Aha! Math Software for Everyday Math

The teachers and students at Elda have been fortunate in getting a trial account to use software called Aha! Math. The software was created by the same company who produced EasyTech. EasyTech is web-based software that provides standards-based tutorials, interactive lessons and activities for teachers and students to learn technology skills. Aha! Math uses the same teacher management system, however is based around Math standards. The version we are currently using is designed to work with the Everyday Math program that has already been implemented into the Math curriculum. Like EasyTech, it is also web-based and interactive. Students really seem to enjoy (and of course learn from) using the Math software. It has instruction modules that will explain the concepts to students and "re-teach" the concepts. It also has lessons, which are interactive and will teach students concepts along with helping them actually work out problems. Once they are comfortable with a skill, they move on to learning games. These are not regular games! They incorporate problem-solving skills, practice time for students, and increase in difficulty as students get correct answers. Students accumulate points as they progress through the games and higher levels. The software will also provide immediate feedback if the child needs more explanation. Once the students have had time to practice they move on to a quiz over what they have learned. It is a great way for teachers to track progress!

The software targets students in grades K-5. The feedback from Elda teachers and students has been fantastic! The software really works well for differentiated instruction. Students who need more help can work through the tutorials on their own or at home with parents, then practice the skills. The software also provides opportunity for students to move ahead if they need more of a challenge. This happens by increasing the difficulty level of the games or moving on to new concepts assigned by the teachers but not covered in the classroom yet. Teachers have complete control over what the students are working on and assigned. They can also run grade book reports to see how the students are performing. The students will even have access to the software over the summer to keep their skills sharp!