MathTango
By Dana Anderson,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Monsters dance their way through kids' math practice.
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MathTango
Community Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
My 5 year old does multiplication because of MathTango!
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Very good
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What’s It About?
To play MATHTANGO, first listen to the intro from your "long lost Uncle Fibonacci," and then tap the gem to get your monster. To get more gems after the first, you have to complete math-based puzzles. Continue to follow the audio- and visual-based instructions to complete the puzzles, which require some basic addition and subtraction skills. As players complete more puzzles, they earn "doubloon" and "health" bonuses. Then your monster can buy things to enhance the island. Tap on items to purchase them, and tap and hold monsters to move them. Watch the cute monster jump on the trampoline and do other activities. Mission accomplished! Move on to your next mission with another monster. Use the lesson plan to focus on an individualized curriculum path. When kids are ready, they can also practice multiplication and division to build a star base.
Is It Any Good?
This math game is the ideal combination of straightforward math practice with straight-up cuteness and fun. Kids can often become bored with math drills, but MathTango turns repetitive practice into a challenge as kids work to get more monsters, decorate an island or star base, and level up. As kids move into higher levels, the challenges become more difficult (kids can get in-app hints and tips, if needed). On the downside, some levels can take quite a long time to complete, so some kids may get frustrated or bored. And the limited mechanics of moving the blocks might also frustrate some kids; it would be great to have more freedom of placement. Also, if your kid loves MathTango and wants to progress through all levels, be prepared to subscribe for the complete version, or they'll have to end the fun before the game is done.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how MathTango uses getting new monsters as a reward. It can take a while to get a new monster. Talk to your kid about patience and perseverance.
When would you use some of the skills presented in the app in real life? Help your kid explore the concepts on the app in everyday circumstances, such as adding money or separating items into groups.
It can be really fun for kids to get more monsters and decorate their island, but encourage them to remember that learning is a reward in and of itself. Kids don't always have to "get" something out of learning (other than new knowledge) to reap the rewards.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Subjects: Math: addition, division, multiplication, subtraction
- Pricing structure: Free to try (seven-day trial, then $7.99/mo., $49.99/year)
- Release date: January 26, 2018
- Category: Educational Games
- Publisher: Originator Inc.
- Version: 10.4
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 10.0 or later
- Last updated: January 21, 2021
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