We had the chance to review UberSmart Math Facts from UberSmart Software. It’s a software for Windows with Math facts geared for grades K-6 though it can be used for any age. It uses primarily flash cards and timed tests.
We have been using UberSmart Math Facts as additional Math practice with our older two children (ages 8 and 6) as additional Math practice. We use it 4-5 times per week. They are both at the 2nd Grade Math Level, but the first thing I discovered was that it’s not based on Math level. Everything is divided by Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division. Upon launching UberSmart Math Facts and choosing which student will be using it, you can choose from these categories: Learn, Practice, Test, Compete, Report, and Maintain.
The Report section is where you can see progress, a mastery chart, grade book, assessment, and competition. I can choose to view one of the children or both of them at the same time, which is nice. I like that there are so many options for the reports, though, we, personally did not use anything in the “competition” area.
The Maintain section is simply account maintenance. This is where you would add/edit students, update software, set password, etc. So basically, it is all “technical” stuff.
The Learn section is broken down into Beginner and Intermediate. Beginner uses Dot Cards to help teach the Math facts. When you click on your choice it will have drop downs to choose the student and type of math facts. With the Dot Cards you can choose to have the numbers displayed below the dots, so they are corresponding the dots to the actual numbers or just display the dots alone. In this way, they can simply count the dots to solve the problems. We, personally, choose to display the numbers as well, so they are associating the two, but you can choose what works best for your children.
For the Intermediate, it is presented as traditional flash cards with just the numbers. The problems are presented as single number problems with the numbers on top of each other. With both the flash cards and the dot cards in the “Learn” mode, they simply click “Show,” and it will show them the correct answer.
The Practice section is presented very much like Learn section except that in the Beginner options there is Keyboard Entry in addition to Dot Cards. For Keyboard Entry, after an initial 5 second countdown, it will give a number and a section to type the number. They will type the number and click the arrow to enter it.
The Dot Cards and Flash Cards are otherwise the same as the Learn session. They can choose between Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division, as well as between the numbers: 0-9 for Add and Subtract and 0-12 for Multiply and Divide. They can choose to use just one number (choosing just 0 for example) or all. We mix it up sometimes choosing just one and other times using all. We only use Addition and Subtraction, though, as we haven’t yet moved on to Multiplication and Division.
The Test section is broken up into two sections. The Beginner section is “Assessment,” and the Intermediate section is “Mastery.” For the Assessment test it will ask the gender of the child as well. It is to determine how much they already know. It is not timed, so they can take their time and not feel pressured. We explored the Assessment test, but overall I found it wasn’t necessary.
The Mastery test is just that – to see test mastery of those Math facts. It is done in flash card style, and again the child can choose if they would like to focus on just one number or include the series of numbers. Instead of just showing one card at a time, though, they are able to see the card that will be next. You can opt to show the time as well.
There is also the Compete section as well. I checked it out once and saw you can choose grade level – Elementary is what we would choose. I opted not to explore it further, though, just because our children can often get frustrated by certain types of competition due to their special needs.
Overall, I think UberSmart Math Facts is great for reinforcing and practicing Math Facts! It’s straightforward and like practicing flashcards without flashcards we would likely lose! Our kids found it simple to use and enjoyable. They really benefit from the repetition and reinforcement it offers. A standard license for the family can be purchased for $24.95. It can be run on all computers and includes free upgrades and support.
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