Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.
My son and I have had a chance to review ThemeVille Math Grade 1 over the last month or so. This program is set up as a workbook based program that can be completed without additional resources. However, there are options for manipulatives as well as some video based instruction as needed.
First, this program is based on the common core standards. I know there are families that like using those standards and others that do not. We personally, do not try to adhere to common core standards but do not necessarily oppose using programs that are based on those standards. I have found that for our family, the biggest drawback is the emphasis on doing things using multiple specific methods. However, when my children have mastered a concept, we just move on to the next concept and have no problems skipping over additional methods if we do not feel they are beneficial.
While it varied a little depending on the types of problems, most lessons were one page front and back. There were plenty of problems for mastery but not an overwhelming amount of problems. Each day also included a page front and back of review questions. I like that there is review throughout the book, but personally would choose only part of the review problems rather than a full page each day in addition to a new lesson. There were ten tests throughout the book to check for mastery and retention.
The lessons start by reviewing the numbers 1-10 and then basic addition and subtraction. Then it builds up to the point that a student would be comfortable with numbers 1-100 by the end of the book. Also, included were ordinal numbers, measuring lines, and counting money.
As you go through the lessons they also incorporate word problems. This is a great way to help students understand real life application for their math. Since my son is still a very beginning reader, this did mean that I needed to be sitting with him to read each problem on the days that there were word problems.
The book was done in black and white, with the only color being on the cover. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing really depends on the child. For some children, extra color and pictures can be a distraction and this simple black and white style can help them with their focus. Other students are more interested and engaged when there are colorful graphics.
Overall, I found ThemeVille Math was a solid math program that covered the content well. It is a great option for families that would like to use the common core standards or for those children that do best when they learn a skill in several different ways. The workbook was well laid out and easy to follow and there was an answer key available (while I did not need this for first grade, it does make things much simpler as the math gets more complicated. )
I highly encourage you to click on the graphic below and see what our other Review Crew members thought about ThemeVille Math. The Crew reviewed a variety of grade levels so you can get a feel for how it works at other grade levels.
The Schoolin' Swag Blog 