Soft Basics Complete Review
Softbasics Software
You may request a free copy of the 7 program Softpak (4 math, 1 language arts, 2 testing) for just a $4.50 s&h.
Scott Cary from Softbasics is a Catholic educator. He contacted me to inquire about passing the word on about his software. I was happy to have my kids try it out - the price is right - later on in the newsletter, I have details of the special offer he is making. I want to support his effort. He is a Catholic parishioner in Massachuetts and I always enjoy passing on information to support Catholic small businesses.
The product uses a very basic interface - and it offers lots of features.
Math User - there are two types of exercises - either true / false or multiple choice. You will find three levels (A, B, and C) with 20 exercises in each level. The problems are word problems.
An example of a T/F, Level A, Exercise 18 is:
The coach wanted us to run for 10 minutes on the track. We ran 10 laps around the 200 yard track so we ran 2000 yards. You answer True or False and then Click Next. If you select the incorrect answer, it simply states that it is incorrect.
Math Maker allows you to generate printable worksheets - addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division, fractions, decimals/percents, estimations and word problems. You can
print from 1-35 copies along with the answer keys. The Facts are broken up by group - 1-6, 1-9
for +,-,X,/ and for fractions you can select a specific operation. When you select the set of
problems you then click the Print Dir. button.
Test Maker: This is where you can make up your own true / false or multiple choice questions, or set up to 10 Wordlist Masters - each Wordlist Master can contain 30 word lists of up to 20 words in each list that can then be used in the Language Arts Master for spelling lists and more.
Language Arts also has homonyms, correcting spelling errors where there are 4 words displayed and you need to select the incorrect spelling and even better a find and fix exercise where not only do they find the wrong word in the group of 4, they must then spell it correctly. There is a Reading list that runs off the word lists you set up in the Test Maker or there are sight words and other sets of word lists set up. Another handy feature is the Reading (Word Groups) that features common phrases, clauses, and sentences with 10 levels in each. Reading specialists have noted that a feature missing from reading programs is a way to develop fluency in a systematic way for readers who need extra help. There is also a Reading Passage section with some comprhension questions that follow. Finally in this section is a Writing Correction exercises where sentences are displayed and you must find the error and spell the words correctly.
Test Master: Allows you to use the items you set up in Test Maker to print out tests - true / false and multiple choice.
TF Math Master offers another way to drill in a game format - they are not flashy games, but just a different way to drill using a baseball game to practice facts and run the bases, Look Over Here flashes math problems with an answer in various boxes in a grid and you need to select T or F before time runs out. Racing to Win pits you against a computer car to answer the math problems t or f getting to the finish line first. There is also Beat the Clock, All Things Equal and several other activities.
I like the variety and simplicity of the screen - the programs aren't glitzy - you may have a bit of problem getting used to the interface, but for the price, it is an effective means of adding some necessary drill work into our homeschool programs.
You may request a free copy of the 7 program Softpak (4 math, 1 language arts, 2 testing) for just a $4.50 s&h.
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