Math Makers
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Math Makers
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Math Makers uses logic puzzles to abstractly explore math concepts such as place value, addition, and multiplication. Though there's some basic visual guidance for what kids need to do to play, there's no verbal instruction for the game or explanation of the underlying math concepts. This may leave some kids feeling quite frustrated. Parents may need to be on hand to help kids through when they struggle. To start playing, parents need to create account using an email address. With each account, parents can create individual player profiles for up to three kids. There are very few words throughout the app, but parents can choose to set Math Makers to one of 16 languages. This version also includes the puzzle set from Slice Fractions and Slice Fractions 2, two previous releases from the same developer that use a similar gamified set up to teach fractions. After a 7-day free trial, parents need to pay for a subscription to continue accessing the games. The developer claims that they frequently release new content. Read the developer's privacy policy for details on how your (or your kids') information is collected, used, and shared and any choices you may have in the matter, and note that privacy policies and terms of service frequently change.
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What’s It About?
Parents start with MATH MAKERS by creating an account and setting up profiles. Depending on their age, kids are placed at Small Numbers or Big Numbers to start. In either case, the first several levels teach kids how to play using a hand icon to guide them. Each level contains a challenge to help clear the way for a llama to walk across the screen. Orange cubes explode blue cubes (and vice versa), and kids must find a way to combine the right number of cubes so that none remain in the way. They do this by popping balloons holding different numbers of cubes, using ramps to help cubes go to the right place, running cubes through a "multiplication" machine, and other tricks and puzzles. As kids continue, they earn new pets and silly hats for their llama.
Is It Any Good?
These fun little puzzles are a wonderfully nifty way to get kids reasoning with numbers. Kids can experiment with concepts such as quantity, addition and subtraction, and fractions in a low-stakes, high-fun setting. In fact it's so fun that it borders on addictive. The developers were very successful in creating a game that leaves kids continually wanting to play "just one more level." Parents may want to help set limits so that kids know when it's time to stop. Many puzzles require lots of abstract thinking and logical reasoning and come with little to no help when it just isn't clicking. Though it may be a plus for some that there are no instructions or explanations, other kids may find the puzzles confusing and can end up feeling frustrated. These kids may need some outside help. Even just a little explanation about what's going on could be enough. That said, for kids comfortable with tapping around and figuring things out, this is a fun way to apply math skills.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the underlying concepts in Math Makers to help make them crystal clear. Ask them to talk through what they're doing. Why did they pop that particular balloon or place that ramp in that way?
What do your kids think about games like this? What's their learning style? Does your kid like learning with verbal instructions or visual cues? Abstract or concrete concepts?
Ask kids how they can use the skills from the game to solve real-world problems.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Subjects: Math: addition, counting, fractions, multiplication, subtraction
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: logic, problem solving, solving puzzles, strategy
- Pricing structure: Free to try (7-day free trial, then temporary promotional price: $3.99/month or $28.49/year. Regular price: $7.99/month or $56.99/year)
- Release date: September 20, 2021
- Category: Education
- Topics: Numbers and Letters
- Publisher: Ululab Inc.
- Version: 00.07.01
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 10.0 or later; Android 4.4 and up
- Last updated: October 12, 2021
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