| Product |
Math Essentials: Addition and Subtraction |
Mia's Math Adventure: Just in Time! |
Turbo Twist Math |
| Publisher |
Sunburst Technology
(800) 321-7511 |
Kutoka Interactive
(877) 858-8652 |
LeapFrog SchoolHouse
(800) 883-7430 |
| Platform |
Mac/Win CD |
Mac/Win CD |
Handheld with game cartridges |
| Price |
$99.95; site licenses available |
$19.95; site licenses available |
$245 for a class pack of 6 devices with 6 grade-specific cartridges |
| Grade Level |
2-5 |
1-4 |
1-6< |
| Features |
ýAnimated, age-appropriate activities built around story themes
ý8 levels of play
ýEmphasizes mastery of basic skills
ýBuilt-in progress reports |
ýHigh-quality graphics
ýInteractive games involve students in problem solving
ý4 levels of play
ýAnimated, age-appropriate activities built around story themes |
ýEasy-to-use handheld device offering extensive practice in basic math
ýA wide variety of games |
| Skills |
Addition, subtraction, decimals, and place value |
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, geometry, place value, measures, reasoning, and estimation |
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percents |
| Strengths |
ýEasy navigation
ýExtensive teacher options
ýStudent data can be saved
ýPrintable worksheets and tests |
ýSuperb multimedia presentation
ýEngaging adventure theme
ýVariety of problem types, from basic math to problem solving
ýInteractive elements let students direct their own learning |
ýPortability
ýVariety and number of games
ýIncludes word problems
ýMultiplayer mode allows for up to 4 students |
| Limitations |
No instructional feedback
ýStory themes and graphics may not motivate all students
ýAdventure goal can be reached quickly
ýStory of Tag-Na is the same for all levels of play |
No Teacher's Guide
ýSaving games is not intuitive
ýDrama might frighten sensitive children
ýStudent data cannot be saved |
No stimulating graphics
ýGames could become repetitive
ýOnly one student name saved per cartridge |
| Support Materials |
Teacher's Guide |
Player's Guide |
Parent's Guide |
| Bottom Line |
A good practice program for reinforcing key math skills. |
A richly interactive program that is as entertaining as it is useful for basic math practice. |
A smart toy that helps focus kids on quick thinking and fact-based math learning. |
