Testimonials & Product Reviews

Dr. Henry Borenson began his career as a math teacher at Stuyvesant High School in New York City. Like Boston Latin, Stuyvesant uses an exam to cream the best public-school students. For those smartie pantses, algebra was a breeze. Borenson's biggest problem was the constant need to invent intriguing work to challenge his kids. Then he took a job as Math Supervisor in another state. As such, he descended from the lofty reaches of gifted-and-talented programs and became responsible for teaching, well, the rest of us. Like so many young students now as well as back in my day, I…

I was forewarned, but still, it was a lovely surprise to spend a solid hour with a class of students constantly popping off with “I got it!” And “Ooooohhhhh!” And “I see!” These yelps of satisfaction sound just like the ones you hear from boys playing video games. Except that this is a math class at Dawson Elementary School in Holden, Massachusetts. .

“It’s easy and it’s fun. I really enjoy math lessons now,” confides Richard Kingdom, nine, whose family moved from Wiltshire to America two years ago. “Last year I was trying to do algebra in my head and I found it very difficult. Now I can take the pieces away with my hands and make the two sides balance and I understand what it’s all about.”

I cannot recommend this enough, I am so impressed, and I have not raved about a math program I can think of without qualification. We are very eclectic in how we approach math (as this site can attest to), so math programs usually require a lot of tweaking to fit our family. This, however, only required pacing adjustments, it’s easy to adjust it to your family’s pace and needs.

Hands-On Equations is a supplementary program that teaches students to solve linear equations using a balance scale and physical “pawns” and number cubes. It is basically a program using a physical manipulative for modeling and solving linear equations is great for kinesthetic and visual learners.

I enjoyed watching them look over the gifted students’ papers. Quite a reversal of roles! In their reflection statements at the end of the quarter, they would write, “…I made so much progress in Hands-On Equations, …I felt like a leader… I was so fast…I felt good.”

The amazing thing about Hands-On Equations is that it makes so much intuitive sense. Before you know it, you are looking at algebraic equations and imagining blue and white pawns moving around in your head. That's a lot better than trying to remember some sort of rule that your algebra teacher wrote on the white board for you to memorize.

Algebra! That one word can strike fear into any child’s heart, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Algebra can be taught to a child as young as third grade, or an older student or parent that needs a hands-on, easy-to-understand method. Let me introduce you to Algebra: Hands-On Equations developed by Henry Borenson.

We usually think of algebra and solving equations as something reserved for the “big kids” – middle schoolers and high schoolers. But math is really just a language we use to communicate about life. And if we can explore and talk about it in a tangible, hands-on way, then there really is no reason why younger kids can’t enjoy the challenge of algebraic thinking!

I've been wanting to write a review on this program for a while, but I struggled with whether I'd be able to seem impartial. I was one of those math students growing up that quickly memorized whatever algorithm was necessary to pass the math test, excelled at the test, then quickly dumped all the information from my brain the next day. I decided to go with a different approach homeschooling my kids.

Dr. Henry Borenson has masterfully created Hands-On Equations, a system for helping children understand algebraic linear equations. This visual and kinesthetic teaching system for introducing algebraic concepts to students in grades 3 to 9 is very consistent with Montessori principles.

With his dapper, relaxed style, the beret-wearing Dr. Henry Borenson, a mathematical master, helped me conquer my worst nightmare: Algebra. After watching a sample of his Hands-On Equations videos, I finally got it! I was able to solve equations such as 4x + 3 = 3x + 9 and 2(x + 4) = x + 10, and to understand what I was doing.

The main idea behind the product is to take the fear out of algebra and allow students to strengthen applicable skills before actually enrolling in the class. Users and researchers swear by the results and hail it as a method for teaching how to think mathematically.

Fifth-graders across the state are learning how to solve linear equations and perform algebraic functions. This is why Paris Elementary School teacher Becky Cate applied for a Plus Endowment grant.

I look for ways to act on ideas. Early introduction of algebraic thinking in the Common Core Standards is one of those ideas that should be developed in elementary school.

Everything about this application is great and is presented in a very simple, straightforward, and helpful way, from the easy navigation, videos, lessons (practice, exercises, review), and help features. Not only is Hands-On Equations engaging, but it's a fun way to learn a very intimidating subject.

Since we first reviewed Hands-On Equations 1, The Fun Way to Learn Algebra, it’s only gotten better, including a progress bar, lower price, a new design, and iPhone compatibility, earning an upgrade to a Top Pick! This app is a great curriculum supplement to teach algebraic thought and problem-solving for Grades 3 and up. Try it for FREE with the lite version.