As a teacher, I often find myself thinking ahead on items that I buy for my two boys. Not only should it be fun, developmentally appropriate and safe, but I look for an educational component. Of course, not everything has this, but it is definitely high on my list. Just call it the teacher in me!

Growing up, I always loved math and science. Unfortunately, the reality is that many people are often scared of these two areas, math in particular. I recall having students that would tell me that they probably would not get a topic in school because their parents were not good at the subject area. Let me tell you, that is a tough mountain to climb once that thought has been put into a child’s head.

My oldest son, NHL, is six and loves all things Math. He will often ask to write math equations for fun. When I was asked by Mom Central to review a Munchkin Math DVD I immediately signed up for the blog tour. Here is a little bit about Munchkin Math:

Created by a teacher and Mom of 3 young boys who understands the importance of everyday learning, Munchkin Math enhances mathematical skills by reinforcing important concepts like counting money and telling time. A product of  Standout Math, a math and vocabulary curriculum taught in over 30 states in Elementary schools, Munchkin Math helps children across the country get a head start in school. Targeted at preschool and early-elementary school children, the curriculum uses a unique multi-sensory approach, combining oral, visual, and kinesthetic activities that help kids understand and remember what they learn. 

Munchkin Math’s three titles, Shapes!, Telling Time!, and Counting Money! each focus on foundational math concepts and use interactive rhymes, chants, and hand movements to keep kids engaged in the lessons.

Our Thoughts:

We received the Counting Money! (ages 3-9) DVD to review. Watching as a teacher, I like the way the DVD was set up. Wendy Miller, the creator of Munchkin Math, has an introduction that explains to children why money is important. She uses children in the DVD along with herself to actively engage her young viewers. Keeping the dialogue simple and using a lot of rhyme, rhythm and repetition along with easy props helps to bring home the message. I also liked the use of real math vocabulary and practices. A hands on approach is fabulous, especially for early elementary ages children.

Another item that I liked was the list of topics that was included on the DVD when you started. You can pick one area, or simply play the entire DVD from start to finish. The Munchkin Math – Counting Money! DVD includes the following areas:

1. Coins  – The Coin Name Game
2. Dollars – Dollar Chant
3. The Dollar & Cent Signs
4. Trading and Sorting – Make a Money Worm – Money Worm Song

Money has become a hot topic with my 6 year old son. NHL now understand that each coin has values. The catchy songs on this DVD will definitely assist him in learning about money and the importance of being able to count what you have with you and the change you receive after a purchase.

Where to purchase: The Munchkin Math series is now conveniently available at Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, BJ’s Wholesale Clubs, and Amazon.com. 

Munchkin Math Twitter Party:

In addition to the Blog Tour, Mom Central is also running a Twitter giveaway between December 9 and December 16. Anyone who posts using the hashtag #MunchkinMath will be entered to win one of three Munchkin Math DVD sets, which include all three Munchkin Math titles. Example tweets:

• Give your child a head start in math with Munchkin Math DVDs. RT to enter to win 1 of 3 prize packs! #MunchkinMath

OR

• Giveaway: Kids get a head start in math with Munchkin Math’s Shapes, Telling Time, and Counting Money DVDs. RT to enter! #MunchkinMath

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Munchkin Math and received a sample DVD to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.