The TouchMath website offers free samples of its materials. These samples are organized according to grade, and the include learning materials, work sheets, and games. The free samples on the website should be sufficient to allow you to decide whether the program works for your child. These samples are enough to teach the basics of the TouchMath technique, but do not include all the materials.
Once you've decided that you want TouchMath, you can purchase the program from the website. The program is patented, and addresses the four basic mathematical operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. There also are materials that teach the basics of understanding numerals to very young children. You will also receive a manual and DVD that will show you how to teach TouchMath to your children. You can only purchase TouchMath online.
Touchmath works by teaching children counting techniques based on the number of points on the shape of numerals. For example, the numeral 3 has three points at the top, middle, and end of the shape. Students touch these points and learn to associate the shape with the value of that numeral. The program works on the idea of counting, and when the student adds or subtracts numbers, they are counting the total number of points to arrive at a sum. More complicated methods such as multiplication operate on the idea of "skip counting." This is done by counting in groups of twos, threes, and continuing on to the 9 times table.
In addition to the books and the work sheets, children and parents should take advantage of the additional materials included with the TouchMath program. The CD includes songs that will help your children remember what they have to do, while the games and art sheets are intended to be fun ways to reinforce what the pupil has already learned.