Firstfirst is an online math program by the famous Saxon Math (which is what we currently use with two of our children).  We have used Saxon because they are proven to be very thorough and focus on mastery and repetition (although this program was not designed specifically to accompany Saxon users).  While I have had the privilege of viewing several supplemental math programs online, this one so far is my favorite, especially for the elementary age.  As you can see, the program is colorful and engaging.  Each child can have their own separate account that is specific to them.

Once logged on you begin by designing your own miniature “you”, which all the kids greatly enjoyed.  Some of the options are quite humorous, so this really drew them in to the program.

Once in you can choose from the following topics:

*  Addition

*  Subtraction

*  Division

*  Multiplication

Once you make your selection you begin with a Welcome Lesson, and you  have designed your miniature “you,” you can begin practicing Math Facts, which will score you based on accuracy and speed.  The nice thing about this is that the system senses if you have trouble with a particular area and will generate simpler problems if needed.  Conversely, if it senses the problems are too easy, it will prompt you to skip ahead if necessary.  After your drills, there is a quiz and ends with a display of your overall scores.  Parents can even log in to check scores as well as adjust time it gives for student to answer the drill questions.  The chart displays areas of mastery as well as areas that need work, so it is a nice checkpoint for parents.

I like the fact that this program is very colorful, not just boring black and white drills like you typically see with these types of programs.  There is a human element to this, with designing your own person, as well as many word problem type questions incorporated into many of the quizzes.  More than 360 activities accompany this to help children master the concepts, and you cannot move on to the next unit until you have achieved that mastery of skills in the current unit.

Factsfirst can be purchased for $49.99 for one year, which includes up to four student profiles.  Try a demo today here.

I was given access to this membership site in exchange for my honest opinion.