Math Apps and Digital Games

Mathematics is a difficult subject that requires practice and repetition in order to master it.  In lower elementary classrooms, working multiple math problems on paper is either not an option due to lack of writing skills, or not ideal due to low engagement levels.  Math games are a great way to keep student engagement high while practicing necessary skills. It is super easy to integrate technology into math content through apps and digital games.  Aside from giving students practice in this content area, these apps and games allow students to practice multisensory learning, provide immediate feedback to students, and allow students to work at their own pace.  There are countless free math apps available for students, such as PBS Kids Measure Up!, Park Math, and Moose Math, just to name a few. PBS Kids Measure Up! is an app for children ages 3-5. It uses popular tv characters to teach the concepts of measurements and weight.  Park Math is also designed for younger users, and teaches students addition, subtraction, sorting, and other basic math skills for lower elementary students. It aligns with Common Core Standards, allowing teachers in the majority of states to use this app in correlation to their curriculum.  Similar to Park Math, Moose Math promotes addition, subtraction, geometry, and other lower elementary math skills. The purpose of the game is to build a city and decorate it. Students receive supplies through answering math problems correctly, keeping students engaged and able to set goals for themselves. 

If iPads aren’t an option for students, they can still participate in online games through a variety of websites. Some websites align with a math curriculum, such as Matific, which aligns with Go! Math. This allows students to easily obtain extra practice on the topics they’re learning. Other websites that can support most math curriculums include Stride Academy or iXL.  Each of these websites can be monitored by teachers and allow students to work at their own pace. They are all aligned with Common Core Standards and give the option to be customized to specific states’ standards, as well. The video below explains the benefits of these websites and gives more examples of resources. One of my personal favorite math apps is Splash Math. This website allows students to pick their grade, meaning they can use it from 1st - 5th grade.  There is also a corresponding app for it. The link below is a video explaining this app.