Chestnut Grove Academy: Review: 3P Learning

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Review: 3P Learning–Mathletics (TOS Review)

We have been trying out Mathletics from 3P Learning the last several weeks. My 5yo (Kindergarten) and 8yo (3rd grade) sons have been using it 4-5 times a week as part of our normal school routine. We have used the program online via a laptop, and also via the iOS app. This program is online, therefore, internet access if necessary. The apps (available for Android and iOS) can be logged in offline, however you must have downloaded lessons previously while online to access them offline.
Mathletics is a Common Core based math program. It teaches and tests the Common Core Standards of Math. If you follow a Common Core program this would ideally match up well, however, if you don’t it may cover materials you are not covering, or have already covered, as it is grade based. You do have the option to adjust lessons, if needed (make easier or harder).
We had mixed reviews on the program in our home. My 5yo is hard to impress when it comes to online programs. The first several times he complained it was “BOOOORING”, (but that is his new word, he says it about everything!). After a few times he did use this program without resistance; however, he was not overjoyed by it. He did a minimal of one, maybe two lessons, each day. He preferred the other lessons options on the right hand side of the screen, particularly Rainforest Math (see pictures below). These programs were more eye appealing and interesting to him, however, the scores are not tracked (like the main program).

My 8yo liked the program, though it was not his favorite. His favorite aspect of the program was the LIVE feature. He enjoyed the competition with others, especially since those individuals were from around the world!

I would have to bribe him in a way, in order to play LIVE he had to complete a lesson first. He said that the lessons were not very interesting, that he wished they were more fun. He did like that it kept score, and worked really hard to get them all right. I think it was good practice for him, but he really only wanted to complete one or two lessons a day, which did not give him the amount of points needed to get the ‘rewards’.

Here are some screenshots from the Kindergarten level.

We do not really use common core, but I felt that for the most part the lessons were on level with my kid’s abilities.
The other neat thing about this program is that there are printable workbooks that correspond to the lessons, so you could easily use this program as your core math curriculum! It could be a multi-sensory approach, particularly if you added some manipulatives to the workbook instruction!
Parent controls allows you to see your child’s progress. You also receive weekly emails letting you know how often they have logged in and how long they were on. It also shows how many points they have earned. Under parent controls you can make specific assignments that you want your child to complete first.
Overall I think this is a worthy program, it wasn’t the best fit for our family, but it is a solid program. My kids did like the lessons, but not so much that they would want to use this full time. We will continue to use this occasionally as a supplement throughout our trial period. The LIVE sessions have been a great reinforcer for my 8yo on his math facts!
The program is available for grades K-12. Prices are currently $59 a year per student, with discounts for families available. You can try it FREE for 10days and see how it would work in your family!