Carlito C. Caterpillar's MathHouse Games (& a giveaway!)

My Ian is a very special little boy!  He brings so much joy and laughter into our home.  But, he’s VERY DIFFERENT from my girls.  He’s 5 now, and I knew that we needed to start some “formal” schooling with him this year.  Boy, has he been teaching me a LOT of lessons!  Let’s just say it’s a very good thing that I receive so many great homeschool products as a result of my job.  Otherwise, I’d be very poor.  We try one thing, find it doesn’t work or he bores with it, and we’ve got more great things to move onto and try.  I’ll be posting more reviews of products that have worked this year with Ian, but today I’m talking about Carlito C. Caterpillar’s MathHouse Games . . .

Games have certainly proven to be a great way to teach Ian.  To him, it’s just quality bonding time with mom – he has no idea that he’s actually learning.  I feel almost deceitful playing games and calling it school; yet I’m seeing exactly how much he is learning and committing to memory through the use of games, and I’m amazed. 

Here’s a bit about these math games:

Carlito C. Caterpillar's MathHouse™ Game Cards
Based on Domenico’s proprietary 20 Step Sensory Math Teaching System
Featuring two uniquely designed games to demonstrate each step (40 games in all)
The set contains

• 30 double-sided, full color, illustrated Game Cards
• Related editorial information explaining to parents The What, Why and How of Each Step
• Each 8" x 4" loose leaf card is printed on heavy card stock, lacquered to help protect from spills and ring bound to keep together and facilitate play

While we haven’t had time to actually play many of these games yet, I know these will come in handy over the next few years.  I was impressed just reading the introductory cards.  A few things stood out to me that I wanted to share . . .

When primary age children are asked “What is your favorite subject?”, a great number say “math.” Ask the same question to older students, and the answer changes.  Why? The approach veers away from play and games to the 3 R’s: rules, repetition, and rote.

I found this to be a true scenario with my oldest daughter, Ashley (who is now 17).  I started out homeschooling her and she loved math.  I sent her to public school for 2 1/2 years (from 2nd-4th grade) and she came home absolutely hating math.  What happened in that time?  The fun of math was taken away from her. 

I found the Myths and Realities of Early Mathematical Learning to be very informative also. You can read these for yourself here.

Many of the math games require manipulatives that can be downloaded on the website. Printable achievement certificates can also be printed out at this same link.

These games are appropriate for preschool through middle-elementary grades.

Would you like to try Carlito C. Caterpillar’s MathHouse Games with your child(ren)?  Great!  I have one free copy of these math cards to give away to one of my readers!  Click on the “read more” link below to find out how YOU can win!

NOTE: I received the game card set mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I only recommend products or services that I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.