Let’s face it, getting kids to learn math is like pulling teeth. OK, it’s worse than pulling teeth, because you can’t numb them first. Today we’re taking a look at Zap Zap Math, an app that attempts to make learning math fun. It’s aimed at kids in Kindergarten through 6th Grade.
Overview
Zap Zap Math is a free app that offers a set of games that cover math skills for kids, starting at the Kindergarten level, all the way up to 6th grade math. The included games cover counting, addition, subtraction, fractions, ratios, geometry and more. The aim of the app is to help children build a strong foundation to build their math skills on, while honing their problem solving and critical thinking skills.
The app includes 23 interactive math games, with new games added periodically. The app offers children the chance to advance and learn in a safe, independent environment. Parents and teachers can easily track their child’s performance via a handy online dashboard. Adults can view an overall math “health check,” or they can also dive deeper, to see which subject kids need more help on.
Upon starting the game, parents and teachers can enter a code they received when signing up at the previously mentioned online dashboard. Entering the code links the app and device to the online dashboard, for easy monitoring of a child’s progress.
When a child starts the app for the first time, they are asked how old they are, and get the chance to select a fun avatar, such as robots, funny space aliens and such. Then, using 2 pick wheels, they can then select a name for themselves. They can also randomize a name by tapping a button.
Now the child can select the type of math game to play. These include Pre School, Addition & Subtraction, Multiplication, Geometry, Measurement, Angle, Ratio, Fractions, Expression, Coordinates, Time, and a selection called “New Games,” which apparently holds the new games that are added every two weeks.
In the interest of the limited time I had to play and review the game, I stuck to basic math subjects, including Pre School, Addition & Subtraction, and Multiplication.
Under “Addition & Subtraction,” players can play games including “Space Shuttle,” where they need to select the two groups of passengers that add up to the allowed number of passengers for that flight. If all 5 shuttle flights are successfully filled correctly, the player is met with a congratulatory message, and encouraged to rank up by playing again.
In “Gears,” the player needs to drag and drop the correct gear to indicate whether two numbers are equal, or which number is the larger one. The correct gear in place activates a ramp that allows the on-screen alien to cross a gap and collect a diamond from a treasure chest.
Verdict
The games that are included in Zap Zap Match are enjoyable, and will pose a challenge to your child’s math skills, no matter what their learning level. The colorful, easy to play games will keep your kids coming back for more, and they might not even realize they’re learning something while they’re having fun.
At the rock-bottom price of FREE, Zap Zap Games is a math game that every parent should load on their child’s iOS device. While it by no means should take the place of formal math lessons, the entertaining and educational games the app offers might be just the thing to take a child’s math knowledge to the next level.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Price: FREE – Available for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, in the App Store. [GET IT HERE]
Pros:
- Entertaining, and easy to use.
- Kids will love the ability to select a fun avatar and kooky name for their sessions.
- Colorful and entertaining graphics add to the fun.
- Games are easy to learn and play.
- The challenge increases as the player performs better.
- Handy Online dashboard allows parents and teachers to monitor a child’s progress.
Cons:
- Once a child selects an avatar, they’re locked into it, unless they start over completely.
*Note: The above review was commissioned by the developer in accordance with our app review policy, and has been written in an objective, unbiased fashion.
