The Original Skip Count Kid or The Skip Count Kid's Bible Heroes

by Skip Count Kidhttp://www.skipcountkid.net/

MathGrades 1–3

About This Curriculum

Musical skip counting curriculum featuring catchy songs to teach multiplication facts preparation through skip counting by 2s through 10s.

What makes it unique: Uses variety of musical genres (reggae, rock, rap) and appealing themes to make skip counting memorable and fun for young children.

The Original Skip Count Kid: Musical Skip Counting for Early Grades

The Original Skip Count Kid is a musical math curriculum that teaches skip counting from 2s through 10s using catchy songs with various themes. Available in two versions - original secular themes and Bible Heroes edition - it aims to prepare young students for multiplication through memorable musical patterns.

Best for

Homeschool families or supplemental use in grades 1-3 who want to make skip counting memorable through music, particularly those seeking Christian content or Montessori-influenced activities

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 6 concerns · 2 neutral

Sequencing ApproachStrength

The curriculum uses a logical mastery-based sequence, teaching skip counting by 2s through 10s systematically. This foundation-first approach aligns well with multiplication readiness.

Both versions cover skip counting from 2s to 10s in sequence, with the original including an additional song about counting teens, building from simpler to more complex patterns

Word ProblemsConcern

Word problem instruction is not included in this curriculum. The focus remains on skip counting patterns without application to real-world mathematical contexts.

Reviews describe themes like 'tricycles, zoo animals, and skating octopi' and Bible stories, but mention no word problems or application of skip counting to mathematical problem solving

Worked ExamplesConcern

The curriculum lacks explicit worked examples or step-by-step demonstrations. Musical patterns serve as the primary instructional method rather than clear mathematical modeling.

Reviews focus on songs and musical patterns but make no mention of worked examples, mathematical demonstrations, or step-by-step problem solving

Teacher TrainingConcern

Minimal teacher support is provided. The original version includes some instructional guidance through Montessori activities, but comprehensive teacher training materials are absent.

The original includes 'detailed Montessori activities with complete instructions' but reviews mention no teacher guides, mathematical background, or pedagogical training materials

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum does not facilitate traditional direct instruction, relying instead on musical learning without explicit teacher-led mathematical explanations. This limits opportunities for guided practice and checking for understanding.

Reviews describe the program as primarily musical with songs and activities, but mention no teacher guides, lesson plans, or structured instructional components

Assessment DiagnosticConcern

No diagnostic assessments or progress monitoring tools are included. The curriculum lacks systematic ways to check student understanding or identify gaps in skip counting knowledge.

Reviews make no mention of assessments, quizzes, progress checks, or diagnostic tools to evaluate student mastery of skip counting patterns

Conceptual Procedural BalanceConcern

The curriculum focuses primarily on procedural fluency through memorization of skip counting patterns. Conceptual understanding of multiplication relationships receives minimal emphasis.

Reviews describe the program as teaching 'skip counting patterns' through songs but don't mention conceptual explanations of why skip counting relates to multiplication or what these patterns represent mathematically

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The musical format naturally provides repetition and retrieval practice through repeated listening and singing. However, systematic spaced review of mathematical concepts is not structured.

One reviewer notes their '18-year-old son still remembers these pleasant tunes years later,' suggesting the musical format aids long-term retention

Visual RepresentationsNeutral

Limited visual support is provided through accompanying booklets. The original version includes more comprehensive visual materials with Montessori activities.

The original comes with 'detailed Montessori activities with complete instructions for making materials' while the Bible Heroes version only has 'reproducible line drawings for coloring'

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

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Homeschool Christian

Key Facts
GradesGrades 1–3
SubjectMath
PedagogyTraditional
Faith-BasedNo
FormatDigital + Physical
Pricing$8.99 at Amazon.com | $8.91 at Amazon.com

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy