Parents' Guide to Zap Zap Kindergarten Math

This is a fun practice tool for kids who have already learned the relevant skills through their school work. Zap Zap Kindergarten Math prides itself on being a "gamification" approach to learning, but the gaming elements could potentially be distracting. In one game, kids are asked to compare the heights of two characters. At any given time, at least one of them is jumping up and down or doing side bends. For kids who are just learning this skill, it's distracting and possibly misleading since they can't easily compare the characters side-by-side. When kids make a wrong choice, the app shows the right choice, but doesn't help them learn from their mistake. For example, when kids are asked to count how many apples are in a basket, they simply tap each one to count it. If they miss one, the app quickly lays out all the apples with the final total rather than counting each one out loud so that kids can see how to count them properly. All that said, most kids will find the games motivating, and they are good practice for kids who already have the basics down. Since the activities are tied to Common Core standards, families will be able to easily connect what kids are learning in school with the levels on the app and also see where they may need extra help. And those with reluctant math learners will definitely appreciate a way to engage their kids in practice in a fun way.