Mr D Math Pre Algebra Review: Is It A Good Online Option?
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We’re still in the years of elementary math, but it won’t be long before we’re looking for a curriculum to use for Pre-Algebra and up.
This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
Mr D Math Pre Algebra is a great option for many homeschool families and is most certainly on our radar as we look to navigate the future years.
If you’re curious how this curriculum works and what is on offer, keep reading.
What to Expect from Mr D Math Pre Algebra
This isn’t my first time sharing about Mr D Math.
They offer quite a plethora of not just math, but other subjects as well.
This is an online curriculum that really does work well and provides for the educational needs of many homeschooling families.
Let’s talk a bit about what you can expect from this math course.
Pricing
As a homeschooling mom of three, I know just how much affordability matters when it comes to homeschool curriculum. I’m sure you can relate to not wanting to compromise on quality, but also needing affordable resources.
I believe that Mr D Math is very reasonable for all the resources that are offered to you when decide to use their curriculum.
Here’s what you’ll get when you purchase a course from Mr D Math:
- Self-paced year-round learning – you can start whenever
- Pre-recorded lessons
- Computer-graded quizzes, tests, and exams
- Pace chart available to complete the course in 34-weeks
- Access to a live teacher three times a week via scheduled extra help sessions
- Daily email support
You will get all of that for a one-time cost of $217USD.
If you do a bit of research you’ll find many math curriculums priced similarly, but without the online teaching and feedback. Therefore, you get a whole lot more bang for your buck with this math curriculum.
Interface
Not every homeschool family is going to be super tech savvy. In fact, I know that many homeschool families make a point to avoid too much use of screens and technology in general.
Therefore, having a user interface that is simple to navigate and quick to understand is vital.
I’ve reviewed many online programs and have certainly found some to be lacking in this department.
With Mr D Math that is not the case at all. Everything is very intuitive and simple to use. You’re not going to have to spend hours just trying to figure out how to use the program.
After purchasing your chosen course, you’ll be given clear access instructions.
Once you’ve logged in, you can easily see the courses that you’re enrolled in.
Each course is simple to navigate and you can easily see your student’s progress through the lessons.
There’s also an overview of quiz scores.
You’ll find a calendar tab that shows which events and classes are upcoming.
Everything that your student needs is right there.
I found the pre-recorded lessons to be simple to follow and yet still engaging. I like that students can pause at any time and go back to rewatch a portion they need more time on.
Gamification
One of the newest additions to Mr. D Math’s Pre-Algebra program is the gamification feature, and I have to say, I’m really impressed.
The great thing about it is that it doesn’t distract from the actual learning. The content is exactly the same as before, but now there’s the option to make it a bit more fun and motivating.
Basically, students earn points and badges by completing quizzes, which is a great way to add some positive reinforcement.
If your kids are anything like mine, they love being able to see their progress visually. It’s a huge boost for motivation—especially for those who might be a bit reluctant when it comes to math practice. Plus, the ability to earn badges makes it feel like an accomplishment rather than just another grade.
One of the things I really appreciate is that students can do quizzes over again if they want to improve their scores or try for a new badge. This approach is really encouraging because it takes away that fear of failing.
Instead of feeling defeated by a low score, kids see it as a chance to keep trying, which aligns so well with the whole idea of mastery. It’s such a simple addition, but it makes a big difference.
If your child enjoys seeing their achievements in a visual way or just needs a little extra motivation to tackle math practice, this feature is definitely worth checking out.
It’s a great way to make math a bit more enjoyable without losing focus on the actual skills they’re building.
The Lessons
Lessons aren’t overly long. In fact, they’re just the right length to teach the topic well without dragging on and losing the student’s interest.
The lessons at the beginning of the course outline everything the year will entiail and go over what resources are required. Any printables found in those intro lessons as well.
One of the biggest perks of this course is the ability for students to go at their own pace. None of us learn exactly the same and at exactly the same rate. Therefore, it’s important to allow time for review and repetition for your student.
This course naturally allows for that.
The Best Features
Personally, there are some features that I really enjoy.
The ability for children to be more independent with their learning is a big plus. It not only takes some of the workload off of mom’s shoulders, but also encourages self-motivation and confidence in students.
This is not a condemning curriculum. I mean that in the sense that students are encouraged to mark their work and to simply try again until they understand the concept.
Test scores are not meant to show failure but to highlight where students may need some more help understanding a concept.
This is a feature that is very often lacking in traditional school settings. In a class of many students there isn’t time to give each and every child the tailored education that the personally require.
Mr D Math allows for this to happen in a very natural and simple way.
If needed, there are optional extra help sessions for students. This is great for those times when particular concepts may just be a little more challenging to understand.
I am a big believer in still having a tangible aspect to learning in the sense that I don’t love for everything to be online.
There’s something about holding a pencil in your hand and writing things down that just helps to solidify everything.
That’s why I’m very happy that Mr D Math still offers a physical workbook option to use along with the online program.
Testing
Many homeschool families are required to show proof of learning and test scores. If that’s you then Mr D Math is a really great option as all of that is built in.
Even if you’re not required to have your children take tests, they’re a valuable tool for evaluating progress and learning needs.
I think Mr D Math offers one of the most gentle ways to quiz children on their progress. It’s empowering and encouraging rather than feeling like failure is looming.
Who Is It Best For?
So, who is Mr D Math Pre Algebra best for?
There are many homeschooling families this online math curriculum will work for. However, I believe that it will work especially well for families looking for something to fill these specific needs:
An Online Option
Obviously, it’s an online program and therefore it fits the bill perfectly for families looking to outsource some teaching. If you’re a busy homeschool mom looking to reduce your teaching load a bit, then I think Mr D Math is a great option to consider.
Grading & Feedback
As children progress in math the workload on mom tends to increase when it comes to grading. Children may become more independent with their work but there’s still all the checking to do.
If this is something you’d like to ease then this is a curriculum that will do that for you.
Travel-Friendly
Do you travel often? If so, then this is a wonderful resource to consider using for math. You won’t have to keep physical books with you. You can also access this course as long as you have an internet connection.
Find out More About Mr D Math
One of the reasons I really enjoy recommending this program to homeschoolers is because of the mindset behind it.
A while back I was given the opportunity to read and review the book TEACH by Dennis DiNoia. It was a really great way to understand the heart and method behind his online math courses. The approach he takes to encouraging students towards independent learning really is admirable. You can find out more about that book here in this post.
Final Thoughts
Pre Algebra is where homeschoolers start dipping their toes into higher level math. It can seem really daunting, especially if you struggled with math yourself.
Mr D Math is such a wonderful resource for providing both homeschool parents and their students with the confidence to learn math and learn it well.
I’m so grateful that there are so many solid homeschool math options on offer now. It takes so much of the burden off of homeschool moms’ shoulders.
I highly recommend checking out Mr D Math Pre Algebra and all there is on offer.
