Motion Math: Wings

What it is: multiplication and estimation practice in a game-like environment.

What you do with it: the main concept of this app is to compare 2 number representations displayed on the screen and point to the bigger number. Depending on the difficulty level, the representations have different visual forms (e.g. rows of squares, grids, symbols). The math challenges are packed in a game-like environment: you control a bird flying from island to island (tilt the device and point to the correct answer). Various islands represent various challenges and various different difficulty levels.

What we liked: the concept (combining gameplay and math practice), great educational value (presents various concepts of number representation, develops intuitive sense of multiplication), 'look and feel' of the app, the rewards system (you build the nest and win colorful feathers for your bird), extensive instructions with a special section for parents where the educational concepts are explained.

What we didn't like: the pace of the game may be too fast for less competent kids (or alternatively a sort of 'pause' button to 'stop and think' would do the trick). Parental assistance necessary to explain the concepts. A bit expensive when you consider purchasing all the levels.

Bottom line: if you are looking for an app for practicing multiplication this is probably the best choice!

Note about in-app purchases: we tested the fully unlocked version of the app (all levels for $7.99). Alternatively you can purchase the levels separately (pre-multiplication, basic multiplication, advanced multiplication) for $2.99-$3.99 each.

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