Schoolhouse Review: Stinky Kid Math #hsreviews

My kids aren't stinky, because I'm pretty fanatical about baths and deodorant, but for the most part they have all considered math to be a "stinky" subject.  I really don't know why that is -- I was always pretty good in math and the MainMost was an electrical engineering and math education major so he was EXCELLENT in math.  Unfortunately, our kids just don't like it, so I am always looking for new ways to help them excel.

I looked forward to the opportunity to review the new-to-me online math resource Stinky Kid Math and was interested in having my Freshman dive in and check it out.  She is beginning Algebra this school year, so it was perfect timing for us.  Math tutoring that offers algebra and geometry help through video lessons, books, worksheets, and games, Stinky Kid Math is a great supplement for students that fall within the ranges of  Foundational Algebra (Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1), Complex Algebra (Algebra 1 and Algebra 2), and Geometry.

These subjects encompass 339 video lessons and 5 games that are designed to help students make sense of math.  Middle and High School students can choose to watch video lessons for extra help on a topic-by-topic basis or can choose to watch video lessons in order from Pre-Algebra through Geometry.  The short videos (1 - 3 minutes each) are well done and engaging.  The instructor briefly explains the given mathematical concept as he shows how to work the problems on a colorful dry erase board.  He is energetic and encouraging -- a good combination when it comes to teaching math. Simple video games are also included that help make math click.

Each group of lessons has corresponding worksheets that allow students extra practice for the mathematical concepts covered in the videos.  Worksheets are short (2 - 4 pages that can be downloaded and printed) and answers are included (all problems are worked out step-by-step on a dry erase whiteboard).   "Books" are included with most subtopics for students who prefer a hands-on method of retention.   These are actually short chapters that offer a summary of the video lessons in print format.   These can be downloaded to your computer, printed out and compiled in a notebook, or read directly from the screen while online.

While Stinky Kid Math is not a full-blown comprehensive curriculum, it works well as a supplemental educational tool where students can find quality instruction and/or parents can find refreshers on concepts they want to help their children learn.  I have found that the easiest way to utilize Stinky Kid Math is to simply turn the Princess loose and allow her time to explore and study.  After 17 years of homeschooling, we are down to our final two high schoolers.  They no longer require complete monitoring as they study (Yay!) and I have been able to take a backseat as they work and learn at their own pace.  Stinky Kid Math offers flexibility to explore and refresh skills and my daughter has been using it for just that.

After a crazier-than-usual spring semester and an on-the-go summer, she has been able to utilize the Stinky Kid Math website as a fast-paced tutorial of pre-algebra concepts before she begins her Algebra curriculum for the new school year.  She chooses video lessons to watch, skims through the included books, and prints worksheets to complete.  She then self-corrects using the provided Answer Key.  It's a win/win situation as her confidence is renewed and she feels more prepared to begin Algebra.  One of the best components of this tutoring program is that my daughter is in control.  She doesn't need my help to log in or get started.  The simple interface allows complete independence in learning.  I like that and she likes knowing that there are Algebra videos and helps available if she gets stumped in the days and weeks ahead.  What a sure-fire way to take the "stink" out of math.  I love it!

You can find out more about Stinky Kid Math by visiting the following Social Media Sites:

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I was given the opportunity to review Stinky Kid Math as a member of the Schoolhouse ReviewCrew.   You can check out the Crew Review and see what other members of the Schoolhouse ReviewCrew thought of this and other products as well (or just click on the banner below.)

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