So I found a math facts review site online called Carrot Sticks. This site is designed to be a multi-player math facts review site for grades 1-5.
When you first enter the site, students are prompted to create a character. They can choose the gender, skin color, hair, clothing, etc for the character. Once they enter the game, it's pretty simple- students are given an addition problem to solve. Students can simply type their answer using the number pad on their keyboard. For students who would like more of a challenge, on the left side of the screen they can change the level of difficulty. For every correct answer, students earn "Carrots." After earning about 300 "Carrots" students can turn them in for a reward. What is the reward you ask- good question! When I played, it prompted me to put in an email address for my parent so that a reward certificate could be emailed, however after about 30 minutes, I have yet to receive and email :( Maybe I needed to sign up in order to take advantage of the "rewards."
As a student answers more questions correctly, the questions become more difficult as well. It begins with basic single digit addition, moves on to adding with 3 numbers, then double digits, triple digits, and even vertical addition with regrouping.
On the left side of the screen, you can see other students who are playing and the number of carrots that they have earned. You can challenge other students and they can challenge you as well. I had two or three people try to challenge me, but I didn't think that would be too fair to the other student!
One thing that I thought was deceiving about the website was a place on the left side of the screen where it appears as though you can select other types of problems like subtraction, multiplication, and division. Once you click on it, however, a page appears tell you that you have to pay to use anything other than addition. It tells parents that it is a worthwhile investment to sharpen their child's skills.
Overall, I thought that the site was very attractive. Students would enjoy creating a character and challenging other people.
As far as the use in the classroom- with the addition section usable with out purchase, it would be something very motivating to use for practice and review with an entire class, small groups, and individuals. If the levels became too difficult for young students, you can simply change the level back to an easier setting. Younger students could also have manipulatives available to help solve problems. Older students would enjoy playing against other students as well.
Here is an article supporting the practicing of math facts through the use of games, just like you would practice reading through the use of books- Memorizing Math Facts
This article gives tips about memorizing math facts and links to more games- How to Memorize Math Facts
