Easy Times – A Beginning Multiplication Tutorial Review

I’m lucky in that my oldest daughter loves to learn. She races through books, shouts out spelling words, and thinks science is the coolest subject ever. Much of her school work is easily mastered, but math has always taken a little more effort before concepts were grasped. When her 4th grade homework veered into the multiplication tables, I jumped at the chance to review Easy Times, A Beginning Multiplication Tutorial.

Buy Easy Times here.

The Easy Times program is a self-study audio program featuring Professor Stan, a real-life junior high science teacher. Professor Stan believes that before students can be successful with advanced math concepts, they need to have the basics down. In this case, the ‘basics’ are the times tables, or multiplication tables.

The audio cd starts with 1 and works its way to 12, one number at a time. 1×1=1, 1×2=2, 1×3=3 and so on. Professor Stan states the math problem and its answer, and then asks the student to repeat it. Repetition is the key to memorization. Two tests are included at the end of the cd to measure progress.

Pros

Professor Stan has a pleasant speaking voice, with an even pace, and uses language at the kids’ level. The audio cd is interactive, allowing time for the kids to respond when the Professor asks a question. Positive reinforcement is provided after each question/answer session. I also like the way the cd is divided into ‘tracks’, allowing kids to choose the number they need to work on the most. Unlike computer-based programs, the audio cd is portable and can be listened to on-the-go. And, at $12, the price is right.

Cons

Although my daughter is an enthusiastic learner, not all kids will be thrilled with the idea of ‘listening’ to math. Also, the audio nature of the program will not be as effective with kids who are visual learners.

My daughter rolled her eyes when I handed her the cd, but 20 minutes later she was bouncing up the stairs to show off her progress by reciting the 3s. She has spent, literally, hours working on the multiplication tables – on a weekend, no less! There’s no greater positive review than that. This mama loves Easy Times!

Buy Easy Times here .

photo from www.audiobookman.com

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