Summer Learning: Free Math Site for Kids

This summer, Matthew and Elias are spending lots of quality time together since Matthew’s work schedule is much more flexible than mine. I thought it would be cool to have him write this sponsored blog post.

Now that Elias has completed kindergarten and his first summer is in full swing, he and I are spending a lot of time together. Though some weeks he’s participating in day camps, he’ll also be spending a few weeks home with me.

And while we’ve planned a few fun activities, summer isn’t just about playing. One goal that Jessica and I have is to avoid the “summer slide” by ensuring Elias continues to strengthen his reading, vocabulary, and math skills. Elias loves learning, but like many kids, he isn’t always thrilled when we throw workbooks or learning exercises in front of him.

Because of this, Jessica and I are always looking for free or inexpensive resources to help us creatively engage Elias with educational exercises. Although, I must admit that anytime an educational resource promises fun related to arithmetic, I’m a bit skeptical.

This skepticism is why I was so pleasantly surprised by is UMIGO.com, a fun (and free) site dedicated to teaching math skills to first and second graders.

This brand new website, funded in part by a US Department of Education Ready to Learn grant awarded to WTTW Chicago Public Media, offers a brilliant narrative-based learning experience that Elias thoroughly enjoys. (The same grant also funds shows like Sesame Street and Super Why.)

He loves it so much that he often asks me if he can play “those math games online.”

By using fun characters, humorous situations, and musical interludes, UMIGO engages Elias with games and practices that push and challenge his ability to perform mathematical problem solving. The site’s educational content also aligns with the Common Core Standards for Mathematics.

And as I mentioned, UMIGO is free. You don’t even have to sign up for anything, which I especially appreciation. You simply log on and select an “appisode” for your child to begin.

UMIGO’s design and functionality is relatively simple. After a few minutes, Elias was using the site on his own. And heck, Adeline (only 4) was looking over his shoulder, often counting along with him!

Sholly Fisch, a 25-year education veteran who is the President and Founder of MediaKidz Research & Consulting developed UMIGO. Fisch’s core passion is writing and developing creative educational content, bridging together math skill with a colorful Nick Jr.-like narrative that keeps kids interested. His experience and expertise is very evident. In addition to a fun learning experience for your child, UMIGO also offers helpful resources and information for parents.

I honestly can’t recommend UMIGO enough. For Elias, it’s been a fun way to not only utilize skills he learned in kindergarten but also a way for him to build on that knowledge and engage new mathematical skill sets. I think you – and your kids – will love it.