The Multiplication Vacation DVD includes 18 songs and dialogue, the multiplication facts 0-13, skip counting, math rules, sight words, and an early multiplication lesson. This product would be used in conjunction with a math curriculum as a method of reinforcement.

Although the running time is 92 minutes, the producers suggest limiting viewing sessions to 15 minutes. Moreover, the DVD menu allows for navigation to individual songs. This can be very helpful for children who need work on specific multiplication sets. Although the lyrics are not included, you can print them from the website.

In addition to learning their times tables, students will be journeying from Africa to Antarctica and even into outer space. The children will see some very famous sights on this ?vacation?-- some examples are Stonehenge, Eiffel Tower, Egyptian tombs, etc. It also includes a little foreign language learning too.

The catchy songs are repetitive thus helping children with the rote memorization of times tables. The DVD uses various media types: real people, computer generation, and puppets. The acting is slightly overdone. The humor is silly in a predictable, zany manner.

The DVD is designed for children ages 3 and up. However, most scope and sequences encourage the introduction of multiplication concepts and times tables during grades 2-4, yet the intended audience of this DVD appears to be much younger.

The strength of this product lies in the use of the visual and auditory presentation coupled with music. Additionally, the overlapping of subjects is also a positive attribute of Multiplication Vacation.

-- Product Review by Stephanie D. Scarborough, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, November, 2005