MathTango
Common Sense says
- iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Free to try
- Educational Games
Parents say
Kids say
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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 MathTango gamifies addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division practice for first- through fourth-grade kids. Kids complete math puzzle games and missions to build their island or star base filled with cute monsters and robots. There are more than 800 math puzzle games that cover basic skills. There's also a an individualized curriculum path for each user. The games are short and simple (but challenging), and the characters are cute. As kids progress through the game, the math problems become more difficult. Higher levels of the game require subscription. 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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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
Best math app out there
Easy, entertaining and FUN
Best Math App Ever!
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
- Price: Free to try
- Pricing structure: Free to try (seven-day trial, then $7.99/mo., $49.99/year)
- Release date: January 26, 2018
- Category: Educational Games
- Size: 444.90 MB
- Publisher: Originator Inc.
- Version: 10.4
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 10.0 or later
- Last updated: January 21, 2021
Our editors recommend
For kids who love math games and apps
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.