Find out what MNers think of Smartick’s online after-school maths programme

[JustineBMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the Mumsnet users who tried and tested Smartick’s online after-school maths programme for children. This product test was open to all UK MNers with at least one child between the ages of 4 and 14, that have access to an internet-enabled computer/laptop or tablet.

Here’s what Smartick have to say: “Smartick is an award-winning, AI-based, online maths programme designed to develop mathematical abilities in children ages 4 to 14. Smartick promotes an understanding of maths through personalised and accelerated learning by adapting to each child's level and learning pace in real time, allowing them to work according to their maths needs and capability. Each child has a unique and personalised path that constantly adjusts to help fill in gaps in knowledge.

There are more than 20,000 users of Smartick in over 100 countries. We've collaborated with the MIT G-Lab and been published by Harvard Business Review and Forbes as well as featured as an app favourite by Apple.”

Testers please answer the questions below:

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths

practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)?

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?
2. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick?
3. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used?

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?
2. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

All testers will be required to leave feedback on this thread on Mumsnet and also fill in a short survey. All who do so will be entered into a prize draw where 3 MNers will win a £100 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)?

I had 2 children who took part. DS1 aged 13 definitely finds maths a struggle so I hoped it would give him confidence and improve his skills. DS2 aged 11 has a definite flair for maths so I just felt he could brush up on his skills and have a bit of fun.

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?

No, I didn't need to contact anyone.

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick?

I'm not sure either of them really enjoyed it. They found the levelling sessions frustrating and were a bit bored with the programme. As a consequence I found myself nagging them to take part which wasn't what I wanted. It just caused friction and ill-feeling between us.

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math programmes you may have used?

I haven't used any other programmes so can't compare.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

I don't feel best placed to judge as I really struggled to get them to fully participate.

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

Not at present. I'm hoping the boys persevere with it while we have our free trial but I'm not convinced I would pay for it beyond that. They aren't enjoying it thus far and, as mentioned above, it is a source of friction as they are reluctant to use it daily.

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths

practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)? She is 5, we want to harness an enjoyment of maths and problem solving and get her ahead in school.

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?

No but we should have really fed back:

• sometimes when we zoomed in on the iPad it was impossible to zoom out so we had to end the session and restart.
• is there a way to select an English accent?

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions?

Once she got the hang of it, she was able to do it herself. She also really liked the extra games. What do you as a parent like about Smartick? Simple to use, feedback emails, good it can read the questions, we also liked that she could re do the ones she got wrong.

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used? N/a, we haven't used any.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

Good fun approach.

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

I think it's quite pricey, and I don't think it's perfect. It's quite repetitive too. If it improved, used an English language and was cheaper I definitely would.

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths

practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)?

My eldest son loves Math he even goes to the afterschool Math Club once a week as school lessons only can't satisfy his cravings of knowledge. He also is preparing for 11+ exams and Smartick's programme trial come in perfect timing.
My youngest will be 5 in September and will start reception class, he loves numbers and counting too. I wasn't certain that he will like Math programme but he absolutely enjoyed it.

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?

No.I didn't as there wasn't need to find out anything more. There are lots of useful information on parents pay with questions and answers. However It is great to know that there is option to email or call and someone will help you.

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick?

My 10 years old love that sessions of Math are short, he also liked that there are tutorials available which are great to learn something new or revise something he already knows but forgot.

He didn't like that there was only one session a day because in first sessions excitement he wanted to do little bit more.Now he doesn't mind one session a day, and it feels both of my boys are already in summer mood and enjoy to play in the garden if weather is good that do additional Math.

My 4 years old wanted to buy the cat so much that he was trying his best at first sessions. He likes to change avatar and his room and he feels very grown up as he can do the session on PC himself as there are audio click and listen options for every question and answer.
Our PC HP Envy comes with the touch screen too which makes learning sessions easier especially for my little one.
I like email updates and that I can see my sons sessions and look at their mistakes.
Smartick's is easy to use, there are virtual word where kids can personalize avatar and purchase things in shop, or play games.

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used?

My son only used Times table rockstars before which was part of his hoem work for a while,he didn't liked this programme .He likes Smartick's because there are Smartick's coding which he finds interesting and verbal and non verbal reasoning which he don't have at school but will need to know for his 11 plus exam. That's why this Math programme is excellent.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

It is amazing, so important for kids development and thinking and it is pity that at schools there isn't non verbal reasoning. As I already mentioned that my son is getting ready for 11 plus exams problem solving skills and critical thinking are so important.

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

I would recommend Smartick to friends and family because prices are affordable and there are 2 weeks trials which allow you understand will child benefit from this programme or not. Short one day session at comfort of your own home is convenient and verbal, non-verbal reasoning and coding is great addition to traditional Math

1 - I wanted to get extra maths bits for my kids to try as my son is a maths wiz and recently diagnosed with Aspergers and maths is something he loves and has been doing work designed for older children than him as he's only 10 but can do better at the maths than my 16 year old.lol. I also wanted to try it to see if it would also help my 12yo daughter with her maths which she can sometimes really struggle with and also my 8yo son for the same reasons but he doesn't seem to struggle as much as his sister. And also wanted to help all of them to have a better understanding at maths and to also help them along side their school work. To help them understand it a bit more too.

2 - didn't speak to anyone but did receive emails with latest updates and promo type things on them. I didn't feel the need to have to speak to anyone anyway but had contact details for them should I have needed them.

3 - my kids loved it and spent way more than the 15 mins suggested time, it really kept them interested and getting the stars motivated them into keep on going and also giving the kids a chance to go over the wrong answers again to earn an extra say was a great idea as sometimes if didn't understand question or made silly mistake and submitted before checking answer it gave them a chance to see exactly what they done wrong etc so could be tried again and corrected. The whole collecting stars so could buy different things for your avatar or the virtual house etc was a brilliant idea as it really motivates the kids to get as many stars as possible and also to get them on iPad in first place even though mine had very little resistance to doing it at all and because they enjoyed doing it they wanted to do it more as though it was a game but one that teaches and helps them at the same time.
I loved the email reports regarding each child's results as meant I could see their progression without having to ask them in detail later what their results are etc so it definitely took the possible arguments about mum checking up on them away and left the app as their thing without any adult interference so emails are another fab idea.

4 - we haven't tried any online maths programmes except my 12yo has 'my maths' to do her school maths and any homework set on this but it's not able to be used by the other kids in the house which is fair enough. But I don't get to find out how she's doing with my maths until her end of term reports.
So what my 10yo usually does is good online on maths sites and will print off pages of maths he's found online so there's no real order or grouping to it, it's just basically whatever he can find to print out as with his Aspergers he loves maths and will spend hours sat at table solving maths questions all day if we'd let him.lol.
So compared to these 2 things I think smartick is the better one and it engages them more, gives them more varied maths to do and you get the results almost instantly so can learn and grow and immediately learn from any mistakes or bits they didn't understand so is instant.

5 - didn't really notice to be honest but critical thinking and problem solving are definitely skills that need utilising and if it's things that will need and help them as they grow them all the better.

6 - yes would definitely recommend to friends and family and have already been recommending it to the primary school my boys go to and saying how much it engages kids so if they have kids who struggle to concentrate it may be something the school could look into as it's almost like a kid designed it and made it so kid friendly. Have been recommending it to everyone I talk to, and trust me I can talk for England.lol.
The only downside and a major put off for me is the price as most people just haven't got £35 spare each month for something some would consider a 'luxury' as see it kids get taught at school so shouldn't need a maths app. If it was a much more reasonable price and I'm not sure if that's the case now but if it was one set price no matter how many kids use it as know of some apps that you have to pay per child which ends up being untenable long term. I would love to have the money to pay for this every months when trial is over but living on disability benefits and just child tax credits it's already a struggle to get the basics done without the high expense of this which is sad because of how much my kids love it and I'm sure there are plenty of people in the same boat which at a more affordable price would jump at the chance to have this for their kids as I would love my kids to be able to have this for as long as they want/need it and not have it based on if I can afford it or not.

I would also just like to add that I have really enjoyed testing this product and my kids have loved it so much too so thank you for giving us the chance to participate in this trial.

Sam. Xxxxx

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths

practice ?

I signed up for the trial thinking of my DS(7) who adores maths, and whizzes through the challenges set at school. As expected he loves it! I also realised a few weeks in the my DD(5) could also use it. She has been slightly less enthusiastic, although does enjoy it once she gets going.

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?

I had a phone call asking if I needed any help or had any questions. I didn't.

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick?

DS loves the questions, earning the stars/ticks, earning the diplomas, watching the tutorials, and then all the VR stuff, but particularly the challenges in the gym. Oh, and that I could leave him messages.

DD struggles with confidence, but loves being able to correct her mistakes. She also enjoys the VR stuff, particularly that her brother keeps buying her gifts using his stars.

I liked being able to see what was being covered, the results email is great.

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math programmes you may have used?

We haven't used any other programs.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

Excellent . The way the VR sectiob is set up, with the shop enabling them to plan what they want and what they need to earn is very clever.

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

I would certainly recommend. I think it is a fabulous product and DS loves it. However as has been mentioned previously I do think the price is very high. It is unlikely we would be in a position to continue once the trial ends.

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths

practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)? To offer mental maths challenges outside of school. She doesn’t struggle with maths and I feel as if giving her something outside of school which individually targets her would be beneficial and exciting for her. She has also mentioned a couple of times that maths is for boys, probably a silly idea picked up in a tigt knit group of girls, so am slo trying to counter that early on.

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?

No

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick?

DD likes the fact she is allowed on an ipad 😂 and doing maths interactively. I like the repetition of tasks until an area is mastered.

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used? It is similar in approach to a free one we have tried before.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

It can only be a positive. It is a strength of smartick.

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not? I would if some of the glitches were sorted out.

I could not get logged into this after the first week and got no response when contacted

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths

practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)? Main motivation was for DD (14) just to get some more practice in lead up to year 10 at school

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?

No, didn’t need to speak to any one.

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick?

Fun way to learn - no pressure from having a tutor .

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used? First one used.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

Important as that seems to be key in their learning these days, and practical for life .

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

Maybe a bit young for my DD but definitely recommend for younger children , a fun way to re enforce learning.

Although I'm a mathematician my DS7 struggles with numbers - he keeps up with his class but only just. I want him to love numbers like I do - or at least be reasonable confident and have the numerical skills he needs to follow his love of science.

I found the layout of the website a little unclear but my son was happy to explore until he found his way round. We didn't seek help from the Smartick people.

My son enjoyed most of the sessions and particularly liked the options for spending the reward points. He is saving up to "buy" a dog - it takes quite a lot of points so that's currently providing him with an incentive to do his sessions. I like the fact that he gets extra points if he goes back to correct any questions he got wrong, it's great at encouraging him to learn from mistakes.

We have also used Hit the Button and Sumdog. This is similar to Sumdog but has a different approach - Sumdog combines games and sums, while Smartick provides games as a reward for doing the sums.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

Um... I didn't see this in the programme. It was just answering maths questions the same as the other programmes we've used. Smartick starts by assessing the child's current level which takes a lot of sessions - we've done about 10 sessions and he still seems to be in the assessment phase, perhaps there is more of this approach later on?

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

Using any maths programme, book, etc. for 15 minutes a day (as recommended by Smartick) will help your child's maths skills. Smartick is as good as any. I do like the email providing feedback on each session (what topics were covered and how well he did in each) and I suppose the regular one saying he didn't complete today's session is useful for some although to me it felt like nagging.

There is quite a lot of content using unfamiliar words and terms, which he found very confusing. For instance a set of questions about dragging beads on a "rekenrek" which I've never heard of. I guess it's American terminology - I'd like to see that focussed more on the UK market for UK customers.

Yes I'd recommend it - but with reservations.

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths

practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)?

My daughter loves maths and is in the top class at school. I just want to encourage her.

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?

No, I didn’t have any issues.

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick?

My daughter absolutely loves it. She especially enjoys the virtual world, spending her ticks and having a pet - that’s right up her street. But she enjoys the actual sessions too.
I like that I can just leave her to get on with it! And the feedback is really great.

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used?

Dd has used sumdog with school - I prefer smartick for having the 15min sessions, and for the feedback.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

Brilliant.

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

Yes I definitely would, because dd has been so engaged with it.

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths My daughter is 8 and used to have a fantastic tutor, since her tutor left she lost all confidence in her maths. I wanted her to enjoy learning Maths again.

practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)?

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful? Someone did call me but as i didnt know the number I didnt pickup, she left a message and i was confident that if i had any issues there was someone i could to talk to about it.
2. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick? My daughter enjoyed it because it also had tutorials and games, i liked it because my daughter could do it by herself then sit with me to make corrections after.

4.^How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math programmes you may have used?^ I have never used an app before just books, its better because its interactive and easy to understand.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills? Fantastic, i love it when children can think outside the box or analyse and work through problems on their own, it teaches confidence and independence.
2. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not? I would recommend if the child had willpower and patience as my daughter was able to read and figure alot out herself. Some children who are lazy may stuggle with the discipline.

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)? My daughter is only 4 and in reception at school so I was wondering how she would get on with something like this. She enjoys maths and numbers

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful? No I didn’t speak to anyone. It seemed pretty straightforward.

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick? She enjoyed choosing the person and ‘winning’ the stars but the sessions were a bit long for her and not that enjoyable. I liked the way the questions were read out but again I thought the sessions were a bit long.

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math programmes you may have used? We’ve not used any others

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills? I didn’t notice it to be completely honest

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not? No I think there is more out there at a more reasonable cost I’m afraid

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths

practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)? My son started Reception in September, I was interested to see how he was getting on with maths.

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful? No

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick? We hadn’t before ventured into the world of gaming and apps as he’s only 5. So there was a real novelty of having screen time. I liked the ease of navigating around the app.

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used? We hadn’t used any before.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills? Fantastic, vital life skills

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not? Absolutely, dependent on cost.

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)?

My DD lacks confidence in her learning and I thought that this would help her to use maths out of a school setting and increase her confidence.

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?

N/A

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick?

My DD enjoyed that games and being able to choose things to buy with her rewards. I liked that it was easy to use and laid out well. It was also nice that there was the option of the questions being read out meaning that reading ability does not impact the maths questions.

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math programmes you may have used?

My DC use Sumdog with school which is a similar idea but they are a little older than DD(5) who tested Smartick and I felt that Smartick was more age appropriate and user friendly for DD.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

I liked the emphasis and it is something I try to do with my DC in all areas of their learning. Being able to apply knowledge to new situations is the most important aspect of learning, in my opinion.

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

Maybe, depending on the cost and age of the children. My DD really enjoyed using it and reminded me daily that she needs to 'do her maths'.

1. Main motivation- my children are honeschooled currently and we have tried several different websites and apps for maths to varying degrees of success. This one has honestly been a huge hit with all 3 of my children.
2. Smartick phoned me to check everuthing was ok and were very polite and helpful.
3. My middle son loves the idea of collecting and spending ticks and has eagerly been saving them up. My eldest loved the formatting on the app and the easy to use layout, especially as he is dyslexic.
4. This is dedo Italy the best we have tried as it is constantly adjusting to the level the are at so if it's difficult one day it becomes doable the next.
5. Clearly critical thinking and basic maths skills are vital to all walks of life and this has been an excellent way of daily exercising their brain and improving their skills.
6. Absolutely, I have and will continue to recommend Smartick to all friends, both in main stream school and homeschooled kids. This app is brilliant, and definitely worth the money so I shall continue using it. My two eldest have been getting up at 6.30am and completing their tasks before they even get out of bed! They genuinely enjoy doing it. Thankyou Smartick!

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths

practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)? the children needed support but in a fun way

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful? no I didn't

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick? Problem solving and ease of use
2. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used? I haven't used any others

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

We preferred them to straight forward problems

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

Yes its an easy way to build up skills

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths

practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)? DS2 is good at maths - it's his favourite subject and I thought it would be an interesting challenge for him.

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?

No, I didn't talk to anyone.

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick?

He liked the format although found the initial assessment a bit frustrating as some of it was topics he hadn't learned at school yet. I liked the email updates.

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used? The only other one we've used is TT Rock Stars which tbh DS2 prefers as he can interact with his classmates on there.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

I'm in favour of it as it can be transferred to many areas of study.

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

Yes if they have a reluctant maths learner. I'm not sure DS2 got enough added benefit out of it to justify paying for it.

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths

practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)? DS (14 in year 10) is autistic, and although very academically able has struggled with maths over the last couple of years for various reasons. Because the subject continually builds on what's been learned in previous topics these shaky foundations are disastrous. We have Hegarty Maths which is OK, but not really hitting the spot. Hence I thought Smartick would be worth a try even though he's right at the top of its age band.

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?

No, didn't feel the need.

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick?

At first he found it really engaging and addictively game like. He didn't do most of the side stuff, which is really aimed at younger children. He came home each afternoon and spontatnrously asked to do it. I liked the fact that he was motivated to do it every day, and the way I could see his skills improving. A couple of the topics covered were ones which he was just giving up with previously and now he's completely mastered them. I'm not sure what it is about the method that worked but they were certainly doing something right. I also thought the email reports were excellent, very informative.

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math programmes you may have used?

Compared with Hegarty Maths it's more engaging, but the child has less control over what they do. DS has found himself stuck with the same easier content for a few days now, which I think is meant to build confidence after a day of very poor results, but actually has bored him so much that he's gone off it. I don't think there's a way to say "No, please don't give me any more of this topic, I'm bored to tears with it" I might ring the helpline to find out.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

All in favour, it adds to the child's enjoyment and it helps with the crucial exam skill of reading the actual question.

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

If a child is struggling with fundamentals then I'd definitely say it was worth a try. Although DS has rather gone off it now, DH and I have seen a transformative change in his ability on a couple of key topics.

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths

practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)?

To build confidence in maths

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?

No

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about

They enjoyed the games and variety.

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used? My main gripe is that we couldn’t access via phone as my girls can’t use a laptop without adult support. I don’t always have the time to sit with them so we didn’t use the program much at all.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

The content was good

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

Not unless it could be phone friendly. If that was the case and the price was reasonable then definitely.

What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths
practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)?

My eldest really struggles with maths at school. He is so close to being where he needs to be, but he finds it hard, and boring. And with my youngest I would want him to start to get ahead now so he doesn’t fall behind.

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?

Yes they phoned me, and it was good that they phoned to ask if I needed any help at all. They reassured me that it’s great for the kids to practise mental math and to congratulate them for their achievements.

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick?

They liked that it felt like a game! I liked that they were learning, and I loved the instant report after each session. And to congratulate them on how well they did!

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used? I haven’t really used anything except for the coolmathgames website which is mainly just nonsense games? I much prefer Smartick.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

Amazing. I know we put a lot of pressure on our children, but these are the skills that help throughout life.

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

Yes I would and I already have. Because it’s an easier way to help children do extra work towards their education. It’s a short session each day and little by little they have shown improvements!

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths

practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)? DS is lacking in confidence about his maths ability, I wanted something to motivate him.

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?

No, we had no issues.

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about

DS found it easy to use and liked the earning stars. I liked the emails feedback.

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used?

Our school also uses sumdog, I found it fairly equivalent from a user / child perspective but I liked the feedback.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

I thought the variety was good.

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

I would to someone who was looking for extra support with their child’s maths ability. DS took some pressing into using it though so I would also caveat that as it’s a reasonably expensive way to work on maths.

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths

practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)? DD(6) is a pretty smart kid but finds maths “boring” compared to other subjects so is often reluctant to work on it. For that reason I often look for interesting websites/apps to encourage her to work on her maths

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?

No, the website was easy enough to navigate so didn’t need to contact anyone

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about

DD liked changing her avatar and playing games. She also liked it when I challenged her to receive a certain number of ticks during a session I liked that the programme adapts to her level so gives her more difficult questions in her strong areas to keep challenging her. Also items in the shop for her avatar cost varying amount of ticks which encouraged her to keep going to receive more ticks and complete sessions.

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used? We used mathematics through her school when she was in reception but I prefer smarticks as it adapts to her level

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

I think this is great as they are such important skills to have

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

Yes and no. I think it’s a great programme but does seem very expensive. I guess if you would otherwise pay for a personal tutor then it’s not so bad but that’s not what I’m personally looking for, I’m just trying to find interesting ways to encourage my daughter to keep learning and I can’t really justify the price for that. It may be worth it for children who are struggling and require extra help with maths if parents aren’t in a position to pay for a tutor

Sorry, just to add that i really liked the email feedback that I received after DD completed a session!

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths

practice (e.g. to improve current grade, to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school, etc.)?

My child loves maths so it's something he's often asking to do. His concentration isnt always great so we were hoping timed tasks may help him concentrate and complete work.

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?

I had an answerphone message and at that point i had no issues with the program so didn't ring back. I felt able to contact them if needed.

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick?

He loved having the little character to play with at the end and seeing his score as he went through the questions. He also enjoyed being able to do corrections and it helped him to see where at times he'd made mistakes that he was able to identify and correct.
We liked that it assessed his level and I really liked having an email at the end of each session breaking down his progress.
One thing i didn't like was the option of adding friends - we saw this on the first session and told DS not to use this part of the program. Regardless of whether they can't actually chat with friends, only challenge to competitions I wasn't comfortable with it - I feel this should have been made really clear at the start.

1. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used? I would say it's better than another program we used mainly due to the feedback and being able to clearly track progress and progression. I see it as a good addition to traditional maths.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

Great as these are important skills that can transfer to other areas of the curriculum.

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

Yes i would apart from the cost. The program itself is great as it is fairly short, achievable and child friendly; however financially it's quite a commitment.