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MathTango
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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 and subtraction practice for first- through third-grade kids. Kids complete math puzzle games and missions to build their island filled with cute monsters. There are more than 200 math puzzle games that cover basic skills, such as adding single-digit numbers, adding doubles, 10s, and more. The games are short and simple (but challenging), and the monsters are cute. As kids progress through the game, the math problems become more difficult. Higher levels of the game (and the free-play mode) require an in-app purchase. Read the app's privacy policy to find out about the types of information collected and shared.
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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.
Is it any good?
This math game is the ideal combination of straightforward addition and subtraction practice with straight-up cuteness and fun. Kids can often become bored with rote addition and subtraction practice, but MathTango turns repetitive practice into a challenge as kids work to get more monsters, decorate an island, 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 make the in-app purchase of 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, subtraction
- Pricing structure: Free to try, Paid (Free to try; beginner pack is $6.99, upgrade is $8.99, and complete pack is $11.99.)
- Release date: January 26, 2018
- Category: Educational Games
- Size: 444.90 MB
- Publisher: Originator Inc.
- Version: 1.2
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 10.0 or later
For kids who love math games and apps
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