AB Math - fun game for kids and grownups
What parents need to know
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that AB Math provides kids with quick ways to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as Roman numerals and sequential order. This app mostly focuses on sharpening kids' speed and accuracy in the four basic math operations. The bubble game, in particular, is a clever way to package math practice by asking kids to view numbers and math problems floating in bubbles and pop them in order of least to greatest. Kids can also practice with tables or simple calculation problems by tapping onscreen numbers or multiple-choice answers to respond to questions. There are four levels of difficulty (including "expert" for grownups) and the option to be timed, so a kid could start using this app when first learning the four basic math operations and adapt it for use throughout elementary school. On iOS devices, players can share high scores via the Game Center social network, but participation is optional.
What kids can learn
Language & Reading
- letter or word recognition
Thinking & Reasoning
- problem solving
- working efficiently
Engagement, Approach, Support
The drills are kinda boring. But the "Bubbles" game is super fun, with plenty of options, fun visual rewards, and a fast pace.
Kids can customize their drills and games to different difficulty levels and quiz styles.
Kids don't really use help pages, so teachers will have to supervise. Navigation and gameplay can be confusing. But the help pages will help you -- they've got a lot of great information. Same with the Hint button.
What's it about?
First, create a user account (up to four) on AB MATH. Then, kids can choose from calculation drills, tables, or the bubbles game. In calculations, kids set play to easy, medium, hard, or expert as well as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division (or a combination of the four). They also decide to fill in the answers by tapping numbers or multiple choice. On tables, kids choose a number from which to work their multiplication tables. Bubbles includes four levels, four modes (classical, Roman numerals, ABC order, and multiplication), and five bubble styles. Kids can view results of past games.
Is it any good?
The simple drills and bubble game on AB Math will encourage kids to keep their math minds sharp. With a few extra minutes on hand, kids can play a round of bubble-popping math by solving the answers to math problems in order of least to greatest. There's enough customization here to allow kids to start with the basics of 1+2 and follow them through the end of elementary school (and beyond, to refresh and gain speed in basic math). Solving math problems time and again to gain proficiency may not seem like fun for many kids, but AB Math solves the problem with a few options and lots of bubbles to pop.
Families can talk about...
Help kids set the level of difficulty the first time to gauge where they're at in math skills and adjust app level as necessary.
Create an account and play the "Bubbles" game with your kid to sharpen your own math mind.