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Hi, my name is Melissa. Pour yourself a cup of tea and stay a while. I'm completely devoted to my Savior, madly in love with my husband, and joyously raising my daughters. I'm so glad you stopped by and I hope you enjoy your time here!

Monday, March 11, 2013

Touch Math: Preschool Review

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Grace is my youngest. She has only ever known home-learning. Even though my oldest had a year at kindergarten, her other sister was learning to read that year. There was no transition for Grace because it was simply normal. Maybe it's because she's the third or maybe it's just personality, but I cannot seem to give this little girl enough learning to satisfy her! She has her own curriculum and daily work, just like her sisters, but it is never enough.

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I was beyond ecstatic to review Touch Math's Pre-K program with Grace. For $59.95 even the youngest learners are able to learn basic math. The printable pdf files are engaging, but not distracting with unnecessary graphics or colors which I often feel take away from the concepts. However, the manipulatives used with this program are brightly colored and engaging in a way that causes the child to want to use them!

Grace could not wait to get her hands on them! We received our package on a Friday afternoon. One glimpse of the beautiful numbers and number cards cause a period of jumping and cheering from my three-y-ear-old. The Texture Cards and 3D Numerals (Sold separately) kept her entertained by themselves for almost an hour with her Grandma the next day. She touched each number, practiced tracing them, counted whatever object or character was on the card, and overall simply enjoyed these thoroughly. The 3D Numerals were a great way to introduce each number. I was surprised to find out she already recognizes her numbers consistently and we had fun using these to identify numbers of objects on the worksheets as well as around the room. Included in the numeral box are pdf files on CD with activities and ideas for teaching. These manipulatives are intended to be used for more than one level.

Touch Math also sent us a set of Touch Shapes. These transparent, colorful shapes are so much fun! The multiple colors, shapes, and sizes provide varied levels of learning opportunities including sorting, size arrangement, and shape & color recognition.


Grace jumped right into these without hesitation! After I printed the worksheets I opted to slip them into protective covers which could be written on with dry-erase markers. This way I could reuse the lessons with her and save paper. Not to mention that she will jump at any opportunity to use markers!

In just a couple of days Grace understood the concept of equal. I hadn't considered teaching her this since I had only seen the concept in Kindergarten level materials. Touch Math gives scripted lessons which really helps me out. Sometimes I have a hard time finding the words to say to teach a new concept to my young girls. When a curriculum gives me step-by-step directions, the guess work is gone. I may have to re-explain something, but it is much easier to have a starting point.


I really liked how the worksheets incorporated both written work and manipulatives. I like math programs which give both a hands-on and traditional writing approach. We used the 3D numerals and Touch Shapes the most. Grace loved everything about this and asks daily to do her math. We typically use 3-4 worksheets a day so we're going to get through the program quickly. I have already reviewed some of the earlier pages and she loves doing them a second just as much!

I highly recommend this program for preschool math. It is not the cheapest one available, but it isn't outrageously priced and it is far and above the best I have seen for math at this age. The manipulatives are colorful, but not distracting. The pages are simple and not overwhelming with the amount of work. The concepts are challenging for this level and preparing the children for more complex math ideas. You won't be disappointed with this engaging preschool curriculum!


Don't forget to check out the other reviews from my Crewmates!

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Disclaimer
I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. No other compensation was received. 

3 comments:

  1. I loved your review. We loved this program in our household as well. Blessings!

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  2. Hooray! I've been anxiously waiting for you to post this since you made a brief mention a few weeks back! :)

    So, if you were purchasing this to use with a little boy who's turning 4 in August, what would you recommend purchasing? Would the $59.95 pack plus the touch shapes be enough? I know he's going to want his own thing once big brother begins Little Hearts For His Glory, but I want to be wise with money spent :)

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    Replies
    1. I think that would be enough. The other things are nice, but not absolutely necessary. My daughter is 3, but I plan to use this more than once and I think it is a great fit for a K4 math program. I hope you enjoy it!

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