Comments on: Redbird Mathematics Online Math Program Review

By: Jan

Jan — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 20:13:29 +0000

In reply to Angela Williams. I`d left a review of Redbird math about a year ago. Still going strong there, but also added Beast Academy as a kind of deep dive review. Daughter is in love with both. The nice thing is that she is progressing in a way that if she has trouble with reading words, or word problems, she can get more help from the cues in Redbird. Her math vocabulary is growing incredibly. Beast Academy is nice because it is "pen to paper," which research shows is an important component of achieving true Math literacy. I would highly recommend both programs together. Good luck.

By: Jan

Jan — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 23:06:43 +0000

My daughter has been using Redbird Math for 6 months, and we LOVE it. She attends a “progressive” school, that depends upon Everyday Math for their mathematics curriculum. My daughter was struggling with basic concepts, and it just appeared to be too superficial for her. In the 2nd grade, SHE asked ME to help her learn more about math. We tried Redbird, and after the 2nd week, she was hooked. They also have games that support their curriculum, and in 6 months, her basic math understanding has skyrocketed. She hasn`t yet entered the 3rd grade (it`s summer,) but she is already playing around with multiplication, and division, and is making up problems for ME to solve, just for fun!! I`m so happy we found them.

By: Bethany

Bethany — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 02:40:09 +0000

In reply to Angela Williams.

Hi Angela!
I have heard great things about Beast Academy, but I have not tried it yet myself. It’s on my list of math curriculum to check out! Here’s a review you may find helpful though: http://kateshomeschoolmath.com/beast-academy-review-unconventional-and-challenging-curriculum-for-curious-kids/
Let me know what you decide! 🙂

By: Angela Williams

Angela Williams — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 01:08:36 +0000

Great review! I have been looking into this program for my daughter, especially during the summer months when she is not in school (traditional public school). I have a question for you: Have you heard of Beast Academy? It’s marketed as an elementary series for highly gifted “mathy” kids & is produced by the Art of Problem Solving. I have heard mixed reviews on the program and wanted additional opinions. Thanks so much for your time!

http://Www.beastacademy.com

By: Bethany

Bethany — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 22:25:07 +0000

In reply to Txnmama.

I think it may depend how you’re looking to use it. As your everyday homeschool math curriculum, I think it is an excellent choice. If you’re looking to use it as a fun supplement for your child to use after school, then it may not be the best fit. But I do think you’re right–you don’t have to have a child who is labeled “gifted” to use and benefit from this program.

By: Bethany

Bethany — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 22:21:24 +0000

In reply to Txnmama. So glad you like it! I forgot to mention the reporting, but yes, I love that I can see how my son has done and keep track of everything without any work on my part. We plan to continue using it right now too! :)

By: Txnmama

Txnmama — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 17:29:18 +0000

In reply to Natalie PlanetSmartyPants.

I just posted a comment and then read this one. I don’t see this as a curriculum for advanced or gifted, actually. We are using it as a basic math program and it fits. My girls use hands on manipulatives and sometimes I build on concepts based on their grasps and whether I feel they need a bit more coaching. In fact, for a while I didn’t look into the program because of the “gifted and talented” label. We weren’t looking for curriculum for gifted math students, but other programs just didn’t seem to be the “one”. I like that you can purchase on a 3 month bases. We will be renewing our subscription. Perhaps next year, we may move on to a different approach.

By: Txnmama

Txnmama — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 17:19:03 +0000

Hi MGM! We are using this program for our children too! I really value all the instant reporting available to parents even as the student goes through the lesson. I can very quickly and easily monitor 2 children doing the program at different levels. It is easy to identify where exactly I may need to step in and coach/instruct. We were able to make adjustments and put our children in at the part of the program we felt was most fitting. The lessons are no frills but to the point, open and go. My children value this over other programs we have tried that seem to draw out every single lesson. It is interactive, there are virtual manipulatives. Students are taken through different strategies for solving problems, not just one. Customer service is great. Ordering is easy. I would love to see more colorful graphics and a more updated, lively interface (especially at the K level!) but other than that, we really like this program and will continue using it as part of our homeschool curriculum.

By: Bethany

Bethany — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 03:25:21 +0000

In reply to Natalie PlanetSmartyPants.

Well that’s good to know. I appreciate your perspective. I don’t have another online program to compare it to, and I also don’t have a higher level (only the Kindergarten level) to compare it to. I may feel differently as we continue to progress in the program.

Thanks for sharing!

By: Natalie PlanetSmartyPants

Natalie PlanetSmartyPants — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 04:53:45 +0000

I have to disagree with you on some points of RedBird. They bill themselves as a program for advanced students, but my daughter and I both found that it’s very linear and not adaptive. True products for independent advanced learners give more autonomy in selecting what to study and RedBird does not. We chose not to renew our trial and went happily back to Khan Academy.