R&D Instructional Solutions
NE Sandy Blvd. #359
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: 888-488-4854
Email: [email protected]
By Janet Esposito
For 15 years, homeschoolers and public schools across the country have been using Rocket Math, the highly-successful supplemental practice curriculum. Using paper and pencil, worksheet-based math fact worksheets, students practice learning math facts in pairs or with a parent at home. The scientifically-proven success has been a hit in classrooms nationwide, but now parents can take this educational experience to the next level, using the Rocket Math app for iPhones and iPads. Continue to use your own broader math curricula, while supplementing with Rocket Math “games” that your kids will love. The Rocket Math app is free and the science behind its success is well-documented.
Just like the traditional pencil and paper version, the new Rocket Math app is designed to be effective at teaching math facts until your student can recite them automatically. This is an essential component for building the strong foundation your child needs for understanding abstract math concepts and for developing more complex problem-solving skills. While it is true that we, as parents, want our children to have a rewarding, rich education in all subjects, sometimes old-fashioned memorization is necessary. The Rocket Math app transforms the “chore” of memorizing math facts into “games” that ensure your child will recite their math facts without hesitation. With Rocket Math, kids will learn all single-digit math facts for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
The Rocket Math app was designed by the original author of the traditional Rocket Math program. Using small steps in carefully designed sequence, children cannot help but master math facts by playing the games. Like the pencil and paper version, the Rocket Math app ensures success and mastery of all math facts by focusing on just two facts, and their reverses, (such as 6 plus 5 and 5 plus 6) at a time. Students continue to practice only those math facts, using a timer to ensure true memorization. The app is voice-guided, so no adult supervision is required, but parents can keep track of progress and share student achievements online. The games use audible correction procedures and reinforcement to help students master each level.
Begin by selecting either addition and subtraction, or multiplication and division – the app only supports one at a time. And all parents should note that Rocket Math should not be used as a substitute for math curriculum. Students should understand each of the operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) prior to memorizing the math facts associated with each concept. After selecting where your individual student(s) should begin, parents can access the control screen and set up one to three students.
Students begin at Level A and earn their way through to Level Z by answering the math facts quickly and accurately. A picture of a rocket, covered with black, lettered tiles is used throughout the game. Each time your student passes a level, a corresponding tile is exploded to reveal more of the picture hidden underneath. Parents can easily see a summary of their child’s progress by viewing the tiles left uncovered on the Achievements Page. Two new math facts, and their reverses, are introduced in each level. In the level, students work through three phases: “Taken Off,” “Achieved Orbit,” and “Into the Universe.” The last, “universe” phase includes a cumulative review of the facts learned thus far. Any of the math facts they have previously learned may come up in the “universe” phase, ensuring that kids truly learn and memorize all of the math facts. Students must be fast and accurately answer the questions in all three phases to blow up the black lettered tile and pass on to the next level.
No matter which math curriculum you are using, Rocket Math is the perfect supplementary resource to ensure your kids memorize their math facts. Try it for free today – you will be amazed at how quickly your students progress! For more information on Rocket Math and their free app for iPads and iPhones, please visit their website at www.rocketmath.com, or get it directly from the iTunes App Store at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rocket-math-basic-math-facts/id710694074?ls=1&mt=8. JE
