Kids can learn the concept of multiplication, then test their knowledge with games in the newly released Fact Fluency. Then relax and paint in pixel art in Color Tap – Paint by Numbers. Plus, learn to draw colourful characters with the Circle Time video series from Khan Academy Kids.
Garry Froehlich
Jellybean Tunes
Fact Fluency
by Math Geek Mama Educational Resources
Fact Fluency is a times tables app that helps to build multiplication skills rather than merely quizzing them. The app teaches multiplication concepts by breaking down each table into a path, a set of activities that build on each other to help master multiplication. A path might start with counting groups, and skip counting, them move to equations, the commutative property, and more advanced concepts. The second part of the app consists of a series of games that are used to quiz math facts, dressing up the quiz with games of slingshot, hangman, and 5-in-a-row. The graphics and animations are polished, and all the lessons include narration (and even word highlighting). I have seen many times tables apps, and this is easily one of the better ones.
Color Tap – Paint by Numbers
by Great Scott AB
Color Tap is a paint by numbers app using pixel art. Pixel art makes images out of blocky squares, in a nod to early computers, and has become an art form in its own right. Remarkably, there are hundreds of images to choose from all put together in helpful categories including animals, sports, people, and houses. Kids are presented with a grid and paint the image by tapping on a color and then on the numbered squares to fill in the picture. The app also intelligently knows when you are swiping to paint, so that you can fill in a large number of squares at once. The finished, or partially finished images are then stored in a gallery to show off later. There’s a certain satisfaction to seeing the image come together before you as you colour in squares. The only downside is that there is no room for extra creativity as you can’t change colours or draw your own images. What you do get is very well done, and even more remarkable given that the app is free with no ads or in-app purchases.
Circle Time
For kids that want to get more creative, Khan Academy Kids has its own learn-to-draw video series on YouTube called Circle Time focussing on characters from their apps for kids.
You can find the playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsO1jePSb_ql2XjpbgWWyENbBFv3YITnf
