School will be back in session soon. This means mom and dad will be back to helping the kids with all that homework. What subjects do you prefer? My specialties are in helping with English, religion, spelling, and special projects that involve crafting. Hubby has always handled the math.
I dreaded the math homework. I've always been rather horrible at explaining it properly, but not this year. This year I have visual aids. Better yet, my visual aids are disguised as a game that can be played in a "zillion" different ways. My homework aid is called the Zillio.
I've put off reviewing the Zillio for quite a while now, not because I didn't really like it. In fact, I put the review off because it's rather hard to describe fully how helpful this product has proved to be. There is so much you can do with the Zillio. I have used it with my two year old twins, my 9 year old, my 11 year old, and ... you get the idea. I'm ahead of myself though, because I haven't even told you what it is yet.
Reason number 2 that I delayed this review, what indeed is the Zillio? Do I call it a game or a teaching device? I guess you could say it is both or perhaps I should simply tell you what my kids call it, "the math mountain".
The Zillio math mountain allows parents, teachers, and kids to have a visual way to discuss math concepts. It's a way to move beyond pen and paper with your child and really help them to "see" the equation. The Zillio extends beyond just aiding kids with it's many game play options as well.
The Zillio system is available in a few different formats including the Mega Mountain, Mini Mountain, and the 2D platform. I was provided with both the Mini Mountain and 2D Playground for purposes of this review and we've put them both to good use. The 2D playground is a flat laminated 24" by 24" poster / game board. It's perfect for someone with serious space issues or to even hang up in your study space for quick reference. We keep that one in a desk drawer upstairs and have the mini mountain downstairs on the game shelves.
Reason number 3 that I delayed this review, my math homework secret is now revealed.
If you are interested in learning more you want to check out this link to a video that shows a Zillio being used in a classroom, or just head over to www.zilliogames.com for to read more.