Times Tables the Fun Way
Math: 2 - 6
Publisher: City Creek Press, Inc.
For more information or to order: www.citycreek.com

    I wish this program had been available when I was in school! Times Tables the Fun Way uses stories and illustrations to help children have a "picture" to recall when presented with a multiplication problem.
    The kit that I was sent for this review is their "basic kit" and includes a spiral bound, sturdy book, a student workbook and flashcards. The book begins by giving the parent/teacher background information about the method used in the program. Then it provides instruction on how to use this program with your child. They suggest using each chapter as a lesson, spending as much time as needed before moving on to the next lesson, with the workbook and falshcards used as reinforcements. It is also suggested that you read the story for each problem in the evening and the next morning have your child tell back the story. Using the picture in the book or on the flashcards, have them review the factors in the problems and the answer. Designed to be done in short, fun lessons, the program is incredibly easy to use. The colorful illustrations are really cute, as are the stories! Most problems are presented with their own story while some parts of the times tables are presented in groups, such as the 1’s and 2’s. The book takes the time to clearly teach the student (in an entertaining, visual way of course!) what multiplication is: fast adding!
    The producers of Times Tables The Fun Way have other titles in this series covering addition and subtraction -- all use the same method to to help kids quickly and easily remember their facts. If your child seems to know his times tables one day - and then can’t remember certain problems the next - then this program may be for you! In order to recall the answers at any given time, and especially test time, some need a visual picture to aid in getting the facts stored into their long-term memory.
    Although they do offer a teacher’s manual, it is not included in the basic kit and doesn’t seem to be necessary for home use. The cost, when you consider this is just for learning and memorizing the time’s tables and NOT a complete math curriculum, may seem a bit steep. However, if you have a visual learner, or a child that just seem to get these facts into their memory bank, I think you’ll find it worth the investment.

Making the Grade: A+
Cost: $36.85
Value for Your Homeschool Dollar: 8