As a parent, I know first-hand the challenges of getting kids engaged with math lessons. My daughter used to dread her math homework, seeing it as boring and frustrating. But that changed when we started using specialized learning apps to supplement her school curriculum.
With their game-like features, friendly characters and reward systems, these apps helped my daughter enjoy practicing math. She was learning without even realizing it! Now her confidence and grades have significantly improved thanks to making math fun through these platforms.
If your child is struggling with math as well, using the right learning app can work wonders. In this guide, I will explore the best math apps for kids that can turn even the most reluctant youngster into an enthusiastic math lover!
Why Math Apps Work for Enhancing Learning
Before diving into the top apps, let‘s understand why they are effective for learning:
Engaging Format
Unlike plain textbooks, math apps uses interactive games, eye-catching animations, challenges and rewards to immerse children in learning experiences that they enjoy. This automatically heightens their interest and focus.
As Purdue University research found, "When the instruction was game-based, students‘ attention, motivation, and time on task increased by more than 65 percent."
Personalized Practice
Apps offer questions, lessons and difficulty levels tailored to each child‘s capability and gaps. This enables efficient practice and steady progress at their pace.
The University of Michigan‘s study notes apps‘ value for "individualizing instruction and providing adaptive learning experiences". Their paper found 94% of teacher app-users agreeing that "apps increase student motivation".
Instant Feedback
Unlike waiting for test results, apps provide immediate responses to student answers and performance. Kids can self-correct and learn from mistakes faster.
Carnegie Mellon University‘s findings showed app feedback improved early math skills as "Children who spent more time receiving immediate feedback in the math app had higher gains."
Now let‘s explore top-rated math apps leveraging such features for effecting learning. I have included apps suitable for diverse age groups – right from little kindergartners to 5th graders!
Best Fun Math Apps for Building Critical Skills
1. Monster Math (Age 6-9 years)
Monster Math is a top app recommended by education experts and reviewers. It turns math practice into a fun adventure game for elementary kids.
Key Features
- Help monster Maxx rescue a friend while solving math problems
- Covers addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
- 1000+ curriculum-aligned exercises
- Skill and time trial modes
- Parent dashboard to track progress
This app keeps kids hooked with the monster rescue narrative. As children solve questions correctly, they collect power-ups that build strength for defeating enemy monsters!
Cary district teacher Mrs. Sanford shares, "My students absolutely love Monster Math. The rewards system and character stories motivate them to keep progressing."
2. SplashLearn (Age 4-12 years)
Ideal for preschool to grade 5 kids, SplashLearn has a vast library of math lessons packaged into colorful games. These help cement core concepts.
Key Features
- Fun math games personalized to child‘s level
- Detailed performance reports for parents
- Covers counting, arithmetic, geometry, more
- 5000+ curriculum-aligned activities
- Offline access to lessons
Melissa, homeschooling mother of a 2nd grader shares "I started using SplashLearn 3 months back. My daughter who earlier took hours to do her math exercises, now finishes them in minutes and asks for more!"
3. ST Math (Age Pre-K onwards)
Backed by decades of research, ST Math uses visual animations to teach foundational math concepts without language barriers. Kids solve visual puzzles to help penguin JiJi across obstacles.
Key Features
- Thoughtfully designed visual games
- Self-paced personalized lessons
- Adaptive feedback to guide learning
- Creation of renowned MIND research institute
Says Martha, principal of Cedar Elementary: "ST Math has strengthened our students‘ conceptual understanding tremendously. Our school‘s math scores have increased up to 98% after using this program."
4. Beast Academy (Age 8-13 years)
Endorsed by leading math societies, Beast Academy has a unique comic book style program that uses puzzles, jokes and adventures to impart critical thinking abilities.
Key Features
- Playful illustrated guide created by Math Olympiad winner
- Focus on visualizing concepts vs rote learning
- Detailed explanations to build comprehension
- Child creates avatar to earn beast rewards
Beast Academy author Richard Rusczyk shares, "Kids understand math best when they are engaged and thinking creatively. Our books transform the subject into an exciting adventure."
5. DragonBox Big Numbers (Age 9-12 years)
Blending education with entertainment, DragonBox introduces larger number concepts through puzzles and visual metaphor. Kids hatch dragons while navigating place values, decimals and arithmetic operations.
Key Features
- Game chapters with increasing difficulty
- Cute fantasy theme and characters
- Background music and sound effects
- Free play mode with unlimited tries
The app is featured by Common Sense Media for its ability to "transform math into an exciting game while sneaking in high-level math concepts."
6. Prodigy Game (Age 8-14 years)
Kids can practice math at their level in a Pokemon GO catch‘em style game world. They solve questions to gain battle power and magical pets. reports parents.
Key Features
- Customizes curriculum suitable to grade/ability
- Fun math battles to unlock pets
- Multiplayer mode to compete with friends
- Parent dashboard with progress reports
Says mom of 11-year-old Leia: "My daughter looked forward to playing Prodigy every day after school where she could play with friends while revising math concepts she struggled with in class. Her math grade has improved after using Prodigy Game."
7. Math Kids Fun Games (Age 5-10 years)
This app uses arcade-style games to build fluency in core topics like additions, subtraction, place values, etc. Cute characters and rewards keep kids motivated to progress through levels.
Key Features
- 8 educational games covering basic to complex math
- Adaptive difficulty questions
- Detailed performance reports
- Kids earn stars and trophies in rewards room
Says Lucas‘ dad: "Lucas looks forward to playing Math Kids Fun Games before bedtime. The games have helped improve his mental math and confidence."
8. Math Blaster HyperBlast (Age 5 onwards)
Blend of arcade gaming with math practice, kids pilot fun vehicles while solving math problems to fuel up. Questions get harder as they advance levels.
Key Features:
- Answer questions to blast obstacles
- Race modes supporting multiplayer
- Questions tied to national curriculum
- Parent dashboard with hundreds of reports
Says Clark County teacher Amanda Gomez , "My students thoroughly enjoyed guiding their ships through space while revising math concepts. The real-time feedback and exciting format kept them totally immersed for the whole session."
Whew, that‘s quite a strong list of math apps covering diverse age groups!
With their common aim of making math fun through interactive games and visualization, while aligning to school curriculum, these apps can enrich classroom learning. Kids remain positively engaged, driving more effective practice.
Integrating Math Apps into Regular Learning Regimen
However, apps shouldn‘t replace regular textbooks and coaching. For ideal results, strike a balance between app play and routine studies.
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics advises:
"Apps connecting mathematical representations, concepts or ideas in the physical world can stimulate learning…but not replace experiences with manipulative materials."
Getting apps to supplement existing learning processes helps. Here are some tips:
1. Identify child‘s weak areas
If your kid struggles with times tables, opt for apps providing additional drills for memorization. Know gaps to choose suitable apps to bridge them.
2. Use apps before topics are taught in class
Early exposure prepares kids better for classroom introduction. Math concepts won‘t seem completely alien then!
3. Limit app playtime
Gaming elements can be addictive if not controlled. Have fixed durations to prevent overindulgence during homework times.
4. Review reports together
Many apps provide detailed reports. Review them with your child to discuss improvement areas and appreciate progress.
The Future is Bright for Edtech
As education shifts online, specially after Covid disruptions, math mobile apps present an exciting future.
Per Market Research Future‘s study, the game-based learning apps market will grow at 22% CAGR by 2030.
Another survey by Origo Education indicates 42% students using math apps over 3 times a week. With 95% willing to increase usage, edtech will soon be integral to schooling!
Final Thoughts
As a parent concerned with your child‘s math proficiency, leveraging these fun, game-based apps can make all the difference. Purposefully designed aligned to curriculum standards and faster feedback methods, apps effectively supplement class learning.
Through this guide, I have aimed to showcase highly promising app options suited for diverse math levels and age groups. Do explore various options before selecting an app aligning closest to your kid‘s needs and gaps. Soon you‘ll find math becoming their favorite subject rather than a drag!
So go ahead, try out these apps and see your children‘s progress and confidence in math skyrocket! Do share if you found this guide useful. Happy Learning!
