Mathie

$2.99, iPad, iPhone

Teaches: math, counting, sets, logic, fine motor, memory

CTR Rating: 92%

CTR Review

Ninety math puzzles start easy and get hard in this clever math problem solving experience that ties a child's finger to some abstract counting and logical problem solving tasks. Your mission is to feed a hungry creature by tracing a path for numbered domino-like tiles that represent of food. The game design shows traces of inspiration from apps like Slice Fractions and Dragonbox numbers. First, you see a target pattern (e.g., two food tiles), you also see a set of tiles that must be moved or navigated through in order to get the right sequence to your hungry creature. You learn that you sometimes need to remove items to clear a path, cut through a fence or use one or more different "carrier" creatures to get the right sequence to your goal. Minor weaknesses include a sluggish initial tutorial, and the lack of a hint system when you get stuck. The screen is also cluttered. When you "win" you get a sticker, but this reward seems minimal and unrelated to the problem solving. But these are minor issues. The bottom line? This app is a great way to turn a child's finger into a mathematical problem solving tool. Need to know: Most of the levels are too hard for younger children, most of the content is best for elementary level children. Adjust the sound setting in the parents menu, and use the gear icon to quickly change the levels. Created in Cocos2d-x and other tools by Anna and Michal Kucharczyk.