Accelerated Individualized Mastery (AIM) for Addtion and Subtraction from Math-U-See Review

{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.}


I was so excited when I saw that Math-U-See now offers Accelerated Individualized Mastery (AIM) for Addition and Subtraction, I knew that I wanted us to try it.  This program was developed for students that are older who are struggling with math because they have gaps in their math foundations (specifically with addition and subtraction facts).  For those not familiar with Math-U-See, their program teaches using multi-sensory tools - videos, manipulatives, and other resources that appeal to all types of learners.  Through this process of "seeing" math, you begin to really understand it.

 Our AIM Box

Inside our box

This particular program has a physical set and a digital component.  They physical set includes an AIM resource guide, Math-U-See Integer blocks, Math-U-See colored pencils, Fact Check Cards and Math Fact Strategy Posters.

 Our Fact Check Cards

 Our cards after separating them.
{The stars are used to measure mastery.  When facts are known the stars are colored in.}

I love the different colors of our Integer blocks, each number of blocks is a different color.  The individual ones are green, the blocks with two are orange, the blocks with three are pink, etc.

 The colored pencils are the exact same colors as the Integer blocks.

 A peek inside our AIM Resource Guide

Our guide is awesome.  Not only does it explain the AIM approach, but it also contains step-by-step instructions for each lesson, strategies for assessing mastery, guidance on the next steps along with sample activities for practice and review.  I also really appreciate the lessons at a glance pages.

 The Build, Write, Say method is a huge part of this program to help students learn mastery of their addition and subtraction facts.

Our Online Component

The digital component gives us 12 months of access to the online and downloadable resources that are available to support the AIM program.  I like that the online component has both overview and lesson-specific videos and instructions along with solutions with additional practice resources!  You can print extra consumables in the resource section.

 There is a Before AIM Assessment to determine if AIM is right for your child.

E's score is in red.  D's is in purple and F's is in orange.

I completed this assessment with several of the kids.  It has written instructions and a short video so that you know that you are administering it correctly.  D and E both scored a 117 (kind of funny they would get the same number), which means they have a solid foundation for addition and subtraction.  F scored a 47, which meant the AIM for Addition and Subtraction program will benefit him in his math fact fluency so I'm using it with him!

Above you can see the first online lesson on Integer Blocks.  You can see when you are watching the first lesson there are 4 blue boxes underneath:  Lesson box, Activities box, Resources box and Assessments box.

 F watching Lesson 1

 When you click the Activities box you then have several options open:  Color Key, Integer Block Matching Game, Integer Blocks (Colors and Values) and Color-by-Block Value Activity.

Above you can see the color key of the pencils matched with their Integer Blocks.

In Lesson 3, there is also a Solutions tab for the problems.

 Above is an example of what you see in the solutions tab for the word problems in Lesson 3.

The Resources tab in Lesson 3 contains  Online Drill, Worksheet Generator, Digital Manipulatives, Addition Facts Mastery Chart and Subtraction Facts Mastery Chart.

 F working on Lesson 1 Activity C

 F building with our Integer blocks.

G likes to watch!

While this program is geared for students a bit older (8-16) who haven't mastered addition and subtractions facts, use their fingers for counting, and/or begin struggling as math concepts increase in difficult, it's going well using it with F and I am pleased.  Again, AIM for Addition and Subtraction specifically focuses on mastery of single-digit addition and subtraction.  This program can be completed at the student's pace, usually 6-8 weeks, but again, the student can and should set the pace as you move on as mastery is acquired.  We are using it at a slightly slower pace since F is a bit younger.  If you have a student struggling with basic addition and subtraction facts, AIM is a great program to use to help them strengthen and master these math concepts. 

It is important to remember that AIM is not a full math curriculum but a supplement.  It can be used with multiple students, each one will need individualized attention and will most likely progress at different rates.  The lessons are very short and focused and designed to be done with help via a parent or other instructor.

How we store our set.

All the planning and lesson preparation leg work for this program is done for you.  Just follow the guide and online lessons and watch your student learn!

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Smartick Review

You guys know that we really enjoy math and fun math programs.  My kids were super excited to receive a 6 month online subscription to Smartick by Smartick.  Smartick is a math enrichment program that combines math, reading comprehension, logic and reasoning all into one!  Even though it is geared for children ages 4-14, I went ahead and set up an account for F-A (ages 5-15).  Smartick recommends just 15 minutes a day 4-5 times a week for best results with their program.  I do want to warn you, my kids like to spend much more than 15 minutes a day on Smartick, they love it so much.  Smartick can be used on a computer but my kids prefer using in on our Ipad.

Children learn at their own pace and individual needs.

Smartick doesn't just focus on a student's age and grade but adapts to how quickly a child learns, or their learning pace.  I'm not going to pretend to understand this but the Smartick methodology alternates math with logic and reasoning sessions and using their algorithm adjusts to the students needs - this is great for optimal learning.

 D's Homescreen and Virtual World

Let's go inside the program.  Each student can set up their account with their chosen avatar, hairstyle, clothing, etc.  Above you can see D with her dark hair and purple dress.  After completing their 15 minute daily session, students can do a plethora of things including purchasing items from the store (using ticks that they earn during their sessions), participate in competitions at the gym, and play a variety of different games to name a few.  The questions range in difficulty and topic depending on the progression of the student - remember, it adapts to them.

Here is an example of a question during one of D's sessions.

Here is a question during F's session.

F during a session

F completing a session.

D starting a session.

D working on a session

This session for B is going to be a logic session.

E starting her session.

E working on her session.

In this session, 10 ticks were earned.

If corrections are made accurately, students earn an extra tick.

After completing their 15 minute session, students are always given the opportunity to earn an extra tick by correcting all the problems that they missed.  I love this because it helps them see what they got wrong and they love getting the extra tick.

The Smartick Store

As I mentioned before, students earn ticks as they answer questions and progress through the program.  They have the option of spending those ticks in several ways.  One way is to purchase things at the store.  They can purchase clothing, accessories for your avatar, pets, food and items for your pets like a pet bed and you can purchase gifts and send them to your friends.  There are some items that are only available as gifts.  The kids like to buy gifts and send them to each other.

Here D is thinking about getting the butterfly costume.  She can try it on her avatar before deciding if she wants to purchase it.

C's Homescreen, he loves his house with a pool.  You can see above that the various houses range in price.

 Here you can see inside C's house with a pool. You can see he has a pet dragon.


Here you can see inside E's house and all the pets she has acquired.

Here is F's Homescreen with the nighttime background (there are several background options to chose from).  You can see his avatar near the wishing well. 

Inside the wishing well you can spend a tick to make a wish.  You will get a response or answer to your wish, usually within the next day or so.  Above you can see E asking for help with her math and then asking for the snake to not be sold out.

 D's Homescreen Again, you can see the game console in the center of the screen.  There are lots of games that you can choose to play.

 Here you can see some of the game options available.  There are four different categories - memory, reasoning, attention and flexibility.

 Here you can see inside a memory card game.

And here is an online version of the classic game Simon.

 Inside D's treehouse you can see that she is friends with C.

 In the gym, you can participate in math competitions with other students.  You can choose your theme - multiplication, division, etc.

Currently D is in the top 3% in competitions.

Smartick is not parent-intensive but there is a parent section that allows parents to monitor usage and improvement.  You can also set up email notifications.  I really enjoy getting notifications that tell me how the kids are doing in their sessions.  I get the date, time and breakdown for each child's session.

Here is an example of a progress report that was emailed to me for F.  It tells me that he was outstanding at his session and breaks down the exercises into speed and accuracy.  It also sends you a reminder that your student should be performing the sessions on their own so that the course adjusts to their current level.

Here is an example of one of C's progress reports for a logic session.

Students also earn diplomas and certificates along the way.  Above you see one of E's diamond diploma.

All of my kids absolutely love this program.  They talk about it so much.  I have never heard them talk about a math program more than this one.  In fact, G is a bit jealous that he doesn't have a Smartick account.  He tells me that when he is older and he can chew gum and play Smartick he will be so happy.  If you are looking for a fun math and logic program for your child, this is definitely worth looking into.

Check out Smartick's short video below for more information.

Be sure to click on the banner below to visit the Homeschool Review Crew blog to read more reviews of Smartick.

You can engage with Smartick on social media @:

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