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.)?

DS(7) lacks confidence in his own ability so we wanted him him to practice maths in a ‘safe’ environment.

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 them?

He enjoyed getting stars and being able to ‘spend’ them in the ‘stores’. As a parent, I’m glad he enjoyed it but I wasn’t overly impressed with it, tbh.

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

First use of online programme.

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

Didn’t see much of this - it seemed to be mainly learning by repetition.

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

No. The sessions were very repetitive and the chance to correct mistakes meant there was no great motivation to get the questions right first time.

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 support my 4 almost 5 year old with his learning and to help make it fun and engaging so that hopefully it becomes business as usual in time for getting homework.

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?

He liked the gamification of the programme. He liked earning stars and being able to do something with them. It gave the programme a purpose.
I liked the above also, it motivated him to be able to buy a pet etc, and also motivated him to want to do it/finish it each day as they he could play with his avatar. I also liked the emails informing me of his progress.

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

programmes you may have used?

Smartick was much more engaging. Although, also more restrictive as it also gave him 1 session per day and sometimes he wanted to do more. I understand it grows with the child, but it was a really easy level to start out with which didn't seem to challenge him.

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

I liked it and think its beneficial, but think it could be more mixed with traditional methods also, as this would link back to what they cover in the curriculum.

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

Probably not, I found it restrictive as it didn't take advantage of the opportunity for him to carry out more exercises when he was eager to. I also found the lack of a intro guide frustrating.

1. finding something challenging beyond what he's being taught at school.

1. no.

1. He enjoyed the games aspect of it, though not enough to come back to it repeatedly! I appreciated the feedback emails.

1. Better than Mathletics because of potential to adapt to child's learning level (rather than being pegged to school year). Some glitches though, where page would become unresponsive (needed page reloading) which proved frustrating.

1. Very good.

1. I'd recommend it over Mathletics, but the user interface was a bit infantile for a 9 year old.

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.)? Mine would be to reinforce school learning by asking them to practice at home, both of my school age children enjoy maths so this allows me to stretch them 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?

I didn't contact them

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

I like the interface but our PC constantly lost connection with the app which my children found frustrating, It isn't available for either my phone or their tablets which made it really hard to use.

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

I think it would compare well if we could find an easier way to use it. Using my laptop wasn't ideal and the connection issues were frustrating.

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

I think it is a good thing but would like children to be under less pressure at school.

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not? I would for those who have dedicated devices which can use the app, not for families like us who have incompatible phones and Kindle Fires.

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.)? We have a confidence problem in our house. They don't do well under pressure and I'm no teacher! We have used tutors in the past which has worked out 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 didn't contact them

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

I realise I am probably in the minority here - my kids hated it. Therefore I hated it too. They just didn't connect with the programme at all and got very frustrated with not understanding what they knew were basic questions but just couldn't get it.

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.

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

I couldn't even get to the point of critical thinking or problem-solving I'm afraid.

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

Nope - but I do understand that this maybe more to do with my kids than the programme.

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 4 and 5 year old children are only just starting to learn maths in an academic setting and I had not previously thought about using an online tutor app. I hoped that they would find it fun, engaging and good preparation for when their homework requirements become more challenging.

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 received an email saying that someone had tried to call me, however I had no record of a missed call. The email was a nice touch though, and let me know that help or advice was readily available.

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

My children both enjoy the screen time this allows them. They really like getting the certificates, and see using Smartick as a game at the moment. I am very impressed with Smartick as a whole - the 15 minutes is ideal, the format and layout is perfectly suitable for my 4 and 5yo. The 4yo can't yet read so being able to listen to the questions is a great adaptation. I was interested to see how different topics would be introduced and thought that the tutorials were well set out and appropriate.

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

I have not used any other programmes.

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

I didn't really notice this emphasis at the level my children were working at.

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

I would recommend it due to the reasons noted above. I do think it is expensive though. I personally would not use it at the current 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.)? To build her confidence with basic mathematical concepts.

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

She liked making her character and the fact that she could use the iPad.

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

programmes you may have used? I didn’t like it as much as Mathletics. Some of the questions were very difficult for my daughter to understand what was being asked of her.

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

I think that is really important so that children learn to allly mathematical concepts.

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

No unfortunately not. My daughter was not well motivated by the programme.

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 home educated and I wanted to find a maths program that they would enjoy using.

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 speak to anyone.

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

My daughter enjoyed being able to customise her avatar and play games after her session. I liked that sessions were kept short and interesting.

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

programmes you may have used? I find it similar to other programs we have used and just as good.

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

These are very important skills for everyone to learn and I am pleased they are included in the program.

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

Yes, if asked I would recommend alongside other programs we like.

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

Thought it would be good for summer holiday time to keep a bit going and for a bit of reinforced knowledge 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?

N/A

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

Dd liked the games at the end. I think we both thought it was good to get the score at the end

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

programmes you may have used? N/A

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

Excellent. Getting away from the way I was taught numbers for the sake of numbers.

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

Probably but only if asked I would be concerned it may be interpreted as pushy

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.)? Our son is showing a talent for subjects such as maths and English that seem to go beyond the curriculum currently taught to him and the level his peers seem to be at. Therefore, we are keen to continue to progress his education by any means possible - particularly if its 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?

N/A - we didn’t need to get in touch.

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

He loved the rewards - badges for completing questions and the recognition at each stage.

I really liked receiving the email confirmation updates following completion of the sessions to understand his progress and level of ability.

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 others.

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

Excellent - my son really enjoyed all of the problems and they were different than what’s usually seen when sent home with homework etc.

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

YES! Depending on price which I assume there will be a charge for subscribing? It’s an excellent app, our son loved it and we were happy to allow the coveted ‘tablet time’ knowing it was something educational and beneficial. Really enjoyed being part of this product test, thank you.

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.)? In preparation for starting 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 it was reassuring to know that it was available if needed

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

Easy to use; intuitive; feedback was nice

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

programmes you may have used? N/A - not used any others

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

Would have preferred something that was focused just on maths

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

Probably not. It’s not very flexible (shorter sessions would have been helpful, with the option to do more if wanted). DS got bored easily but probably wouldn’t have been bored with basic math questions

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 was very conscious that DD gets a reading book sent home every night, and spellings once a week, but nothing for Maths. She is apparently 'above expectations' in Maths at school, but seems to struggle with basic sums that I would expect her to be able to do at her age (6) and they haven't even started on multiplication yet (at her age I knew all my times tables). She's streaks ahead at reading and I was hoping that doing a little bit of Maths each day would bring her Maths up a bit.

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?

To be honest I think she found it all quite frustrating. Having intially tried using a laptop and struggling with using a touchpad or mouse we set it up on DD's tablet as she is used to using that for other games, but it didn't seem to be optimised for a tablet and we had problems with not being able to drag and drop when part of the screen needed scrolling to get to it. The phrasing of the questions and the language used was far more complex than it needed to be too. I had to explain lots of the questions to her. For instance there were some questions using Venn diagrams (which she has not been taught yet at school, and for which no explanation was given) where one of the labels was 'non-terrestrial'. She didn't have a clue what that meant. Once we explained it to her, she was fine and got them all right, but she found it very frustrating that she couldn't understand the questions. Also, the way the answers were input was confusing too - for instance when an answer was 10 she was looking for a number 10 to click on and didn't realise she needed to click 1 and then 0. The whole interface was confusing - when she got to the end of a session it wasn't clear what all the other areas were for.

She did like getting ticks and stars, and she really liked the idea of changing the appearance of her avatar and collecting stars to get a pet, but the number of stars needed for even a small pet was so high she felt like she would never get there, and so lost motivation. We never made it out of the 'level assessments' as they seemed to be endless, which I don't think helped. She lost all interest and really didn't want to do any more.

As a parent, I felt like it wasn't well aligned to the UK curriculum which could cause confusion - some of the concepts were presented in a different way to the way she's been taught at school, and there were also topics she hasn't yet covered. I also didn't like the American accent - I only found out we could change it when I read a comment on the sign up thread where someone else was complaining about it - although the English accent was almost as annoying! I found the way the questions were phrased confusing - when DD got stuck and couldn't understand the questions and asked me to have a look, it wasn't always obvious what was being asked and how to input the answer, and I've got a Maths degree, two Masters level degrees, and am currently doing a PhD in Computer Science! I really didn't like the bit that looked like a chat room - there is no way my child is ready for social media yet. I also found the daily emails really annoying! On days we hadn't managed to do it - it was half term week for part of the trial period and we were away, plus we lead very busy lives - an email saying she hadn't completed her session made me feel guilty. On the days she did do it she got lots of ratings of being 'very slow' when I know that was down to trying to use a touchpad or mouse or just trying to understand what was being asked and not reflective at all of her ability to answer the questions, and that annoyed me too!

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 those are very important skills - if you have those, you can learn almost anything. However, I'm not sure how much emphasis there is on that in Smartick, perhaps as we never made it past the level assessment.

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

Unfortunately not. I had really high hopes, but it just didn't work for us. To be fair, it could be because DD does a lot of after school and weekend activities (tap, ballet, drama, swimming, gymnastics) and didn't have the capacity to take on any more, but we just didn't get on with the language and style of the questions. It's also very expensive when there are lots of free maths games out there. Thanks very much for selecting us for a trial though, and we might try again while we still are within our 6 months free, but right now DD is not even remotely interested in 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.)?
For my 6y/o - was aiming to help her get some confidence in maths. She’s v confinement with her English, reading and writing but looks like she could use some extra help with math. Wanted her to get a good understanding rather than memorising like they do in school.
For my 4y/o - thought this would be a good preparation for reception. Getting a good base of math understanding will help him with other skills 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?

No, I haven’t. But I must say that from the email and website, it looks like there are many many to reach them if needed and they’re available to help.

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

My 6y/o loves her special time. She doesn’t get a lot of screen time and this is a treat for her, especially when she can do this on her own. She loves the stars she’s getting, the diplomas she’s earned so far and the sense of progress. She’s feeling that she’s getting more new challenges as she overcomes previous tasks. She feels committed to this as much as she’s to her school homework. My 4y/o enjoyed his special time as well for the same reason. It also makes him feel more mature, doing his big boy homework. We love that the straightforward approach - not a lot of messing around, math is the focus here. Also the time limit - they really don’t more. We also like the fact that they can do this on their own - instructions are clear and simple. This is how we can see what they are really capable. The daily results sums everything nicely.

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

Can only compare it to the math part in Reading Eggs -Everything is too animated, lots of songs and characters and too little math. Felt like my little one is watching TV rather than learning anything. Don’t know anything else traditional but I’m guessing the time limit is unique.

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

Smartick shows that math is much more that sums and numbers. Maths skills gives children a better understanding on everyday activities. Problem solving is important for them to overcome challenges. It develops their brain and help them with their studies and social life.

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

I would have recommended if it wasn’t so pricey. It’s a lovely idea, 15 minutes is all they need. The enjoy it and it doesn’t feel like a task to them. They learn a lot and not just math. Smartaick helps them develop and expend their math skill in a lovely relaxing way. Having said that, 40£ per month is a lot, especially when there’s more than one child to consider. We’ve been using for a month now and I can’t say I’ve noticed an actual improvement yet. Both kids have improved within the Smartick app: they know what they are being asked for, they manage to answer the questions quickly and know what they’re expected to do. I’m not sure they’ll be able to answer some of the questions at school. I’m guessing a term would be a good timeframe to check that.

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

Mainly to progress beyond what they are currently taught at school. Also to encourage them to engage more with maths as a subject.

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

No.

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

My youngest DD liked ‘everything’ about it and said there was nothing she didn’t like. But she’s 4 and a sucker for technology in general! DD8 also really liked it and engaged with the programme. She enjoyed completing all the questions and really liked the virtual world. She said some types of question were difficult to understand initially, e.g. the pattern problems. But it was fine once she’d worked it out what she needed to do. However she found it frustrating that she got some wrong whilst she figured it out. Perhaps clearer instructions are needed to introduce new types of puzzle? I must admit I found a few of them unclear, sometimes the boxes which needed completing weren’t very clear etc. I liked it and think the programme did a good job of establishing the correct level for DD8. For example it highlight she needed to work on time, which she has always struggled with more than other areas. However it didn’t seem to do this well for DD4. She kept getting outstanding for everything and it didn’t seem to increase in difficulty for ages or particularly gauge her level well. We had a few issues with it freezing, e.g. being unable to click on the medal section and had to close and reopen the app to get it working.

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

programmes you may have used? DD8 has used timetables rock stars through school. She loves this too and likes competing against her class. Smartick is more complex as it works on a far wider range of maths skills.

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

Extremely important.

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

Yes I would although it does seem v expensive, especially if there is more than one child. I think I would only use it if I was considering tutoring in maths as I couldn’t justify the cost otherwise.

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 slightly below target for maths so this was a great opportunity to give him additional maths practice 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 did not contact Smartick

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

My son enjoyed the characters and that it was fun. As a parent I liked that the exercises were explained in a simple, fun way.

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

It’s more fun and explained in an easy to understand manner.

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

The exercises were good but sometimes very repetitive.

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

I would recommend Smartick because it’s user friendly, great features for children and parents, fun and each subject is explained well.

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's teacher has said she is capable but gets easily distracted compared to other subjects...she complained that she found maths quite boring at school so I was looking for something to make it more fun and interesting for 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, no contact with Smartick

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

She found the sessions good fun and engaging once she got into it. She loved seeing her scores rise and was motivated enough to ask me to lend her my laptop to go on it again. I loved seeing her enjoy maths without really realising.

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

programmes you may have used?

Only used another programme when she was really small so can't compare really - she enjoyed both.

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

It's definitely useful but I didn't really notice her gaining these specific skills to any great degree, I was just happy that she was enjoying it.

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

Yes, so far. Though it would be better for her to be able to use it on her tablet which she wasn't able to do, and had to borrow my laptop instead which frustrated her sometimes.

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.)?

Her teacher asked us to do a bit of extra maths practice 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?

Email, yes very helpful and personalised.

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

She loved the tally up at the end and the ti

1. 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?

Sorry-baby kicked post button, rest of review 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.)?

Her teacher asked us to do a bit of extra maths practice 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?

Email, yes very helpful and personalised.

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

She loved the tally up at the end and the ticks being awarded, she also liked the puzzle game.

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

programmes you may have used?

This is our first maths programme

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

It’s great!

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

Yes - our daughter has gained confidence in her ability from this programme, it’s enjoyable and she completes it herself usually with no input at all from us except when she shows us the final screen.

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 give them greater confidence in the subject and build their knowledge of the subject further

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 was not contacted by phone but an email was sent if my kids ever missed a day

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

They enjoyed doing it everyday as they got in a routine and loved getting the diplomas. And they liked getting their score at the end and getting a chance to do corrections.

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

programmes you may have used?

My daughter has recently started being Mathletics homework's and seems to prefer it as it different topics separated.

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

I liked the fact that they had to think and solve problems as although they know the basics they often find it hard to apply to actual problems or worded questions rather than a simple sum.

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

I would recommend it as all 3 of my kids enjoy it and it's only 10 minutes a day and has really built up their confidence in the subject

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.)? Mainly to progress and to encourage her to do more maths as homework from school (year 1) is mainly language based.

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 reach out nor was I contacted to my knowledge, other than the generic welcome and follow up emails
2. What did your child enjoy about the sessions? What do you as a parent like about Smartick? Unfortunately my child did not enjoy this as much as I’d hoped. Some of the questions were way beyond her ( and she’s exceeding the required level in everything at school) and sometimes even I had no clue what they meant! She just found this frustrating.
3. How does Smartick compare with other online math programmes or traditional math

programmes you may have used? First one we have used.

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills? Could not get her to engage enough to answer this.
2. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not? Probably not for reasons above for this age group but may be better for slightly older children. I just found the emails too much and it took too long to do. I didn’t like the graphics much and the curriculum seemed way off UK as other users have commented.

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.)?

DD2 is very slow with maths, she needs to get better at remembering number facts.

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 thought they were OK. I liked how easy it was to use.

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

programmes you may have used?

It is good. I like that I receive information without having to ask how she is doing.

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

I think this is good.

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

If they were looking for this type of programme, yes.

1. What is your main motivation for getting your child or children to do additional maths- she does well but wanted to improve her skills and practice in a different format

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?

i like that it is led by her however she found a few of the challenges difficult and confusing

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

programmes you may have used? this is the first one that i have used

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

I think its great and i like the real life situations but she found some of them a bit hard to follow

1. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not? Yes, I think its a great concept but I dont know that the confusion wasnt ours and that maybe it would work better for slightly oder kids.

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.)?
Improve current grade and help to progress further

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 did not contact.

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

They enjoyed earning the stars and getting extra to correct mistakes and then being able to use them in the virtual shop. They actually enjoyed doing sessions did not need to be encouraged. I liked that they were able to correct their mistakes and be rewarded and variety of games they can play.

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

programmes you may have used? Its more rewarding for kids to do sessions and earn stars. Also i like they asess each childs needs and then give session where they can get more help

1. What do you think of the emphasis on children learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills? Thats really good instead of just learning maths that they have to stop and think the answer through.
2. Would you recommend Smartick to friends/family? Why or why not?

Yes for what it provides and that it links to individual ability but not at current 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.)? DD1 (Y3) consolidate knowledge DD2 (Y1) show that maths can be 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 found it easy to set up.

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

DD1 - playing against others DD2 - getting extra stars Me - daily results was great as didn’t always check whether they had completed a module.

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

programmes you may have used? It does seem to hold children’s attention well, after a few days they were asking to do it each day.

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

Definitely a positive.

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

Yes, not sure how much it costs but definitely a good investment.

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 moves to secondary in September and I know he has some gaps so we're trying to fill them before then.

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 call anyone

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

He appreciated that they were short, that was about it, alas. For me, I liked the targeted practice once a weakness was identified.

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

programmes you may have used?

We've tried several over the years - Komodo, Mathletics, Abacus. With this one, the layout was different and the ability to revisit with explanations was very useful. It looked good.

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

It's such an important area. I teach mastery maths and developing those skills enables children to embed concepts so much more deeply.

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

I'll be honest, ds hasn't enjoyed the sessions but that's more about him than the platform. He felt the virtual world was aimed far below his age - an 'old' 11 yo so that wasn't a motivation. I can see it working for younger children.