Learning Can and Should be Fun
Brain research suggests that fun is not just beneficial to learning but, by many reports, required for authentic learning and long-term memory. Neurologist and educator Judy Willis’ book “Research-Based Strategies to Ignite Student Learning: Insights from a Neurologist and Classroom Teacher” (ASCD, 2006) is one of many that highlights the learning benefits of fun – “The truth is that when the joy and comfort are scrubbed from the classroom and replaced with homogeneity, and when spontaneity is replaced with conformity, students’ brains are distanced from effective information processing and long-term memory storage… The highest-level executive thinking, making of connections, and “aha” moments are more likely to occur in an atmosphere of “exuberant discovery,”…
I heard my son whisper, “This is fun!”
Leslie Fobbs is an engineer turned writer. She is currently unschooling her preteen and writing for The Hackschool Blog. She was a little hesitant at first when we asked her to review Smartick. But when she found out that Smartick is comprised of a unique curriculum that has taken the best elements from different methods and curricula, she immediately became interested and was more than happy to try and share her experience.
Leslie, in her blog post, The Smartick Method: A Tasty Dose of Daily Math for Homeschoolers, writes, “This is fun!”, I heard my son whisper to no one in particular. I secretly smiled to myself because I wasn’t expecting that reaction to a math program.’ Her son used to enjoy doing math problems, but over the last year, that changed as his interests have. ‘Today, he is happily plowing through his Smartick Method session, and I couldn’t be happier,’ says Leslie.
What is the Smartick Method and what makes it FUN?
Smartick is an online method for learning mathematics for kids between the ages 4 to 14. A unique method powered by the latest Artificial Intelligence. It is ability based and a child progresses at his/her own pace, building self-confidence, avoiding frustration, and developing a positive attitude toward math.
All Smartick students undergo an initial level assessment in which the program proposes questions ranging in difficulty and styles to assess each child’s math level and learning pace, starting from the basics. After children complete their level assessment, Smartick is able to create their personalized study plan based on their individual strengths and weaknesses. There are no pre-loaded sets of exercises and each student follows a unique learning path and study program.
‘With consistent daily use, there are a lot of midterm and long-term benefits that go far beyond just gaining mathematical knowledge.’, writes Leslie. According to her, the Smartick Method will:
- Help create a routine study habit
- Help avoid math burn out
- Keep the student motivated and wanting to come back
- Use gamification elements to improve concentration levels and keep the student engaged
Smartick also reinforces cognitive skills such as perception, attention, memory and logical reasoning. Visit Homeschooling Heroes to read more about what a Smartick session is like.
With Smartick, parents can stay more involved and have a lot of fun with their child’s education experience. They can monitor every aspect of their child’s use of the program including his/her performance, progress, and how he/she spends the ticks. Both Leslie and her son recommend Smartick for parents and kids who want them to excel in math with minimal frustration.
Want to see for yourself what Smartick can do for your family? Sign up for your free trial now!
Learn More:
- The Relationship Between Thinking and Learning
- PowerFM South Africa: Smartick Teaches Children to Love Maths
- Smartick, the Right Math Incentive
- One Method for a Medley of Families
- Differences between IXL and Smartick
Post Graduate of Corporate Communication from IE Business School (Madrid), Madhumita has extensive experience in fast-paced and multicultural environments demanding strong organizational, technical and interpersonal skills.
She is also an ambassador for multiple NGOs active towards empowerment of underprivileged children through education.
She is learned in Kathak and Bharatnatyam, Classical Indian dances, and love performing in her free time.
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