Want your child to avoid Math Anxiety and have a positive relationship with Math? Then it's super important for them to have strong Math Fact Fluency. There are at least two Math programs focussed on doing exactly this.
How do they compare? And which one is right for your child, especially if they have ADHD or any other Neurodivergence?
Math Fact Fluency
Building a strong Math Fact Fluency involves helping kids learn Math strategies, see and understand Math visually and also practice a lot so that both the basic and derived fact strategies become automatic for them.
XtraMath and Monster Math take two different approaches when it comes to building Math Fact Fluency.
XtraMath
XtraMath has a heavy focus on flash-card-type drilling. It eliminates almost all distractions and has a very optimised User interface for kids to quickly answer Math fact problems.
If the child gives a wrong answer, a small nudge helps them see the right answer and then give that answer.
Once the child finishes the practice session, they see a quick report of how they have done, in a grid format.
Parents can also see a quick view of how their child is doing -
Monster Math
Monster Math takes a very different approach to Math Fact Fluency.
Instead of rote drilling and practice, Monster Math focuses on helping kids visualising Math operations, and doing so in a fun way.
The interface is much more like a game that's appealing to kids, and the pedagogy focuses on understanding more than rote learning.
As Kids progress, the Math concepts go from Visual to Abstract, helping them build a connection between what they understood visually and what they have to use in a standard worksheet/exam at school.
Along with this, they also get explicit exposure to different Math strategies that help simplify more difficult problems. And finally they get a lot of practice in game-like levels that balances enough time on task with making sure kids have fun.
Advantages of XtraMath
The simplistic focus of XtraMath has some advantages -
- If you are mainly looking to replace real-world flash card training with a computerised program, XtraMath fits the bill.
- Compared to doing real world flash cards, XtraMath captures data on where your child is struggling and can present that to you in a report that is very actionable.
- The focus is entirely on Math, so there is 100% time on task.
- The math bits are very similar to how they are done in schools, so it can act as a reinforcement and practice of operations already learnt by the child.
- Is very affordable - at $2/child/year for a family program or even free access with limited content.
Disadvantages of XtraMath
- Doesn't help a child learn. For example if a child doesn't know what is addition, then XtraMath cannot help them.
- Can be quite boring, similar to worksheets or flash cards, once the novelty of using a computer/tablet wears out.
- Online-only - with no options for downloading. So if you are travelling or having patchy internet access, it won't work for you.
- Not quite pedagogically sound. The nudges don't suggest why the answer was wrong. Similarly, the focus on just drilling promotes rote learning without really understanding the concepts.
- Visual focus on speed can be stressful for kids with ADHD or even neurotypical kids who freeze up with time pressure.
Advantages of Monster Math
- Focuses on learning rather than just drilling. A child can visually see the operations and then slowly transition to notations.
- Exposure to Math Strategies can help child be really fluent with Math facts.
- Designed as a fun game so it keeps the interface fun for kids. Especially useful or kids who might be scared of Math or have already developed hatred for it.
- For kids who find worksheets or flash cards boring, Monster Math can be something fresh and different.
Disadvantages of Monster Math
- Subscription more expensive than XtraMath (though comes with a 7 day free trial and also a limited free account)
- Since it doesn't look like traditional worksheets, it can be hard to initially understand how the game levels translate to Math. Kids might think they are not even doing Math.
- Available only on iOS and Android, so might not work on Desktop if that's what you are looking for (this is coming soon though!)
- Time on task might be slightly lesser than XtraMath, since there are some game bits such as a story line or winning badges/streaks. (though much higher than something like Prodigy)
Which is right for your child?
If you are looking mainly for a no-nonsense Math facts drilling, then Xtra Math could be a good option for your child. With their in-depth reporting and zero distraction interface, kids who enjoy doing worksheets or flash cards might take a liking to XtraMath.
On the other hand, if your child has any neurodivergence, or if they don't like worksheets/flashcards - and if you want them to understand concepts so that they develop true Math fact fluency - then you might want to consider Monster Math.
