XtraMath

I was perusing through Ladybug's Teacher Files (one of my most favorite blogs!) to get some resources for Everyday Math when I came across this post from a while back about a website called XtraMath.
 

After playing around on it for just a few minutes, I can already tell it is ah-ma-zing!

I first signed myself up as a Teacher.... for free! I was then sent to a very helpful checklist that instructed me how to do everything I needed:
All of this for free? {happy dance} 

So I began by creating a class with just my daughter. She's only 10 months, so I didn't think she'd mind. I found the student code for her and even a link to print off a class roster with names and codes-- thank you XtraMath! You must know how incredibly frustrating passwords are for children (mostly for the teachers!)

Pretending I was a third grader, I started the program. An actual person came on the lower left-hand corner and introduced himself as Mr. C. He gave very helpful instructions about taking your time, typing in the right answers, moving quickly, but not too quickly, etc. Then, the addition test began.

I was very pleased by the simple interface:
Isn't it perfect?! Just the problem and the the green dots at the bottom that serve as the timer (they move right until a blue hourglass appears indicating you are out of time).

After I went through the first round of practice (addition facts from 0-9), the matrix popped up with Mr. C showing me which ones I got right, wrong, didn't answer, or got right very quickly.

I didn't get the chance to play with it much more than that, but I do know after reading some of the comments on Ladybug's blog and searching around online, the feedback seems positive and the extra practice is never a bad thing ;) Plus, this includes addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, so it can be used throughout the year with kids on all skill levels.

I am most impressed with the simplicity and the idea that the kids are actually practicing facts, not typing in a few numbers and then playing a game for the remainder of our computer time in math. Parents will also ask from time to time about additional skill work they can practice at home and this seems like the perfect link. Lastly, I love the differentiation built right in-- I can track students from my account and they are always working on their perfect level.

Has anyone used this throughout the school year? I would love to hear more about it as well as some of the systems you have in place for using this in school.


Getting Started with XtraMath -- for Teachers from XtraMath on Vimeo.

6 comments

  1. I found your blog through the linky party and wanted to say hello!

    Christi ツ
    Ms. Fultz’s Corner

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  2. I use it...LOVE it! I have a third grade in Ohio, but many, many ability levels. I run a math workshop with my kiddos and this is usually the computer center. PERFECT for all abilities! This is set up so well...great practice without all of the "fluff". Takes very little time and I love the reports. Love your blog...

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Cindy! I am originally from Ohio :) Since it's so close to the end of the year, I am working on drafting up a letter to parents so that kids can practice over the summertime. But now I know to start it first thing next year.

      I may also delve into Math Workshops next year, so thanks for the advice about where to plug this in during that time!

      Thanks for visiting :)

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  3. I found xtraMath during Spring Break and my kids, second-graders, love it! When they finish their work early, they ask if they can go to it. I have it built into my Math rotations also, so they go pretty regularly. I am hoping to see an increase in their math fluency with the other assessments we use. I already have 2 of my students who have mastered addition, subtraction, and multiplication and are now working in Division :) Big Happy Dance !!! I give them a little reward cone as they master each level. I found them at Dollar Tree. They look like construction cones and have words like "Fantastic!" and "You Did It!" on them. I got four different colors for the four different levels :) Best part is that xtraMath is FREE!!!

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  4. This is an amazing website! Thank you so much!

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  5. Xtra Math is great, but I have found my kiddos 'moan and groan' when xtra math time comes around. I like the incentives like cones.
    I wanted to let you know of two other GREAT AND FREE sites - Sumdog and Scootpad
    The reports are phenomenal and the kids really love them!
    By the way - Stephanie - I LOVE your blog!!! You do such a great job.

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