Math Fun 1st Grade: Addition & Subtraction HD

by Selectsoft

Price: 2.99$

May contain `more apps` links

iPad

Overall Score: 85/100

version reviewed: 1.0

reviewed: 26/01/2013

Best for: Education, Attention & concentration, Early math, Thinking & problem solving

What it is: math practice (addition and subtraction, numbers up to 100), 200 exercises, 10 topics (addition by counting, subtraction, equations, number families, patterns of ten, place value, inequality, word problems, magic squares, number bingo).

What you do with it: read the instructions, solve the problem and drag the correct answer into the space provided. Sample activities:

addition - count similar items on the screen ('5 + 4 cakes')

subtraction - move items around, count and find the result ('there are 3 items on one desk, drag one to the other desk - how many will be left')

patterns of then - match pairs of numbers that make up number 10

place value - learn and recognize big numbers ('6 tens and 2 ones')

What we liked: nice range of activities, ease of use, no distracting elements.

What we didn't like: only one difficulty setting (the problems range from simple '3+2' up to '29+38' and the progress is not proportional/linear from the easiest to the most difficult problem). Not much variety within the activities (especially those with numbers/equations) - without parental incentive kids may find the drills boring. No spoken instructions.

Bottom line: good for addition and subtraction drills (but not too much for creative, fun-based learning). If you are not sure check out our video presentation (below).

Appysmarts

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iPad

Cutie Mini Monsters

by Little Phoenix Interactive

Price: 2.99$

iPhone

Overall Score: 82/100

version reviewed: 1.0

reviewed: 18/03/2013

Best for: Interactive books, Attention & concentration, Early literacy, Early math, Eye-hand coordination, Interaction, Thinking & problem solving

What it is: an interactive counting book (from 1 to 10) plus a set of jigsaw puzzles with the monster theme (7 puzzles, about 3-4 pieces each).

What you do with it: read the book and tap the monster for sounds and animations. Tap on the numbers to hear them read out. The book includes a special 'touch read' mode (touch individual words to hear their pronunciation).

What we liked: simple graphics, fun characters, ease of use, no distracting elements.

What we didn't like: no 'read to me' mode with automatic narration (that's why we recommend parental assistance). The educational value could be higher (e.g. we missed some sort of 'count along' feature to count monsters' eyes, feet etc when they are tapped).

Appysmarts

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iPhone

Marble Math Junior

by Artgig Studio

Price: 3.99$

iPhone

Overall Score: 80/100

version reviewed: 1.2

reviewed: 29/11/2012

Best for: Education, Attention & concentration, Early math, Interaction, Thinking & problem solving

What it is: an app for math skills practice in a game-like environment. Covered concepts include: shape recognition/matching, sequencing number values and ordinals, addition/subtraction/multiplication (numbers 0-100), identifying fractions, counting money, telling time, completing addition equations. 3 difficulty levels.

What you do with it: choose the difficulty level and range of topics you want to practice. Listen to the instructions than drag or roll the virtual marble ball through a maze and 'collect' the correct answers, e.g. 'collect numbers that equal 8' (using numbers, tallies and dice), 'collect all octagons', 'collect all multiples of 10' etc.
There is a numerical scoring system with optional 'obstacles and bonuses' feature (makes the activities more difficult - and more fun).

What we really liked: the concept (combining math practice and a simple game), range of math problems covered (but please read the note below), high configurability (levels, topics), multiple user accounts (with 'personalized' avatars), spoken instructions.

What we didn't like: the 'marble game' itself is very basic and may not offer enough incentive for longer sessions (especially for kids who like much interaction). For some kids the difficulty range (even within one level) may be too broad. The interface and navigation takes a while to get used to and could be more intuitive.

Bottom line: a really nice set of activities for math practice. We recommend using this app with a parent nearby (for configuration, explanation of the concept, clues etc.).

Appysmarts

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iPhone

iPad

Counting Numbers 123 HD

by Little Learning Tots

Price: free

iPad

Overall Score: 80/100

version reviewed: 1.2

reviewed: 13/02/2013

Best for: Education, Attention & concentration, Early math, Eye-hand coordination, Thinking & problem solving, Understanding of the world

What it is: 5 activities for early math practice (numbers from one to 10).

What you do with it: the activities include:

- simple sequential counting

- finding the correct number of items

- simple addition

- the 'numbers song'

What we liked: the concept (introduction of basic math problems in a fun, stress-free environment), vivid graphics, spoken instructions.

What we didn't like: the interface is too complex (e.g. especially in the addition and subtraction activities). The activities are rather basic and don't offer enough variety. The narrator has a strong accent.

Appysmarts

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iPad

Chugga 123 - Android version

by Monte Gifford Design, Inc.

Price: 0.99$

Android

Overall Score: 78/100

version reviewed: 1.0.0

reviewed: 18/09/2013

Best for: Education, Attention & concentration, Early math, Eye-hand coordination, Interaction, Thinking & problem solving

What it is: 3 simple activities: numbers, colors, counting.

What you do with it: depending on the activity, try to match a given color color (e.g. feed the alligator a fish of a certain color) or a given number.

What we liked: simple illustrations and animations. No distracting elements.

What we didn't like: no spoken instructions, no narration (e.g. numbers or colors are not read out) - we recommend parental assistance. The activities are very basic. Background music does not help concentration.

Appysmarts

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Android

Chugga 123

by Monte Gifford Design, Inc.

Price: 0.99$

iPhone

Overall Score: 78/100

version reviewed: 1.0

reviewed: 13/06/2013

Best for: Education, Attention & concentration, Early math, Eye-hand coordination, Interaction, Thinking & problem solving

What it is: 3 simple activities: numbers, colors, counting.

What you do with it: depending on the activity, try to match a given color color (e.g. feed the alligator a fish of a certain color) or a given number.

What we liked: simple illustrations and animations. No distracting elements.

What we didn't like: no spoken instructions, no narration (e.g. numbers or colors are not read out) - we recommend parental assistance. The activities are very basic. Background music does not help concentration.

Appysmarts

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iPhone

iPad

Ollie The Cat

by Chapman & Warnes

Price: free

May contain `more apps` links

Android

Overall Score: 54/100

version reviewed: 1.0.0

reviewed: 11/02/2014

Best for: Interactive books, Attention & concentration, Early literacy, Early math, Interaction

What it is/what you do with it: an interactive counting book (from 1 to 10). 2 reading modes (read to me/read by myself).

What we liked: simple illustrations and animations. Fun main character. Ease of use. The 'tap to count along' feature.

What we didn't like: we would prefer an adult narrator (as an option). External links (Twitter,Facebook etc.).

Appysmarts

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2
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10
13
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Android

Teeny Tinies

by Cliff Cawley

Price: free (was 0.99$)

iPhone + iPad

Overall Score: 54/100

version reviewed: 1.0

reviewed: 30/09/2013

Best for: Education, Attention & concentration, Early literacy, Early math, Eye-hand coordination, Interaction, Memory, Thinking & problem solving

What it is and what you do with it: 3 educational activities: dress-up puzzles, alphabet/melody patterns and counting.

Complete the activities to win funny creatures which you can make jump, run, eat and fling.

What we liked: the fun factor. Ease of use. Lively voice. No distracting elements.

What we didn't like: the activities don't offer enough variety for longer play. The educational value could be higher.

Appysmarts

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2
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iPhone

iPad

Kids Learning Games for 2-8

by Agnitus

Price: free

May contain in-app purchases

iPad

Overall Score: 54/100

version reviewed: 1.2.2

reviewed: 10/07/2012

Best for: Education, Attention & concentration, Early literacy, Early math, Eye-hand coordination, Interaction, Language, Memory, Thinking & problem solving

What it is: a set of short activities for practicing various skills (early math, letters, colors etc).

What you do with it: the activities (featuring 2 cartoon characters) include: counting, pointing to the correct color or correct object, matching shapes, pointing to a shape or objects with does not belong to the group, sorting numbers, comparing numbers, memory game in 3 variations (animals, numbers, letters). The activities get more and more difficult as you progress (e.g. number of the cards in the memory game increases).
There are also 2 'reward' play scenes (Bath Fun i Toy scene) and a short animated movie.

What we liked: the concept, overall 'look and feel', good educational value, easy navigation and operation, nice illustrations and animations (with very cute and kid-friendly main characters), fun factor. We also liked the audio instructions (but please see the note below), the option for setting up and tracking multiple accounts and very detailed tracking/report/activity section (one the best we have seen so far).

What we didn't like: the activities get repetitive after some time. The 'fun' activities (Bath Fun and Toy scene) shouldn't be included as a part of the main 'curriculum' (we would put them in a separate section in the main menu). The audio instructions are sometimes difficult to understand (because of the high-pitched narrator's voice).

Appysmarts

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iPad

Meet the Numberjacks

by Numberjacks

Price: free

May contain `more apps` links

Android

Overall Score: 50/100

version reviewed: 1.0

reviewed: 15/10/2012

Best for: Education, Attention & concentration, Early math, Eye-hand coordination, Interaction, Thinking & problem solving

What it is: introduction to numbers and counting (numbers 0-9). The app is based on the CBeebies 'Numberjacks' educational series.

What you do with it: scroll through the Numberjacks and listen to the numbers read out, tap and count objects popping out of the box or explore the picture sets of each Numberjack.

What we liked: the concept (easy enough to introducing numbers/counting even for the youngest kids), nice graphics, ease of use, audio instructions.

What we didn't like: the activities get quickly repetitive (not much variety). We would expect more interactions and animations (especially in the pictures section).

Appysmarts

Graphic quality:

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Android

Best apps for children for learning numbers.

Math Fun 1st Grade: Addition & Subtraction HD

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Cutie Mini Monsters

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Marble Math Junior

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Counting Numbers 123 HD

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Chugga 123 - Android version

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Chugga 123

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Ollie The Cat

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Teeny Tinies

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Kids Learning Games for 2-8

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Meet the Numberjacks

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