This article is in collaboration with MathRider.
Math facts can be such a struggle to learn! Yet they are the foundation of our journey in math. So many times mastering those math facts is dry and boring, tedious, and full of tears. What if all of that could change though and our children could master their math facts in a way that is so much fun that they cannot wait to do it each day.
MathRider was created by Thomas Brand, founder and director of Sharper Edge International Pty Ltd in Australia. Originally he had hoped to purchase a computer game to help his own children master their times tables but he was unable to find one that really worked and that his kids would enjoy using.
Then one day he had the idea which we know now as Math Rider. This game did not involve fighting or the competitive pressure against other players but rather a simple use of math skills.
He even got his children involved in the creation of the program for voiceovers in the storyline as well as the graphical illustrations.
Recommended for ages seven to twelve years old, especially those who love horses, this could be the perfect math game. Math Rider is available for Windows and Mac and will drive your children through all four arithmetic operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division— with 100% mastery.
Your child is a rider traveling with their faithful horse, Shadow. Together they adventure through all sorts of exciting quests and obstacle courses in magical Mathlands.
Start with Shadow moving at a slow trot, developing into a full gallop as your children answer math questions as fast as they can.
MathRider therefore effectively helps your child:
- Master the four basic operations
- Overcome math anxiety
- Build math confidence
- Think quickly
- Improve focus
- Develop readiness for higher-level math
It is super simple getting started with this program too! Just choose the math operation you want to work on, determine the difficulty level, and get started on your quest. The stories will just draw your child in with their colorful and fun characters. Each quest is divided into a couple of different rides with 30 questions each, taking your children to multiple regions within the Mathlands. At the end of each quest, the player receives a reward based on the level of mastery achieved. You can see their progress based upon the tables shown, which are color-coded to show mastery and challenges as they progress.
When your child achieves full mastery in an operation, there is an even greater reward for your child. Each operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) includes four quests, with levels ranging from easy to master.
The simple yet engaging story at the beginning of each level really gets children involved, and it is so fun for them to see on the map their progress through the Math Lands. So many things that help motivate and encourage our children.
The faster you answer, the faster Shadow goes. What could possibly be a more fun way to master math facts than racing horses and clearing obstacles?
Connect with MathRider on
Facebook | YouTube
Thank you to Jennifer King of A Peace of Mind for writing this introductory article.
Read all the Crew reviews by visiting the links below.
