Comments on: Math Mat Challenge Game

By: Marc Brown

Marc Brown — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:13:08 +0000

I tutor a boy who has trouble in math. We play this every time I tutor him and it has helped him with his basic math. It’s GREAT for kids with high energy because they can jump around on the mat. I HIGHLY recommend this.

By: Sheryl Redman

Sheryl Redman — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:13:08 +0000

The kids really enjoy this one, especially my grandson. It allows him to build speed at solving math problems while burning off some of that excess energy he always has. Great for rainy days when we’re stuck inside!

By: Jessica A. Galbraith

Jessica A. Galbraith — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:13:08 +0000

I bought this for my children for Christmas. I got it out and started playing it with them and they were all excited to play it but lost interest after they kept stepping accidentally on the “start over” button that is positioned right next to the number three. I covered it with my hand but they still lost their balance and hit it.

By: Saito

Saito — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:13:08 +0000

I got it for my nephew and he loved it. He was happy to stomp around on the mat.

It is very colorful and the voice asking the questions is just about loud enough.

A few Cons: 1) Picture gives an impression of it being about 40% larger than it is, hence the boy inadvertently steps on the repeat the question or restart portion sometimes, although this could be an advantage if you have smaller space; 2) As in other reviews, it was confusing for the boy to see the numbers upside down, since he is inside the mat and sees the numbers in a strange way; 3) The voice could be louder, although it’s fine generally.

Overall, though, I think it’s a good product and I would recommend it.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:13:08 +0000

I got this last Christmas when the grandparents were all out of gift ideas. I figured it would be another “educational” toy that didn’t get much use. And in fact, if I let it sit on the shelf, it doesn’t see the light of day much. However, when my kids (5 and 7) are “doing” school, this is a welcome alternative to other math facts practice. I do need to direct its use a little, otherwise my son (5) has a tendency to pick the “numbers and counting” game, which is too easy. Then he gets bored and walks away. But if I ask him to play a round of addition or subtraction (particularly if I tell him the alternative would be to work in his math workbook), he follows through and seems to enjoy it. I suspect the gross motor aspect of this toy helps the information get lodged in there in a different way than other practice, so that’s nice. I particularly like that level 1 covers math facts through 10, and level 2 through 20. This allows me to pick the right leve for both kids, without it being too easy or too hard. I think it is at the right level for both kids now, and we will likely get reasonable occasional use out of it for a couple of years to come.