraic Thinking
2. Numbers, Base Ten, and Fractions
3. Geometry, Measurement, and Data  

The program took Alyssa through a sequence of "game-like" structured lessons: Instruction, Practice, and Quiz. She could hop between any of the three sections within one lesson. She could advance or review material as needed. She worked at her OWN, individualized pace which is an important aspect of the program. She even liked that she could retake a quiz or relearn the material since mastery was her ultimate goal.

The online learning math program is organized into three MAIN components:

• Instruction

Each grade level has a specific learning coach that teaches your child a particular concept or set of skills     covering sample problems using a thorough, step-by-step direct instruction format. The program teaches using a slide format similar to a powerpoint. There are red and green arrows which gave Alyssa control over the pace of her lesson. The orientation lesson explains that the child's responsibility is tolisten carefully, say the problem, and solve problems mentally. However, we always kept a pencil and scrap paper nearby. Colorful graphics were used to depict terminology, manipulatives, and examples. The bulleted "Process Reviews" were greatly appreciated and served as a way to summarize the lesson. 

My daughter was rewarded with a dance break upon completion of the instructional lesson. She liked that she could change the strobe light colors. When he praised her with a strobe light dance, she would join in on the fun! 

• Practice 

During the practice session, Alyssa was asked to solve problems. She submitted her answers with a yellow forward arrow found at the bottom right corner of the problem screen. A green checkmark replaced the arrow for correct answers and a red "try again" arrow was seen for incorrect answers. The learning coach guided her through the examples and positively praised her efforts.

• Quiz

The quiz begins immediately after the practice session concludes. This part of the lesson is done independently without the online instructor's help. Alyssa had the opportunity to apply what she learned to problems. She had the option of moving forward and backwards if she wasn't ready for the quiz section. I loved that more challenging questions using the word, "NOT" were included. There isn't a back button. However, there is a "play again" button enabling the child to retry the entire quiz or sequence of lessons. Most of the quizzes contained 15 questions with 2-4 answer choices. A variety of question formats were used including but not limiting to true/false, yes/no, type in the numerical answer, choose an operation or "plan of attack" and so forth. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety and types of answer solutions.

The quiz was graded automatically and the results with points acquired were given as immediate feedback upon completion of the quiz. Data was sent to my e-mail address. Alyssa was also able to review missed problems. The original problem, incorrect answer, and the correct answer were shown. The screenshot below displays the possible scoring results. She's constantly telling me the number of points she's earned, the level she accomplished, and which badge was obtained.

How Did We Use GPALOVEMATH?
My daughter, Alyssa (Age 7), used the GPALOVEMATH online learning program as a supplement to her core math curriculum. She utilized the program at least 4-5 times per week for a minimum of 15-40 minutes covering at least one lesson each day. There's a good chance that she'll complete the third grade curriculum in less than the estimated 10 months working at this pace. Occasionally, she would work through a second lesson just for fun.

We chose to follow the recommended scope and sequence order for the third grade curriculum. The third grade scope and sequence covers multiplication, division, fractions, geometry, time, and more. She was allowed to  choose any unlocked lesson from any color path. The skills addressed in this grade level were more relevant to her core curriculum. Just a few of the subtopics she covered were Combining Shapes, Angles: Acute, Obtuse, and Right, Symmetry, Quadrilaterals, Adding with Expanded Form, Parallel, Perpendicular, and Intersecting Lines, Time to the Minute, 2-Step Word Problems, Problem Solving with 3-Digit Numbers, and Multiplication on a Number Line. Most of these lessons served as a review for Alyssa.  

This program enabled her to learn and practice the skills providing for enrichment and reinforcement. The material is often presented differently from what I've taught her so it exposes her to new material and gives her the tools she needs to figure out problems in multiple ways for the future. This curriculum will not only review and maintain the skills that she's currently learning, but it also helped fill in gaps we didn't know existed and taught concepts we haven't yet covered which was a blessing.  

Supported platforms include Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac computers, Apple iPad, and Samsung Galaxy Tab 4. The following browsers are supported: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer 11, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari 6 and 7. Chrome was used as our preferred browser on a MAC computer. The only thing we needed was our computer and an Internet connection. No software or downloads were necessary to stream this online math program. Your log-in information will be sent to you via e-mail. Thankfully, the lessons were portable on the iPad for those on-the-go errand days.

Features We Like
Reward System
I can't say enough about the built-in motivational reward system created for this program. Alyssa's favorite thing about the program was earning rewards. In the beginning, I was given the choice of either creating a customized reward system or using the auto build list. The customized reward list gave me the chance to manually choose available rewards for Alyssa based on her interests. This section contained over 100 options. My daughter told me which rewards she liked most and we added the reasonable and agreed upon ones to her list. I later reorganized the rewards so that there would still be an element of surprise. The auto reward list gave five popular rewards that you could use to motivate your child up to 15 times a year. 

Earned rewards showed up in Alyssa's backpack. Each reward tells the child how many more points are needed to purchase specific items. She can't wait to earn extra baking time together, craft time, more snuggle time, and later bedtimes. Alyssa's ultimate favorite "five star" rewards were the Marketplace prizes offering $10 or $25 e-gift cards to purchase with points earned. She bought three e-gift cards during the review period. I love the fact that I can reward her educational accomplishments. She also has a blast rating the rewards which helps me understand what motivates her best. I am now more involved in and supporting her online learning. She has a positive, happier attitude towards online math and her confidence level regarding "new" math problems has increased. The reward system definitely motivates Alyssa!

Gift Card Purchase

Engage Tab
We were able to communicate about what she was learning, how many points and which rewards she earned, and how she was doing through the program's messaging system. I loved reading her messages to me! She felt like she was a big girl with an "e-mail" account. I haven't seen anything like this in any other math program. I saw it as another avenue to pass on more positive praise and encouragement while building communication skills.

Online Math Manipulatives
The program used a variety of familiar online math manipulatives such as base ten blocks, counters, number lines, geoboards, pattern blocks, and clocks to explain concepts. For some exercises, Alyssa was able to click and drag manipulatives to the work space.

Prime Directive
The student's main objective for the lesson was clearly stated on-screen.

Vocabulary Addressed
Math vocabulary terms were illustrated and explained thoroughly. They were often shown in a chart or graphic organizer.

Parent Emails

The automated reports and e-mail notifications with immediate feedback were most helpful in keeping me updated on Alyssa's progress. Each time Alyssa finished a lesson, a progress report was sent summarizing her score indicating what she accomplished in a certain amount of time on a certain date. The program also noted any skipped or completed sections. It was based on real-time data. I had the ability to glance at her e-mailed report from the other room enabling me to see how she was doing without disturbing her lessons. Additionally, I received a weekly digest stating her progress for the week. You can only print the records from your e-mail.

Problems Read Aloud
One aspect that we thought would be great for younger children who are not yet reading was that if you clicked on the text, the problem would be read aloud.  

Dashboard
This feature shows you a summary of your child's progress including the total number of lessons completed and attempted, the number of completed lessons done over a two-week time period, a goal progress tracker, your engage activity, upcoming rewards, and other information. It also included the level (master or apprentice) and type of badge earned (rockstar, excellent, and nice job).

24/7 Access to ALL Grade Level Content
I appreciated having access to several grade levels which enabled me to differentiate her learning experience if one grade level wasn’t the best fit for her. I LOVED the fact that she could work on several grade levels at once with our subscription any time of the day.

Possible Vendor Suggestions

• Amazon e-gift cards would make wonderful reward options!
• Is there a way that paper and pencil problems could be solved in a work space on the screen using an online writing tool?
• Explanations for "why" problems were incorrect would be helpful in the quiz section. I think it is important for students to understand "why" a problem was incorrect and not just that they got it wrong without necessarily having to redo all or parts of a lesson. 
• The cost of this online program is too high for my budget. Including all grade levels in one subscription will increase the value of the program and help validate the cost. Could you offer different subscription plans? For example, parents can be offered the choice of purchasing the current subscription plan for all grade levels at $129 or they can purchase individual grade level subscriptions for a reduced price. Furthermore, could a discount be offered for additional children in larger families using the program? 
• I was hoping there would be another dance break after the practice session before immediately starting the quiz.

Pricing 
There's a special introductory price of $129 per child for the online annual subscription (retail price of $149) when you use the promo code GPAINTRO15 at checkout. A payment plan of $12.99 per month was also offered. This is the price for ONE student having access to ALL grade levels (K-5th)!

What does that mean to you? 

It means you can differentiate learning. If a child is struggling with one particular math concept, then they can complete lessons from an earlier grade level as a review or for reteaching purposes. Children can also move ahead at their own pace by working on higher grade level concepts. This flexibility is outstanding! Alyssa was curious and wants to check out the lower grade levels too. 

Note: All prices at the time of this review posting are subject to change.

Overall Thoughts and Opinions

My daughter rated this program as "the best" out of the ones we've tried and let me tell you . . .  we've tried many online math programs. Even though a subscription gives us access to ALL grade levels, unfortunately the price is still out of my budget. If I could afford this math program, then it would definitely without a doubt become her new web-based math supplemental program in the future. In my opinion, it's a comprehensive and complete curriculum that can be used as a stand alone product or as a supplement. If practice worksheets accompanied each lesson, then this would be a top-notched core math curriculum we'd have to consider.     

We will definitely continue using our subscription until the day it expires! This program actually served as a reward itself, because Alyssa wanted to complete her core math assignment neatly and quickly so that she could do her online work which follows. The program is fun, educational, interactive, and user-friendly. If we don't get to her core math assignment for the day, I feel pretty confident that math was covered when she completes one of GPA LEARN's lessons. I know that Alyssa is receiving an exceptional foundation in math using this solid web-based program.

Are you ready to sign-up for the free trial and check it out for yourself?

Recommendations
I highly recommend the yearly subscription to GPALOVEMATH created by GPA LEARN (Great Parents Academy) to ALL homeschool families if they can afford it. Furthermore, I would also recommend GPALOVEMATH for classroom settings in both public and private schools. It will be very beneficial to visual learning students struggling in math that enjoy computer-based, interactive online learning.

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Visit the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog or click on the banner below to read the experiences other reviewers had using different grade levels.