Customer Reviews

Rock 'N Learn: Multiplication Rap

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The word "rap" being tied to this monstrosity is just laughable! There isn't one single rhyme on the entire DVD, I could have recorded my students pounding better beats on their desks, and there's a bad 80's song out there somewhere that wants its keyboard riffs back. I actually remember being taught by a "rap" technique in the 80's called "wrap-ups" that was 100 times more effective: it included worksheets and kinesthetic learning tools. This DVD does not include any strategy.

I wanted a new tool to help out my struggling students- I don't mind corny- but I wouldn't even think about using this because it's not even catchy. They go through each number sequentially and this is the extent of the rap: 4 x 1 is 4. 4 x 2 is 8. 4 x 3 is 12. Say that outloud to a beat and call it teaching, but there's no way that this is going to stick in a childs head.

Don't waste your money.

The target audience for this DVD is children eight years and older. Like its counterpart Rock 'N Learn: Multiplication Rock, it is best used as a reinforcement tool for students who are already working with multiplication tables in school.

Multiplication tables are shown sequentially from 2 x 1 to 2 x 12 and so on, up to 12 x 12, each set being repeated with a slight pause before the answer is given. This allows the child a chance to practice saying the tables. It also mentions multiplying numbers by zero and one as a part of the introduction.

Unfortunately, the "rapping" isn't very good (at least by current standards), and only takes place during the introductory and closing segments of each set of numbers. While the tables are being shown, it is in the same monotone as the tables in Multiplication Rock, and this was a bit of a disappointment. However, I must acknowledge that this DVD was made back in 2004, and I understand that an updated version is in the works, with better music and graphics.

Despite the bad rap, I've found that it's easier to get children to practice their multiplication tables when music and video are involved, so just choose whichever type of music you think would best hold your child's interest (rock or rap) and get the relevant DVD. Both are helpful in getting children to repeat and memorize tables.

Recommended for students from around seven and up, who need a little help in memorizing the multiplication tables they're learning in school. (I would however suggest waiting for the updated version to see if they can beat the rap)

Rated: 3.5 stars

Amanda Richards, April 17, 2008

This DVD is not one to teach your child the multiplication facts but one to use to sharpen their multiplication skills. The music is fast, loud and upbeat. My classes both enjoyed and were challenged by this DVD. This is great "sponge" activity for teachers.

Multiplication Rap is an award-winning children's DVD that uses an energetic, hip-hop theme to teach young people ages eight and up about multiplication. Colorful computer-animated characters lead viewers through songs that help drill facts about multiplication through 12, as well as a new "What is Multiplication?" feature and a "Skip Counting" feature make Multiplication Rap perfect for showing at home or in the classroom. Multiplication Rap is an excellent addition to public library children's DVD collections as well! 50 minutes.

I think we have almost every video Rock 'N Learn makes, and they are great! If you don't have one...then get it. A must have to help your struggling child.

GREAT! Enough said! Seriously, my daughter simply hated the idea of having to learn the multiplication table. After many exercises and tables, I found this product. I enjoyed it myself. I also purchased the Rock version - so fun! The video goes beyond the tables, it emphasized the importance of knowing the table as well as implementing mnemonics.

I purchased this DVD for my 7 year old who is learning multiplication and she absolutely LOVES it and so do I . The rapping actually rhymes and there is a rhythm which is easy to memorize. my daughter was able to mimic they rhyme and memorize her times table with the help of this DVD . The best part of this DVD is when the rapping mouse gets done going through a list of numbers for example 2x2 = 2 , 2x3=6 and so forth . He will go through it again and the child would have to shout out the answer before he does . I like it and think it is worth the money . It helps to encourage the child to learn it and make the best of it .

I was trying to find an alternative to boring multiplication memorization and thought the dvd would contain musical jingles that would stick in her head. This was not the case at all. The songs were boring and uninspiring.

Fun Multiplication rap DVD. Start your kids early. Have to know all their multiplications 0-12's by the end of 4th grade.