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

I am always looking at ways to help my daughter improve on her learning but my main goal is to find fun and inspiring ways to compliment her school learning as this is very important. My daughter enjoyed the fun progression throughout the different stages although did comment on the repetitiveness at times so I had to remind her about practicing which worried me that the fun would be taken out of the process however this did not affect her continuing as normally she would become disinterested.
She loved the person speaking to her and we both found that to be a very interactive touch.

Smartick engaged my daughter better than other methods of maths learning we have used before- she seemed to have more enthusiasm to carry on and work through the tasks as opposed to getting frustrated and ultimately refusing to take part.
We think that the programme’s in built critical thinking and problem solving skills are not only brilliant but vital for all children of any age and would welcome using a similar application for other topics/subject areas.

Overall, I would recommend this app as a fun and child led way of learning & building confidence in not just maths but also developing communication skills such as listening.

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 help my child's problem-solving and critical thinking skills and to improve their mental calculation and algebra which is a struggle for my son who is being screened for dyscalculia. I have found that his fundamental skills, and reading comprehension has improved when undertaking the course.

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 I spoke to smartick about continuing this course and the if i can tailor a course to look at my sons weaknesses identified as a result of this programme.

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

He loved the ticks, the patterns, the games, the colours and the bitesize exercises and encouragement the package gave him.

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

programmes you may have used?

Yes it seems better, as there are bite size exercises which make it less likely to become boring, and keeps a child engaged, the daily emails sent to me detailing the progress of my son, what has worked well and what has not.

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

I think it is a skill which will stay with a child throughout their life, not just for school.

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

I have spoken to my work colleagues about the trial and they are interested in trying this. I would recommend this as it is a tried and tested package, with results, and that fact it's widely used makes you confident to start this package with your child.

thank you for selecting me.

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

My main motivation for getting my son to do additional maths practice is that he really struggles with this at school , and when maths is on that day will not want to go to school.
. He does not like sitting down at home and working with anyone and when left to work alone with books gives up very easily. As this was an online resource I felt it may be more successful in getting him practice Maths at home.

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 to see how I was doing, which was nice.

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

My son has a very short attention span so I really liked the progress bar because we could see how much more was left , and we could have a break when I saw he was not engaged, and encourage him 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?

The current maths programme my son uses is based on maths taught in the UK, and the maths is very similar as they use in school, Smartick seemed to be international and the layout of some maths was different to how the children are taught. The current programme they use, they are not penalised for taking their time with the questions which got my son a little stressed when he struggled with the caterpillar patterns.

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

I found it really useful as it will help them to gain confidence in independent thinking and problem solving in both their math sand other life skills.

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

It would really depend on their personal circumstances, the cost and the needs of their child, on the whole, yes I 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 child is struggling at school and needs extra help

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 needed to contact by email regarding trail fast response and they were very helpful.

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

My child has asked to do smartick everyday she enjoys getting the ticks and being able to spend them in the shop. She also enjoys doing the extra games.
I like that my child wants to do the questions it gives her rewards for getting them right. I like that the extra games help with her memory which is something else she struggles with that then impacts on her maths.

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

programmes you may have used?

We have been given another website to use from school in the past but had to stop using it as the questions were too difficult for my child and were not individually set for my child's ability just what that age range should be doing.

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

I think it is good and more suited to how my child learns rather than a more traditional approach

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

Yes i would recommend as i do feel it maybe helping my child with maths and is keeping her brain thinking while she is not in school.

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 is in preschool, but already very able with numbers, understands place value to 1000, adds, subtracts simply, does some skip counting. I was hoping this would be a way to challenge her a bit in the summer before she starts 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?

Yes, spoke to a lady twice on the phone. First time wasn't convenient so she called back. She helped a little, by triggering an assessment to help try to get the right level. It helped a little, but not much.

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

Loved getting ticks, loved buying things in the shop. Loved correcting her mistakes, and I appreciated her learning that a mistake didn't matter too much.
I liked the email - and knowing exactly what my daughter had done each day. However, as she was only small I was always in the room with her.

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

programmes you may have used?

We've been using Khan academy, which is not as sleek and user friendly - but it's free!
We considered doing kumon, but were put off by the large monthly cost.
This online program may be a bit more polished, but there is not autonomy, or parent choice.

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

I'm not sure that we really saw any at the low level.

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

Honestly, no. I don't see how I could. It costs a little over £1 a day for 10-15mjns of poorly chosen questions. It feels like it's going to be a long time before my DD gets some questions that actually teach or help her. Smartick seems to obsess itself with little issues
For example, my 4 yr old cannot seem to tell the difference between a cone and pyramid, on the 2D computer screen! So every single day, at least half of the session is taken up with repetitive questions about 3D shapes. There doesn't seem to be any way for me to 'skip' this for her, as a teacher would.
And then the other half is normally nowhere near what she's capable of - counting to 8 is pretty much as hard as it's been.
I wanted to love this programme, but my DD is in no rush to do it, and I'm in no rush to get her to do Maths that is not useful to her. Thanks for the trial though.

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.)? As a teacher I was keen to look at this as a tool and also to see how engaging it was for my own child.

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 did not need to.

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick? My child loved all the activities. She liked the images and the games area. I liked the progression through the activities as I can see how it is building on skills. I liked the tracking emails too. The games area was great as an incentive for completing sessions.
2. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used? I think it is definitely fun and engaging. I liked that there was a variety of maths activities in one session but I think for younger children the sessions should be a little shorter as she did lose interest when the activities were repeated too many times. I wasn’t particularly thrilled with the idea of chatting to other “children” though and didn’t feel this was necessary in a programme like this.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills? As a teacher teaching maths mastery I think the emphasis is perfect.
2. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not? I would. I like the range of activities and it is engaging. I think opportunities to use maths knowledge and problem solve are beneficial.

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.)?

Both to improve current levels and to cement what they’ve already learned.

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 and it was helpful.

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

My 5 year old really enjoyed completing the sessions as well as spending her stars in the shop and also playing the games. She also loved changing the clothes and hair of the little character.
My 10 year old tolerated the sessions and felt I was nagging him to do it, but I think he did enjoy the challenge once he got going.
I really liked the parent section where you can see what they’ve answered as well as the email updates.

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

I liked the overall interface and the parent section is very good. However, other maths programmes we have used have allowed some selection of topics which I think I prefer. I did think smartick was a bit repetitive and my children did get a bit bored of seeing the same types of exercise each time.The initial assessment seemed to take forever and I also think 15 minutes per day is quite a lot to aim for with other homework and extra curricular activities. My 12 year old uses an online maths program through school which starts with a tutorial, and then tests the children on what’s been learned in the tutorial. I think this is a better model for older children.

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

I didn’t see too much of this.

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

Depends on the age of the child/children and the cost. My 12 year old would not entertain it – its very much oriented towards younger children. The cost does seem a bit high though.

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.)? My son loves maths but doesn’t have much confidence or belief in himself so I wanted to help build it up in a fun way as he’s not keen on written work! My other son will be starting school in September and I wanted to bring his learning along a little.

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?

My 2 enjoy the 15 minute slot they like to receive a star and see how many they can get. They like the games, the virtual world and changing their memes hair,clothes etc I like that they want to go on it and enjoy doing the maths I also really like the feedback emails. Which the boys also enjoy hearing how they have done.

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

programmes you may have used? It seems to engage them better. Although it repeats questions the boys haven’t got bored of it. Which they have done with other learning apps

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

It’s fab & works well for my two they enjoy problem solving.

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

Yes I would as it is targeted at your child’s personal level. The feedback emails are great. It’s a fun program that’s totally gripped my boys. We have found some of the questions wording tricky or not quite enough explanation and the boys have needed help understanding a task it might be nice if some of the questions had an example answer. Down side is it is expensive but probably cheaper then a tutor!

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 wanted to give my girls the opportunity to try a fun way of learning maths to compliment their learning at school. I hoped they would enjoy the programme that offered rewards for their achievements.
*2. Did you end up talking to someone from Smartick via phone or email – whether you reached out or they did? Was it helpful?"
A lovely lady rang at the beginning of our trial to check everything was ok. It was a nice personal touch, and via her questions, it also reassured me that we were doing everything right. I haven't needed to contact them since then, but it's good to know the support is there.
3. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick?
My girls liked earning their ticks and then being able to buy things from the virtual store to put in their bedrooms. Both of them also enjoyed the range of games available via the 'gym'. When the well became available to my older daughter she sent a message and was impressed when she received a reply. Nice touch!
As a parent, I liked being able to leave them to complete their sessions independently, giving me time to prepare dinner or do chores. I think my older child (8) has had a better range of challenges, whilst my 6-year-old seems to have a lot more repetitive tasks. She often enjoys playing one of the games after her session, and there are lots to choose from which is another good aspect.
4. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math programmes you may have used?
I haven't tried any other programmes before, but my 8 year old uses TT Rockstars, Prodigy and Purple Mash programmes via school so she's used to using online programmes. My 6 year old also uses Purple Mash and TT Rockstars. Both are set 'targets' by their school via these platforms. Smartick seems more traditional in the types of maths challenges it offers with the added benefit of the fun games as an add on activity. I feel it compliments their learning at school and use of these other programmes.
5. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills?
I really like that the programme focuses on these aspects as I feel it is more beneficial to my children than rote learning. I have already noticed that both of my girls are more confident in tackling their Smartick sessions as they've got used to the emphasis on critical thinking.
6. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?
I would be happy to recommend Smartick to friends/family but, as ever, price is always a consideration; I am not sure how competitive it is against other avenues of learning.

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 registered my 7 year old and 5 year old (year 2 and reception) both love maths and enjoy being challenged at a higher level than they are learning at school so I liked the idea that this would be tailored to their ability and progress

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 anyone at Smartick

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

They love any excuse to use the iPad so that was a start. They liked collecting the stars and spending them. They both enjoy maths so were always keen to complete their session. The level seemed about right for them although they struggled when some new concepts were introduced that they hadn't been taught. I liked the instant feedback and parent area where I could see exactly what they had done. I found that some of the names of the category of problem were confusing 4. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math programmes you may have used? My older son has used times table rock stars, which I see as more rote learning rather than maths as such, Smartick gives a good variety of skills and concepts.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills? I'm not sure that I saw this emphasised particularly.
2. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

It's not clear yet how much difference it makes in terms of progress although I would mention it if it came up in discussion. As both my children enjoy and are good at maths I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to a parent whose child was struggling as I dont know how effective it would be. Liked it as free trial but I wouldn't pay the normal rate, I think there are other ways to stretch their learning.

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 have 3 children who were the right ages to use this program and I was interested in how it would cater for the different ages (4,10,11) my youngest daughter loves learning and I thought it would be good to encourage her. My middle daughter is dyslexic and is slightly behind in maths so i thought this program may help her. My oldest daughter is at secondary school and I thought it would help improve her maths skils

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 found the app easy to use. However it is nice to know help os available if needed

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

My youngest daughter just loved doing the sessions. She liked earning diplomas too. Non of the children seemed interested in the virtual world. My older two children did not enjoy it so much, the assessments took a long tome and my middle daughter found the questions too hard and became frustrated. I would have liked to been able to choose the level to make it easier for her to start with.

I really like that you can add in rewards and encouragement. This really helped encourage them to complete their sessions. I also like that you get an email telling them how they did and one when they dont complete the sessions. This helps you as a parent to keep them doing it.

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

programmes you may have used?

I like that the sessions are timed to15min. Other maths programs I have used have set activities to complete and these may take more or less than 15min. The timer keeps the children at it and I think 15min each day is manageable rather than trying to get lots of activities complete.

I also love that you can put in rewards to motivate the children. This means you can personalise it.

Finally I really like the updates you receive with how they are doing.

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

I think this is really good and will help the children in education

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

Yes I would recommend this to friends and family to help their children with maths or even if they just have an eager learner.

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

My eldest son loves maths and I wanted to try something which would stretch him further as I’m not sure he’s being pushed in class. For the other two I wanted to see if they’d find it fun learning in a different 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 contact anyone.

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

They enjoyed the range of maths activities. I liked the fact you could select that a child has SN and the content was geared appropriately (my middle child has severe learning difficulties and the activities for him were very basic which was good).

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

Good range of maths questions but the graphics were quite dull and the younger ones weren’t as engaged as with some other maths programmes or apps they’ve tried at school or home. I would prefer the children to be able to dip in and out at their own pace rather than having to do a fixed 15 minute session. This is too long for the younger children, especially my son with SN, and they lost interest.

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

I liked this - many of the questions were worded well to encourage the children to think more about problem solving rather than just pure maths.

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

I’m not sure. I like the content but not the rigid structure of having to complete a session each day, and the constant emails telling me my son hadn’t completed the previous session got a bit wearing!

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 children are 8 and 10 and really enjoy maths but my daughter has struggled with some aspects of it at school. I wanted to see if this would be a fun way for them to improve their skills.

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, I received a phone call and I was really impressed with the service. The lady who called (Carmella, I think) was well briefed in where my children were up to, what strengths they had etc. I was pleased that by pressing 'I don't know' the system recognises they need more work on certain topics. She'd also noticed my son was particularly good at patterns and asked if I would like some coding sessions adding in which he really enjoyed.
I'd been pleased with the initial email reports and being able to quickly see their results for a session on the calendar but this was a level of personalisation and customer service beyond what I expected.
I raised some issues we'd had with a few of the games and this was actually remedied with an update that week.
My daughter had written to the well with a question and got a response which answered her question quite quickly.

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

Both children really enjoy the sessions, they like the ticks, the avatars - they love buying new pets! They've both told me their maths at school is easier and actually ask to do their sessions. I had thought the novelty would have worn off but they're both still very keen. We have learnt that it's not something to do when they're tired and a couple and times we've abandoned a session as they were too tired to be enjoying it.
My son is very laid back but has discovered a competitive streak after starting to use the competitions in the gym.
I like the fact that they enjoy it. It's not a chore for them to do and they find it fun while they're learning beyond what they're doing at school. The site works well and they're finding it quite easy to use. I really like the fact that you can contact them and ask them concentrate on certain topics and it's not set in stone.

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

We have only used MyMaths which is used by school occasionally for homework. My daughter commented that she much prefers Smartick as they work up to harder questions and she feels less pressure using it than 'beat the clock' in MyMaths.

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

This has been really useful as the one area my daughter needed to improve on after her school tests a few months ago were reasoning and critical thinking. She found some of the questions hard at first but has really improved.

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

I already have recommended it to friends with children the same age as mine and they are currently on a free trial.
At first I though the prices were really expensive but after nearly a month of using it I'm impressed with the system. It is a lot of money but I will be seriously thinking about carrying on as it's convenient to use and is having a great effect.

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.)? -both progress ahead and improve achievement

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 need to contact

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

-child- problem solving -parent-it progresses through topics without parent having to choose/know what they need to learn next

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

programmes you may have used? -it is quite inflexible as you are expected to do that day's learning.

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

-im not sure this isnt the area my child struggles with, which is more arithmetic add/sub etc

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

-i would recommend but it is comparitively expensive.

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 struggling with her numbers mainly due to English not being our first language and us moving to a new house hence I really do need to make her sharper in maths to get good grades.

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 feel the app was pretty easy to use hence I did not require any further help from their customer services.

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

My daughter enjoyed how easy and less boring were the lessons as comapared to other dry and boring lessons we did at home. I loved the fact that they were age related and quite enjoyable.

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

programmes you may have used? The questions were age appropriate and the 15 minute timing was just perfect. Anything longer could have made it boring and less attractive.

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

I think it is of utmost importance and it increases their general knowledge and understanding of the world in general. It is very important for thei IQ as well as EQ.

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

I would definitely recommend this app to others who are after a great forum to improve their kids maths and knowledge at a reasonable price.

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.)?

He's only 4 so I'm quite easy, but he's getting interested in numbers and I thought I would see if it sparked interest from 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.

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

My son liked having the freedom in the free world after the sessions, he loved walking about and changing the characters clothes, and weather etc and saving up for items in the shop. He was happy to do the 15 minutes of the session to get there.
I liked that it motivated him, and that he asked to do it without being prompted. I thought the content was age appropriate and that it seemed to be tailored towards his age / ability.
I really wished it was available as an app or to be able to be loaded to his tablet, as he struggles with a mouse/laptop due to his age, so he needed a bit of support to actually work it. This would probably not be a problem with older kids. On the same level, he cant fully read the instructions, so I wished it automatically read the question for him, instead of having to press it every time to know what he was doing, but again this would probably be annoying if you had an older child, so maybe its a good compromise.

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

programmes you may have used?

We've only tried apps and he's quickly lost interest so this compared favourably on that front. He probably asks to do it himself 3 or 4 times a week.

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

I liked that it was more problem solving and shapes/colours as I think this kept his interest.

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

Yes, I would recommend and we've enjoyed trying 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.)?

• as my child is approaching 5 and starting P1 after summer holiday, I thought this could be a good chance for me to see what level she is with mathematics and whether she could cope when starting primary 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?

• I found the app was very easy to use and understand for me aswell as my child and so did not need to reach out for help. The email sent allows me to keep updated on my child’s session which is very helpful.

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

• my child love getting answers correct and she found it interesting. To her age it’s like a game for her so she can focus and stay concentrated for a good 20 mins and to me as a parent I can put to ease she is learning mathematics in a fun way.

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

programmes you may have used?

• I haven’t use any other math program before but have heard of friends using kumon for their child and I feel positive in future that Smartick could be for my child if I feel she is struggling with maths.

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

• it is really important for children as this is long term benefit for them to put critical thinking to use in their adulthood life.

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

• I would be recommending to friends and family as I felt overall Smartick has helped my child to learn and not find online tutoring maths boring. It changes to the child’s learning progress which is very useful so each sessions is not just repeated of the same questions. Definitely a great apps to recommend!

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 wanted to see how DS was doing with maths and how it would work on an app on his iPad

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, when there was an issue with the trial period I emailed & they responded very quickly & sorted the issue with no problem.

1. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick? He loved the gold medals for getting x amount of correct answers & when he could put down his mood with the smiley faces. I liked that it was easy to use, the emails after he had completed his sessions and the breakdowns which was great.
2. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used? Haven't used any before

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

I think it's good & as the tasks were age appropriate it gets them thinking in a less formal/structured environment

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

I would as he really enjoyed it and asks when he can do his maths (though I also think being able to go on the iPad each day had a lot to do with it!) but he was growing in confidence after each session which was great to see. I think it is quite expensive and even though it was great I wouldn't pay that much.

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.)? To reinforce what he's learning st school and also to help him progress, he has a natural ability for Maths but doesn't always reach his potential in class

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 on the phone, she was helpful and it was useful
2. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick? My kids love them! They find it fun and also really love it at the end when they can buy things and design their avatar etc. They also lovevit because it's on the iPad! I love the fact they're having fun abs learning at the same time, total winner!
3. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used? It's much better than Mathletics, it's a fantastic complementary programme to traditional methods

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills? I think it's great, helps them learn these essential life skills and a great basis for future learning
2. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not? Absolutely as I've seen the improvement in my children's maths skills, my eldest (8 year old) has a definite noticeable improvement. Also because it's enjoyable for them a d they see it as a game

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 get my eldest child to excel and to give my youngest more confidence in their maths abilities

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 did not.

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

My children loved getting the stars and being able to buy items in the shop. I liked that it was only 15 minutes and it improved their ability to think maths problems through quickly. I also liked receiving an email every day of how well they did.

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

programmes you may have used? It’s similar to other ones but I think it benefits that it is only 15 minutes a day. My children are eager to do it to earn their stars. I have found the more my children do it each and every day the more they get out of it.

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

I loved this aspect of it. I think it’s really important that children have these skills.

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

Yes I would recommend especially over the summer holidays. I think the price needs to be looked at as it would encourage more families to buy it.

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

I want to ensure that my daughter can reinforce and cement maths concepts learned at school, as I have become aware that there is limited time and opportunity for this during the school day. I also feel that she needs extra individual challenge and extension in her actual maths learning to promote her interest and confidence in maths now and into secondary school and beyond.

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 was left telephone and email messages from Smartick inviting me to contact them back if I had any problems or queries, however I have not needed to do so as I have been very happy with Smartick and found the programme to be really clear and easy to access.

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

My child really enjoys the whole programme and finds the games, activities and problems all very enjoyable and engaging. I actually have to insist that she logs off when it is time to do so, even after a long session, as she is always desperate to continue! I think she also likes the chance to participate in friend challenges and to visit her friends´ houses, these are great as a reward tool. As a parent, I very much appreciate the detailed and appropriate feedback and access to her programme and the fact that she can have safe online interactions with the friends without any personal information being exchanged.

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

programmes you may have used? My daughter is much more stimulated and engaged by Smartick than by other online maths programmes or the other paper based practice and learning methods that I have previously tried with her. She seems to be making much faster progress with Smartick and enjoying it much more. I am also very happy with Smartick´s individual and adaptable approach, meaning that my child has a tailored flexible programme, rather than a rigid one like the other methods. I think this is really beneficial for her learning and in keeping her interest.

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

I think this emphasis is very positive and reflects real life application of maths learning, I also think it is more similar to assessment and exam questions as these often seem to be problem based.

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

Yes, I would absolutely recommend Smartick as an excellent activity to reinforce and add to school acquired maths skills and knowledge. I think it is very appropriate for children as it really motivates and engages them and is such fun to take part in! It has obviously been really well thought out and constructed and I will be recommending it without hesitation, I believe my daughter has already done so to her friends..

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.)? enhanced support alongside school work- prepping for SATS/ GCSE

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 didnt need to

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

they enjoyed the sessions- especially the games

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

programmes you may have used? its more or less the same concept as other programmes we have used such as mathletuics/ times table rockstar/ mathseed

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

highly important skill to have i think

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

yes- fun interactive way to brush up on skills

I got my older child to use Smartick to improve his grades and mental math abilities. The younger one is average at maths, but hates number bond practice.

First off - it takes a while to navigate comfortably around the various activities and there will be glitches. Once these are sorted, u will have to fight to keep the kids away from the app. They both love the daily activity, the virtual world and the challenges (from other users).

It does not follow the uk math curriculum but that seems to be a major draw card for this kids. The problem solving approach really gets the kids thinking out of the box and freely about maths. The older one has been more confident about maths overall.

My big gripe though is that there is no user guide to the activities in the virtual world. We stumbled onto the ability to make friends and unlock various. I can’t help but feel there must be loads we must be
missing out on loads of stuff.

We have done some tutoring previously and this is very different because it is an on line system of questions and answers. I am sure there are tutorials available but we have not found qthem.

I did query by email whether children can do more than a single 15min activity per day. The response was received within 24 hours and explained why not.

Would I recommend this...no because it is far too expensive, especially if you have more than one child,

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 (6) enjoys maths so I thought it would be a good way for him to do some extra work, if he wanted.

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?

My child didn't really get on with it - he found it frustrating when he didn't understand the questions. Occasionally part of the answer was not visible on the screen (he was on a kindle) or he couldn't select things. I also noticed a few spelling mistakes and inconsistencies with capital letters on the sign up page which never fills me with confidence about a company.

1. 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?

I hadn't noticed.

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

No, it's very expensive.

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 in y4 and at our last parents evening her teacher said she really needed to improve her maths otherwise she might fall behind. I also wanted her to be more confident when it comes to the subject.

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 missed call / voice mail from Smartick just checking in and asking if we needed any help or info, which I didn't but the phone call was a nice touch. My daughter also lost one of her pets in the virtual world so I sent a message which was reply to very quickly sorting the prob out.

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

My child liked the short burst of 15 minutes. She liked the virtual world, buying stuff with her ticks, but I think more could be done there as it got a bit samey. She liked the mini games.

I also liked the 15 minute a day aspect, plus I liked the daily emails about her progress.

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

My daughter has used a multiplication online programme and enjoyed it but it was limited to multiplication. I like that lots of subjects were covered here.

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

I think that this is a good idea.

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

Yes I would as I feel my daughters confidence in maths has really developed. It's a bit expensive though and I am not sure if I could afford to pay for it long term.

Thank you mumsnet & Smartick for letting us take part in this one :)