A+ TutorSoft Math Review and Giveaway

As families are finishing up their school year and planning for the next, there are many curriculum decisions to be made.  If you are like us, math is always one of them.  Do we stay with what we used this year or switch to something else?  What works for one child doesn't work for another.  Abacus or rods, textbook or online?  Decisions, decisions...

A+ TutorSoft offers a full year of interactive math curriculum software on CD.  Their math  Curriculum Software CD Includes

• Multimedia Lessons that use all three learning modalities - Audio, Visuals and Text
• Interactive Quiz for each lesson with instant feedback and step-by-step instructions
• Lesson Plan
• Curriculum Book on CD
• Printable Worksheets and Exams
• Parental Guides - Solution Guides with step-by-step problem solving instruction

I was given a free copy of their 4th Grade Premium Edition homeschool math software on CD for Funny Bunny and I to try. 

Installing the software was a breeze and we quickly began the program.  Below is the screen the child will come to one they log on.

You have the option to take a quick tutorial and then you can get started.  If you click the picture to enlarge it, you can see there are several options across the top. Multimedia Lessons, Lesson Plan, Curriculum Book, Worksheets, Exams, Worksheets and Exams Solution Guide {which only the parent can access}, Help, and Progress Tracking.  It's all right there.  I have the Multimedia Lessons selected and you can see my options on the left.  There are 16 chapters.

Below is a sample of Lesson 1.2: Defining and Grouping Whole Numbers.  The student can either listen to the text being read aloud or they can turn off the audio and read the text themselves. 

After the lesson, they take a multiple choice interactive quiz.  If the parent feels they need to work more on a particular concept, they can assign additional worksheets and then an exam.  

My Thoughts:  I like the concept of having everything in one place.  I can have Funny Bunny sit at the computer for each lesson and have it read and explained to her.  She can even take the interactive quiz without my help.  I have the option to print the worksheets and exams and can print them as needed.  I also like the reporting feature.  I can track her progress and see where she needs more help.  On the other hand I did find the lessons a little dry and slow.  I wanted to listen to the lesson being read aloud but it seemed to drag on.  I was glad there was a feature to fast forward and to turn off the audio and just read it myself.  :)

Thoughts of a 9-Year Old:  I didn't like A+ TutorSoft Math as much as some other math programs. I think that the audio is a little school-y and one-toned and (in my opinion) the girl that does the audio sounds like she has a stuffy nose. All in all: Not that thrilling: Just OK.

Find Out More:  You can find out more online at A+ TutorSoft. You are able to view and download free demos of each of the levels.  The interactive math curriculum software is currently available for grades 3-6, Pre-algebra, and Algebra 1.  Prices start at $79.99.  They also have FREE Stuff available on their website.  And for more FREE stuff you can see these Math Freebies. 

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GIVEAWAY!!

So, here's how to enter to win your choice of the 3rd or 4th Grade Curriculum Software CD!!  For each comment, you will get one (1) entry.

1. Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win

2. Follow my blog using Google Friend Connect

3. Like Our Homeschool Reviews on Facebook

4. Like Math Freebies on Facebook 

**Remember to please leave a separate comment for each entry**

Contest ends on Friday, June 8, 2012 at 11:59 EST.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org.  This contest is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older.  If I am unable to reach the winner by email within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected.  Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you (either an email address in your comment or on your profile).  The winner's name will be obtained and publicly announced.  The number of eligible entries determines the odds of winning.  No purchase is necessary to win and this contest is void where prohibited by law. 

Disclosure:  This product was given to Our Homeschool Reviews for free for review purposes, and I do not have to return the products to the vendor.  I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own.