Happy Numbers

Happy Numbers is an adaptive math learning program for K-5 students. This program stands out from the rest with a scaffolded approach that carefully leads the students through the lessons. The approach begins with an easy interaction with virtual manipulatives, then incrementally blends in other models and charts, demonstrates correct use of mathematical language, and finally reaches the abstract algorithms. This all takes place in a well-orchestrated set of lessons and questions that ensure success.

Beginning with a pre-test, each student is set on their own personalized journey. Kids travel the planets in Dino the dinosaur's solar system and search out Dino's friends. Each planet covers a set of skills that have been assigned based on the pre-test, which can be reset at any time to be sure kids are on the right path. Teachers even have access to the curriculum assignments to remove standards as they see fit.

Landing on a planet begins to crack open a dinosaur egg, and working through lessons allows a new dinosaur friend to emerge. Students must remain on the same planet until the egg has cracked, but once a lesson is done, kids can move to another planet if they want a change of scenery. No marathon models here; each planet has only a few lessons, which makes success easy to achieve and keeps students excited for more.

Happy Numbers teaches each piece just the way a classroom teacher would, allowing for a little exploration, but not allowing students to stray off the mark without a redirection. If a wrong answer is entered, the program gives hints, redirects, and eventually asks the student to use virtual manipulatives or charts to work the problem as a guided task.

Happy Number's lessons are well constructed to develop a deep understanding of each skill. Expertly connecting problems to virtual manipulatives, then building in the language and algorithm, Happy Numbers leaves very little room for misconceptions. Reports display usable data by class, or teachers can narrow their focus with a progress report for a single student and view their assignments. The ability to view specific student responses to each question isn't available, which would help teachers identify misunderstandings, but the score for each lesson as well as examples of questions are available within the report.