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.)?
My DD struggles withs maths, and I'm keen to keep her as engaged with maths as possible.

2. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?
Yes, I received a phone call from a friendly and professional person who offered to answer any questions I had, although I didn't have any.

3. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick?
My child enjoys that it is online, and doesn't take an excessive amount of time. I like being able to look at which questions my DD struggled with, or found easy. I like how it shows how fast she completed each question.

4. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math
programmes you may have used?
It doesn't seem as "fun" or have as many "rewards" as other online programmes my DD's tried, but that didn't seem to bother my DD. It's far, far superior to one of the very popular maths programmes my DS attended.

5. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?
I think critical thinking skills are essential and encouraging them can only be a positive.

6. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?
Yes I would. I don't think it replaces a good human tutor, but it's much more cost effective.

For those wanting to know the price - it is online at uk.smartickmethod.com/plans-pricing.html

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

To help my son with his mathematics skills, reasoning and speed, to learn at his own speed, gain confidence and be able to catch up with his peers.

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 rang me, and were very nice to talk to and seemed interested in my sons interest.

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

He liked the shapes out of everyday items which he found fun.

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

programmes you may have used?

It was more colourful, with the emphasis when an answer was correct, and for 20 correct in a row which he loved. I loved the daily emails - yes I managed to encourage my son to do this - even at half term, and the emails with results I was told his strengths and weaknesses,

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

the questions were very well suited for this, without it being obvious.

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

Some of my friends would love this, as it would benefit their children, others would find it too patronising for their children (in an American super sweetness way)

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 be able to practice at her level rather than her class or group's level. It learns what your child most needs to work 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?

The trial ended after 2 weeks instead of 6 months. The people I emailed was very helpful and sorted it out.

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

My daughter enjoyed the positive feedback telling her she was "outstanding" - she enjoyed the speed of it too.

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

programmes you may have used? We haven't used any other programmes

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

It's great and gets them to think independently rather than the standard way taught in school

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

Yes although it's very expensive compared to other similar programmes

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 improve confidence in himself that he can do this and to back up what he has been shown 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 I didn't need to.

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

I liked how it engaged my son, he liked going on it straight after school and didn't feel like he was doing homework.

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

programmes you may have used? This was the only one we have used.

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

I liked it and think it helps reinforce what children are taught at school.

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

Yes I would recommend this to friends and family. I thought the app was great. I especially liked the emailed I received to tell me how my son was doing and his speed. It made me aware of things to work on and brought it up with his class teacher. His confidence in math and himself improved vastly and we will continue to use the app after the trial has ended because to me, it's worth the money. The assessments are quite lengthy but held my sons interest. I'm not sure he would appreciate it past the age of 9 or 10 as it does seem to be aimed at a younger audience. It would be great if they decide to branch out and include English and science 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.)?

My daughter really struggles with maths. She is going to secondary school in September and we would like to give her the best start there that she can get.

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 a lady contacted me. To be honest at that time my daughter had only completed a few sessions as her extra curricular activities on the run up to half term were so plentiful so it would probably be more relevant now that she has completed more sessions.

However she did say that she was struggling with some sessions but that with one area she was at the level of year 7. I was really pleased to hear that!!!!

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

I can't whole heartedly say that my daughter enjoys the sessions. She would never just go on the computer & complete them herself for instance but I KNOW after she has completed them & hears the parent breakdown as to how well she is doing...she clearly loves that. Good for us parents too to boost our kids confidence if & where it is lacking!

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

programmes you may have used?

We have only ever used times table rockstars online so it isn't a fair comparison. That is only times tables where as smartick is much more.

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

Great as this is what my daughter finds particularly difficult.

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

Yes absolutely...if the price was right!! I am sure I read somewhere online what the cost is & I was horrified!

Amazing mumsnet to have been selected & please rest assured that we are going to making use of it as much as possible before our subscription ends.

Many thanks

• delays loading can cause problems and incorrect question interpetation. Slightly better on the app than the website version though.
• the US accent is annoying! Finally worked out, with the helpmof a ten year old, that it can be changed to British, thank goodness.
• can any teachers give thoughts on the maths vocabulary used - does it match what is being used in UK schools? I can’t remember which word/s made me wonder about this but will keep an ear open.
• the postioning of the green answer button and the ‘I don’t know’ button makes it easy for young hands to accidentally nudge them and select them, throwing the assessment out.

the availability of friend requests makes me feel egdy

the button that reads out the question does not always appear - techy glitch? Bit of a flaw, really, because it makes the child less independent when they are using smartick, having to double check what the question says (younger kids obvs).

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 applied with 6 y/o DD in mind. She is on target with maths but is inclined to not want to try anything she perceives as difficult. I thought the online aspect and game type interface would excite her and give her confidence in her ability. I didn’t realise that I could have more than one child use Smartick during the test period so my very able 11y/o has tried it out too.

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

Lovely lady phoned us out of the blue to check that we were ok and encouraged us to contact if we had any problems.

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

DD loved the shopping aspect of spending the rewards she had gained. She seemed engaged with the lessons and was keen to use it. They both liked being online friends with each other. As a parent I liked that they could work independently of me and I got the feedback via email. They both loved when I shared the emails when they were doing well!

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

programmes you may have used? We’ve not done this sort of thing before so I can’t make a direct or fair comparison.

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

I liked that there was extra to the kind of stuff they do at school

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

I think it can be a good confidence boost to improve a child’s maths skills. I like the feedback emails. My only criticism would be that the cost is quite high and I suspect that getting some children to use the app the recommended times per week could be a struggle.

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

My DS missed school for 6 months due to ill health and although bright and articulate and maths has fallen behind. I felt that this fun programme might bring him back up to speed with patterns, shapes and problem solving.

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 - however I was emailed - which I replied to. I got a lovely reply back, so pass on my thanks for good customer service.

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

My child loved the ticks, the graphics, and the bitesize sessions. I looked forward to the daily email showing me the progress, how many were correct and what the strengths and weaknesses were that day.

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

The questions were different, but I found my DS got a little bored with several questions on the same theme - shapes, patterns, and the ones where you had to pick the common theme with a group of children (yellow jumper, glasses on/off) were offputting after 4 questions.

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

I would have preferred more mental maths in and amongst the problem solving skills.

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

No, I don't think I would, sorry, it's too expensive, and too 'Americanised' with the accent and words and 'good job'

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 finds school maths easy so thought she could do some challenging maths through this.

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.

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

She said the tutorials helped her. She liked the fact you can gain ticks from them and that you got another chance if you got it wrong. Also she said if you finished early, you got bonus ticks.

As a parent, I liked that the sessions were only 15 mins and that I received a feedback email after completion of each one.

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

programmes you may have used?

My daughter said although this was similar to another online programme she used at school, this gave options to correct work and score higher. She prefers traditional maths as can ask questions which she is unable to do here.

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

Critical thinking and problem solving skills are essential life skills needed not just in every day situations but also for future employment.

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

My daughter said yes as it really helps with maths. As a parent, I'd have to check costs.

Thanks for the opportunity!

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 is quite good in maths but he is bit careless and keep forgetting things and rules. he will do his Sats next year that’s why I wanted him to practice his maths skills. I found Smartick very helpful. as it covers wide verity of areas.

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 have quite big social circle, having kids of same age like me. I told lots of mums about Smartick. most of them have very positive response and showed interest in it but it depends on it’s cost.

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

—For my son, It gives variety of questions in less time and sometimes it repeats questions so it’s wrong first time u can correct next time. getting results in the end is his favourite part. For me as parent, It engages my son everyday and tells us where he is weak and needs improvement.

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

programmes you may have used? —It covers wide verity of questions. questions are according to children’s level. every time get the result straight away through email.

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

—I think critical thinking and problem solving skills are very important for children and it’s a great addition.

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

—From my side yes I would definitely recommend it to my friends and family as it helps my son a lot to improve his Maths skills.

1. Main motivation was to try to get my dd interested in maths and hoped the app would be a good fun way to encourage her learning.

1. Although I received a couple of emails from smartick with regards to my dd's progress, I never responded to the emails.

1. My dd enjoyed that she could pick her own avatar and did enjoy some of the questions.

I liked the variety of questions and the fact that they could be geared to a child's age.

1. I have never used an app or online maths program like smartick before so can't make any comparison.

1. I thought the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem solving is very encouraging, as I think it's an important skill all children should have.

1. I wouldn't recommend it to family/friends unless they were prepared to pay the monthly subscription, which I felt was quite high for an educational program.

My main motivation for using Smartick with my Dd was to see where her maths was as we do Home Education. To understand which areas she grasps well and which need work on. Obviously to also help her progress as well.

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 did have someone reach out but it was the weekend, we had guests it was very inconvenient time. Although they left there number, I forgot to call but also as I wasn't expecting the call found it a little peculiar. I do wish an email had been sent prior to check availability and just so I knew to expect a call.

My child has enjoyed working on the program. Each star she recieves definitely spurs her on. Plus the email feedback is great. She got a certificate so I want to print that off for her. I liked the way it said it was a revision session and not a test or exam. That was great as it meant no worries about an exam.

We are yet to use any other programs so have no comparison.

I love it teaching critical thinking and problem solving skills as this is a great basis throughout all subjects. It shows how if you keep going you can succeed but also how hood it is to try at the very least.

Yes I would recommend it. It's easy to use. Plenty to keep them occupied plus it definitely has improved mu daughters maths even though she hasn't realised it has. Now she can just glance at objects and say thats five or whatever so quickly. It's becoming intuitive for her. (Shes 5) Plus she can count further than before even though she hasn't had any 1+1= questions. It's amazing.

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.)?

For dd1 she is 7, I wanted her to do extra maths to see if the maths app could help her develop further what she has learnt at school.

For dd1, she is 4 going in reception in September, I wanted to see her to discover maths and what was her current knowledge in maths.

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

I did receive a few emails, but never responded to them as they seem "automated" emails.

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

The eldest liked the challenges and the games afterwards.

Little one called it her homework, and loved collecting stars to buy herself a puppy.

I liked that I received an email telling me how they did.

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

I didn't use any before.

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

I think it challenges them in thinking further.

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

I think the app is ok, but I would not pay the subscription, as I believe it is quite high,

I also think that the option to connect with other people needs to be removed as I don't think it is safe and there is no need for it.

Also think that they way stars are giving vary, 4 years old ended up with loads if them, but 7 years old didn't even though she did well.

1. What is your main motivation for 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 has SEN and the classroom environment can hinder her concentration so I wanted to see if an app could help her improve 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 I didn't need to.

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

My daughter has a very short attention span so I really liked the progress bar because we could see how much more was left until the end and encourage her by saying there is only a little bit left to do.

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

programmes you may have used?

We haven't used any others.

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

I think these are v important so I liked that

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

Maths is an element of school work that my DD really enjoys and we wanted to encourage this, but also see if the app contained additional content that she perhaps had not covered in school yet.

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?

We were away on holiday then unwell when the trial started and when we returned the the link didn't work - followed up with Mumsnet to resolve but this wasn't possible.

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

Could not try app as the link didn't work.

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

Could not try app as the link didn't work.

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

I would let people know I'd heard of it but not used it.

1. My daughter needed some extra help with maths as she was struggling to keep up in school and wasn't enjoying it
2. They reached out however extra advice/help/support was not needed
3. My daughter engaged very quickly wuth smartick. She found it very enjoyable and easy to navigate. She could see where she went wrong and was able to fix that. She could see improvement herself which helped push her to continue. I loved the set up itself and being given a summary via email at the end of the sessions
4. It was great, easy to use and catered to my daughter's ability which led to fast improvement
5. It was a different way to engage with math problems in a way that was easily understood
6. 100% recommend (already have) in a short space of time, my daughter has improved in math and is starting to enjoy it.

. 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 (9) was struggling with fractions at school, and saying he was rubbish at maths all the time. I leaped at the chance for some extra online teaching and support to. Post his confidence, and explain things in a way he could understand.

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 didn’t contact them, or them me

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

I’m afraid we didn’t get on well with it. My son started off keen and enthusiastic, but couldn’t understand many of the questions (nor could I, looking over his shoulder!). The app was quite glitchy and clunky for us. By the end of the sessions we did manage, his confidence was even lower than when he started, and he now refuses to use it. And he is a bright, tech-loving boy!

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

programmes you may have used?

Have used SumDog and Mathseeds occasionally in past, and he was much more engaged with them.

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

Didn’t manage enough sessions to comment on this. But some of the questions did seem very obscurely worded.

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

No I wouldn’t I’m afraid. My son didn’t get on with it, found the questions strangely put (and I agree), and the interface just wasn’t engaging enough. The online “world” seemed very clunky and limited. He ended up less confident about his maths abilities than before we started, which alas completely defeated the object of us testing it. I certainly wouldn’t pay a hefty subscription for it.

Having said that, thanks for letting me try it. I will see if I can get DS2 (age 7) to have a go instead now, and see if he gets more out of it.

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

practice? To reinforce her learning from school, build her confidence and have a better understanding of the level she is working at.

1. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful? Didn't need any support, registering and using the site was really easy.
2. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick? DD liked the fast pace, colourful design and interesting exercises she could do. I really like the interface, the ability to earn rewards and then 'buy' things made the learning have a point.
3. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used? Far more interesting and child friendly.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills? ESSENTIAL!
2. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Already have, recommended it to friends and teaching colleagues. We've used My Maths extensively and is very poor in comparision to 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.)?

My daughter struggles a bit with maths at school. She is in a large class of 36 children and doesn't get much help at school. I'm not great at maths either. I can't afford a tutor so this seemed like a good idea. She loves going on line so I hoped it would motivate 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 need to as it was all straightforward.

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

My child liked the freedom of being able to log on by herself and thought the questions were quite easy to understand. She liked getting the results straight away especially when she got the answers right.

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

We have only used times tables rockstars which is what my daughter uses at school. This covered a wider range of maths subjects and gave her points as she went along.

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

Excellent idea - this is a huge life skill and one that I want her to develop.

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

It depends on the price. Unfortunately after a few days my daughters interest waned a bit - my fault really - I did prompt her to log on but she kept putting it off. The trial co-incided with our two week long half term so that didn't help too much. I will keep reminding her to log on now they are back at school as I think it was useful for her.

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 loves school but had been struggling alot in math, so this has been a godsend to help his grades average out a little higher and he is beginning to understand it all alot more

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 haven't spoken to anyone

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

I liked that it was in sessions and my son just enjoyed it all, from start to now, he still uses it

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

We used an app that school uses with music and numbers but I think this was a nicer and more friendlier app

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

I think all children should learn the basics and then have support with venturing into each subject matter more thoroughly

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

Yes, I enjoyed it myself as much as my son did!!

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.)? DS1 (8) and DS2 (6) are both good at maths. I thought they might enjoy this.

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 haven't needed to until now (although I may need to as it looks like my trial is about to run out - I thought it was meant to be six months?)

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

DS1 never made it out of the assessment process. I think it was a bit repetitive and he prefers to do other things. DS2 likes earning ticks and seeing what is in the shop, which is motivation for him to do the sessions some days. He also likes getting long streaks of correct answers, but this causes upset when he makes a mistake (or accidentally submits the answer before he is ready). I liked the idea that this would adjust to their ability, but this just doesn't seem to have happened in practice.

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

programmes you may have used? We haven't used anything that's really equivalent. They both like 'Hit the button' which is good for times tables practice. DS1 is looking at some 11+ books, but I would say they are more suitable for that.

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

I think in theory this is a good thing, although I must have not noticed this. From what I have seen, DS2 is doing the same kinds of questions over and over again which if anything would make him better at that specific kind of question rather than better at applying his knowledge.

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

In general probably not. It seems pretty expensive to me. I don't agree that small children should be doing maths homework every day (even if it is fun) but if you are not going to make them do it, the cost compared to time spent in the app is likely to be quite poor value. If you think your child needs extra support with maths for whatever reason, I suspect a tutor, even if for only a shorter period of time, would be a more targetted intervention.

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 age 8 struggles a bit with maths & rejects support I might try and give her. I thought she might engage better with a "fun" presenting maths program.

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?

She hasn't enjoyed them so far - it seems to be very American and I think she finds that off putting. Also the language used seems to differ from maths language she encounters at school - this frustrates her and makes her feel like she can't do it - which compounds the issues we are having.

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

I've not used any others.

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

I'm not seeing this - I'm just seeing questions/tests rather than teaching/earning. Again this format frustrated DD and she isn't really happy to proceed.

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

Not really - it just seems to be one big test from what I've seen so far.

I will try and sit down with DD and look at it again this weekend - but she is hugely resistant to it.