10 Fingers +
© 2013 Marbotic
Counting with your fingers comes naturally for most children (and adults), and it certainly gives the general concept of "base ten" a nice grounding. That's why this app is so exciting, at least from a pedagogical point of view. The capacitive multi-touch screen that is now standard on just about any device, gives your tablet the ability to instantly and accurately "see" how many fingertips are contacting the glass, at any given point. This information can be used to freely explore quantities, match quantities, or build your own math equation. In all the activities, you can go no higher than ten. According to the support materials, the app was inspired by Montessori pedagogy by promoting the acquisition of abstract concepts using concrete manipulation. Made in France, the app is designed to work with a set of wooden numerals (each with a capacitive footing that registers on the iPad screen). But the numeral set, sold in France for €35, is optional. The app works perfectly well with just your fingers. Need to know. While pedagogically exciting, there's no reason to count, other than to see the numerals or match the sets. That makes this app more meaningful teachers who want to give meaning to numerals. See also Little Digits (CTR August 2012).
$1.99, iPad, Kindle, Android
Teaches: math, counting, addition; language
CTR Rating: 88%