MathBRIX

MathBRIX is a set of game-based activities that encourages young kids to think concretely about operations. Teachers can easily set kids up with their own usernames and passwords -- added one at a time or uploaded from a spreadsheet -- and then let the program take over. Each game begins with a short tutorial that speaks as it demonstrates the task. The tutorial can be displayed again at any time. 

Each activity uses building bricks to demonstrate all sorts of skills. To teach patterns, kids build towers of bricks in groups of ones, tens, or hundreds. In another game kids are asked to finish a number sentence. No guessing here! Students must first prove their solution with the correct number of blocks, then using the numbers correctly in the equation. Each game is won by completing three tasks correctly, so students who are ready can move on without getting bored. Coins and stars are earned for each level completed, and reward games are accessed using the coins. Teachers shouldn't worry about students spending too much time just playing reward games, like Brix Ninja, as playtime is limited.

MathBRIX recognizes the power of connecting images to numerals and consistently displays both representations of the value. A voice reads each solution as well. MathBRIX begins with one idea and builds upon that while introducing other skills. This is a solid formula for growing strong math concepts. Each level adds just a bit more complexity and increases the challenge while still building from the previously mastered material. In one game, an interactive balance is used to demonstrate equivalency, therefore starting kids on the path toward equations. Several activities contain this hidden higher-level math. For example, when kids drag a value from one side of the equation to another, the sign changes as well, not to mention modeling the commutative property correctly for both addition and subtraction problems.