Memorizing math facts is something that isn't always fun but is a necessity if you don't want to be counting on your fingers when you're my age. Times Alive by City Creek Press is a math program designed to help your child memorize his times tables in a fun way.
Times Alive uses songs, videos, and mini tests to help your child memorize his facts. Your child signs into the program and is given a lesson list. The lessons start with the 0's-the easiest of multiplication facts. Then it moves to 1's and from there it skips around a bit. It moves onto 3x3, then 3x4 and then to the 2's times tables. There are a few tests along the way for your child to take to see if they are retaining their facts.
Here's an example of one the songs:
You can see other samples of the Times Alive videos here.
I think that if I had started my children on learning the multiplication tables on this program, I really think Creative Princess would have loved this program. However, both my kids felt the stories and songs were too long and moved too slowly for them. Precise Prince did however, do 8 lessons in about 3 days so I think he liked it a bit more than he let on. Honestly, I was surprised that Creative Princess didn't love this program but she did enjoy some of the stories. I do think the songs and stories were a bit too long for my kids. Shorter versions would have stuck better in their heads.
That said, I do think this program has a niche. I can see some children benefiting from this program and really enjoying it. You can go here and give it a try. I encourage you to try the program, read other reviews from my crewmates and check it out yourself. I know many of my crewmate's children loved this program and found it helpful in memorizing the multiplication facts.
Times Alive is recommended for any child working on their multiplication facts. My own opinion is that younger children (2-4th grade) would most likely benefit the most.
Times Alive is available for instant download on the PC or Mac for only $44.95. The CD-ROM software is $48.95. This program can be used for all of your children-no need to purchase one per child. I do want to mention that when your child signs into the program, they need to be sure to write down exactly how they signed in. Each time they go to use the program, they will need to sign in the same way. (For example, if Precise Prince signed in the first time with precise prince all lower case and then the next time he went to use the program he signed in as Precise Prince with upper case letters, he would be starting over.)
City Creek Press has many other math products you can check out as well.
(As part of the TOS crew, I received a free download of Times Alive for free in exchange for my honest review.)
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