Tiggly Add Venture
© 2014 Tiggly
Part of the Tiggly Math series. Beautifully illustrated and based on strong math pedagogy, but over-scripted at times and limited in things to do, this app is part of a series that has been specially designed around a custom set of five rubbery unit blocks that can be detected by the iPad's capacitive screen. One block set sells for $30, at www.tiggly.com. Currently there are six Tiggly apps, and all but one is free. In addition, the apps can be used without the blocks in finger mode. In order to use the blocks, the blocks mode must be unlocked, by asking you to touch certain blocks to the screen in order. Next, you choose from two simple side-scrolling counting challenges, where you build number line bridges by touching the correct quantity of rubbery blocks to the screen. It would be nice to have a sandbox mode in each app, so you can freely build with the apps. Weaknesses include looping music and revolving-door style prompts that give the interaction style a pushy feel. The blocks are pricey, but they add a fun and unique tangible element. This is one of a series of apps that support the blocks. From a pedogogical point of view the apps follow the same logic as Cuisenaire rods. They make it easy for a young child to associate length and quantity. To help some more, the blocks are color coded and magnetic, so they can stick together. They make a lot of sense for any iPad equipped math area, which is becoming more common in more preschool and kindergarten classrooms. See also Tiggly Cardtoons, Tiggly Safari, Tiggly Draw, Tiggly Stamp, Tiggly Chef and Tiggly Christmas.
$30, iPad
Teaches: math, counting, units, number lines, counting from 1-10
CTR Rating: 84%