Review of Young Minds Math Tutor DVD

I was excited to get another product from Math Tutor DVDs. Last year, I reviewed The Algebra II Tutor and The Basic Math Word Problem Tutor DVDs and loved them. Jason is one of my favorite math teachers because of his easy-to-understand style. I wish he could be part of our homeschool co-op and teach my children higher level math. Of course, Jason lives in another state. So joining our co-op is not a possibility. But, Jason can come visit your home school through his DVDs.

Math Tutor DVD is a company devoted to ridding the world of math-challenged students by turning them into successful math students. To this end, they have DVDs to watch and online courses to take! The teacher is Jason, who has a masters degree in engineering and physics, formally worked at NASA, and is a great math instructor!

Why is mathematics so important for your homeschool student? Well, a daily lesson of math is like a workout for the brain. The way our brains process information when completing math problems and equations trains our minds to think clearly, sequentially, and logically. Success in math will overlap into other subjects, producing confidence and competence in areas as diverse as logic, foreign language, economics, reading, writing, music, art, science, and history. 

Mathematics is a big part of all upper level sciences such as physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and architecture. Equations are indispensable at that level of learning, especially for applied sciences and technology.

But what about counting? Counting is an important part of life that we take for granted. Multiplication is simply counting faster in groups, rather than one at a time. So, teaching our children their numbers and how to count is an important skill.

When it comes to counting, Young Minds:  Numbers and Counting is a winner! Children learn about a wide variety of things in addition to learning their numbers. This DVD is completely unlike the other DVDs I reviewed last year. Jason is not teaching at the blackboard. Instead, it is narrated by a sweet child. It is filled with gorgeous pictures and soothing music.

One of the things that caught my attention with this DVD is how the narrator speaks. The narrator is a child with a clear, easy-to-listen-to voice. He tells us a little bit of information about all the illustrations for each number with a variety of animals, objects, and scenery.

Another great part of this DVD is the addition of classical music. Classical music helps students concentrate. So, adding it is a good move on the part of Math Tutor DVDs. Not only that, but the musical pieces chosen for this video are wonderful selections to introduce your child to classical music. Also, the music contributes to the gentle and peaceful feel of the video. It doesn't seem rushed and hectic the way Sesame Street and most other children's educational videos feel.

There is a good balance of pictures. The lovely scenery or adorable little animals will appeal to girls while the planes and wild animals will appeal to boys. Brilliant colors as well as clear, breath-taking animals and scenery fill the screen. My son loved the roaring planes, while my daughter loved the baby animals.

This DVD is beautiful. I love the photography and the music. I can't imagine any young child not loving this video. Parents may even like it more!

When God gave Abraham His promise of blessing, He said, "'Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you can count them.' Then He said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.'" (Genesis 15:5 NIV). Maybe this DVD won't enable your children to count the stars in the sky, but it will certainly lay a good educational foundation. And while you are counting, remind your little ones to spend a lifetime counting their blessings.

Don't just consider Numbers and Counting. Please look into their other products as well. If you have an older child who is needing help in mathematics at any level, these DVDs will be a blessing to your homeschooling journey. Check out my Review of Math Tutor DVDs from last year and consider adding some math DVDs to your homeschool bookshelf.

DVDs are available for $26.99 to $36.99, depending on the course. The Young Minds:  Numbers and Counting DVD is available for $19.99 plus shipping and handling. On the website, if you buy more than one DVD, you only pay shipping and handling on the first one.

If you are afraid to teach mathematics or need a little help, I recommend Math Tutor!

Comments

[Lindy Abbott]

Meredith,

My daughter struggles with math. Of course I have tried so many programs. We have the DIVE with Saxon, this year I am using Teaching Textbooks, we previously used math-u-see when she was very young along with the highly manipulative K-3 Saxon books.

What puzzles me is after so many ways of teaching her multiplication she still struggles. We have used objects to show 3x4, etc that it is simply adding 3 four times. We have used skip counting, school house rock, rote memorization items (like flash card, timed drill sheets, un-timed drilled sheets, tying wraps, beeping card with electronic pencil). She has learned all the methods and "tricks". Still she is stumped with simple multiplication and sometimes addition facts.

This year I had her work through Critical Thinking's foundation books just to get her thinking in a more abstract way. (She did their early pre + Kindergarten books when she was little).

She is now 12 1/2 in the six grade and still can't recall multiplication facts.

With all the items you have reviewed what do you think I should try for her?

[Meredith Curtis]

I would choose two methods and do each twice a week. Example: Skip Counting CD and drill sheets. Monday, she sings along with the whole Cd, Tuesday drill sheets, Wednesday she sings along with the whole Cd, Thursday drill sheets. Friday is a break. If you do that consistently for a year, I think that the repitition should make a difference. My children take a LONG time to get things memorized which is what "learning" multiplication facts is all about. DOn't give up...just make it daily or at least four times a week. DOn't let her talk you out of it ever. Consistency has been the key for my children, often taking many years. Don't give up!!!!!!!!!!

[Lindy Abbott]

Thank you so much for this help. It is my fault. All of the Saxon Math levels had daily drill sheets and I just did them occasionally. Really what happen is with my first child, I of course tried to do everything by the book. Well, he was terrified of timed drill sheets. So I started letting him have non-timed or skipping a day. I didn't want him panicking every day. My next child really responded well to doing the drill sheets but was so down on himself when he didn't finish. I want them to feel successful so I did them less and less often.

By the time my third one got to drill sheets I just didn't bother with them. I think that is how I got so messed up.

My first child knows his facts perfectly. My second child also knows his facts and can do mental math better than I can ... big problems .... and just puts answers down. I am always telling him to show his work. And my third, I just figured so wasn't a math person, especially since she blossoms in language arts. Honestly, I have spent more time with her doing math... no matter how many times we go over facts...she just has a blank empty look like she has not the foggiest idea what to do or where to come up with the answer.

I think that is why I started to just get her mind to think mathematically with critical thinking programs, since she doesn't have natural problem solving skill for math as my boys did.

I will bring her the old nasty but necessary drill sheet back out...oh, she is not going to like you.(;

[Account Deleted]

My daughter has also struggled with some of the math facts as well. Thanks for your suggestions Meredith. I think I'll look for a math facts drill workbook that she can use daily.