ThemeVille Math {Review}

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

We believe very much in the value of math; at the same time I acknowledge that I myself have always struggled in this area. Having a daughter who is certain she is going to be a veterinarian or other animal caregiver, I am sure math will be of great value and necessity. Since she seems to prefer workbooks over online materials I was pretty happy to get my hands on ThemeVille Math, which has 5 levels to choose from. We received Worktext Level 4. This included the Math Solutions book for this review as well as online lesson videos to supplement learning as needed.

Themeville Math believes in helping our kiddos to “See the themes behind the details.” Isn’t that a great aspiration? The worktext is both workbook and textbook; what is nice about this is how it is all in one place.

There are visuals as you complete each day’s lesson. With plenty of visual aids (manipulatives are an option too, although not included for his review) there are plenty of opportunities for practicing the lesson before moving on to the next thing. This does align with Common Core; very basic, no fluff, no cartoons but still visually appealing to my girl, without being distracting.

In total there are 586 pages in this book; there is an appendix in the back with a grade sheet, unit rulers (cut and laminate to use) and a list of manipulatives recommended. Even if you don’t purchase these with the books, certainly they do offer a list of materials that are very helpful, in my opinion. Play money, for example, or fraction circles and tiles. I know manipulatives have always made a big difference in how my kids “get” math.

The following topics are included:

       Fractions, Mixed numbers
       Addition/Subtraction of fractions
       Factors, Prime numbers
       Comparison/Rounding of numbers
       Long division
       Decimals – Tenths, Hundredths
       Addition/Subtraction of decimals
       Big numbers
       Multiplication/Division by 10 or 100
       Time calculations
       Word problems
       Area/Perimeter

With 126 daily lessons as well as ten tests included in this book, this is a very thorough program. Open the book and get started with daily lessons and daily reviews (pre-lessons). Daily lessons include both previously learned material, to continue enforcing it, and new material as one concept slowly builds upon the next.

There are also instructional videos, just in case. For the videos you just need to create an account on their website; then you can access the videos that go along with the level you are working on. For the times when its hard to understand the concept, these are very helpful. The instructor shows step by step, for one or two problems and they range in length with maybe an average of 6-10 minutes.

If you are looking for something that is low maintenance, where you can get started with exactly what you have, then this may be what you are looking for. Super easy to use – with or without the manipulatives – with mastery and spiral formats that guarantee your kids are learning! If you aren’t sure where to begin you can even complete their placement test. That way you know exactly where to start.