Happi 123 HD by Applicable2U

Happi 123 HD – A Math Game for Kids

by Serendipity

Do you have children or students between the ages of 4-7?  As a parent or educator are you wondering how you can make learning math fun?  Then you will want to check out recently updated Happi 123 HD – A Math Game for Kids.  It is designed for your iPad device running iOS 3.2 or later and makes your children or students feel as though they are participating in a game show.  At this time the game can be experienced in four languages: English, Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian.  Additional languages will be added as a free update soon.  Come up on stage with their host, an adorable tiger and be rewarded with various types of badges.  At an early age, counting is instinctually done on one’s hands.  Many try to disway children from counting in this format, however, developmentally it is very appropriate.  Happy 123 HD encourages this “natural way” of learning math as it  reinforces various mathematical skills from basic counting to number series, pattern recognition, and addition/subtraction.

Through our exploration we found that Happi 123 HD has so much to offer.  Upon entering the educational app, contestants will notice two gaming options.  We like to call them “finger play” and “let there be light dominos”.  For first time players, contestants might find it useful to begin with finger play as they learn to recognize and count to 10.  As they manipulate numbers through pictures and fingers, players have the ability to earn up to 50 badges.  While in finger play, educators and parents will be pleased to see a number of educational accommodations in place.  Each particular round has a designated badge that will be earned as it will become apart of the game.  To encourage one to one correspondence, contestants will be able to tap each badge as it swings back and forth while players mentally count.  The objective is to count out and match that number on the devices fingers.  Players must answer six questions before that rounds badge can be earned.  Through visual support users will see that number in two ways: on their hand and as an actual number.  If the contestant thinks they have the answer right they are to pull down the lever on the right hand side.  If correct, contestants will be reinforced with a two thumbs up, confetti and a shining light bulb.  Numbers can be counted out on the devices fingers in any way the user chooses.  Once all light bulbs are bright, players may replay and earn addition badges or move onto the next game.

The next round of play is what we call the “Let There Be Light Domino” round.  Here users must drag and drop numbered plugs in a domino like format.  On one end of the plug is the actual number and users must find and plug in its coordinating dice number.  Plugs will rotate in either direction, vertical or horizontal.  A note to the developers – might it be possible that players could rotate plugs on their own?  Thus working on fine motor skills at the same time.  Or even have certain plugs going in the wrong direction, making players use their thinking skills to align the matched numbers.  Once the puzzle has been plugged in correctly, turn the light switch on and see a bulb light up.  See how your adorable tiger host begins to disguise himself.  As you plug in correct matches, contestants have the ability to earn 24 playful disguises.

The game continues to get better as it also incorporates what developers call a timed streak level. During this bonus round users are expected to answer a combination of mathematical concepts until the time runs out. With every correct answer the streak continues.  Applicable2U and our little contestant haven’t reached this round as of yet, but look forward to the challenge.  If in a school or home setting, Happi 123 HD app settings can be manipulated through the devices Settings app.  Here parents or educators can reset badges or disable the Audio Help option.  With 50 badges and 24 disguises to collect, your child or students number sense will certainly advance.  We wonder if after collecting all these items, will our contestant have another opportunity to game for a reason.

If you would like to learn more about HappiPapi and the other educational apps that they have, please visit their website here.  Become the next contestant for puppet master or host, Papi the Tiger by downloading Happi 123 HD to your iPad device today by clicking here.

Reviewers website: www.applicable2u.wordpress.com

32 HD by Applicable2U

32 HD

by William Gann

Have you ever played the card game Blackjack? It is one of the more popular casino games played all around the world. Known as a banking game in which the aim of the player is to achieve a hand whose points total nearer to 21 than the banker’s hand, but without exceeding 21. You might be wondering why I am referring to a casino game on an educational app review website. This is an excellent question! The game of Blackjack requires players to think on their toes, to add numbers quickly and to leave feeling like a winner. In January of this year, app developer William Gann, created a math application that is simply called 32. While reviewing this educational app, the card game Blackjack came to mind. This very fast paced educational game, 32, also requires players to be on their toes and to use a great deal of thinking in order to be successful. Designed for your iPad device running iOS 3.2 or later, late elementary to even adults will be challenged by this number game.

Amazingly, it is filled with 5 levels of difficulty with over 200 mathematical puzzles in which players must use their higher order thinking skills as it meets a number of math standards along the way.  Although there isn’t a banker per say, the objective is quite the same as Blackjack. The only difference, with only four to five cards, a players total must be equal to 32. Each level within the game builds upon the mathematical concept of the orders of operation. When solving an equation that implements multiple operations, there is a rule that one must follow. Like reading a book, we read from left to right. This same rule applies when solving a mathematical equation, while also keeping in mind what many educators and students know as PEMDAS. PEMDAS is short for “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally” an acronym for: parenthesis, exponents, multiplication, division, adding and subtracting. Regardless of which level is chosen, players are timed, not in the traditional sense, but rather by point value. Upon entering a level, players will see 4-5 colored cards, a fill in the blank equation and a countdown in the upper left hand corner. The countdown begins, not surprisingly, at 3200 points. The quicker you drag and drop cards into the correct position, the more points you earn. Scores are stored within the application based on the highest points earned within each level.

Come up to the chalkboard and show off what you know at each level. 32 is not difficult to navigate. As you enter the classroom, players will be provided general directions on “How to Play” as well as written tutorials upon entering each leveled game. Levels are clearly defined prior to game play. While manipulating cards and solving puzzles in levels 1 – 3, players will have access to only four moveable playing cards in which to get an equation equalling 32. It is important to note, that levels progressively incorporate the orders of operation.

Level 1 – consists of puzzles involving only addition.
Level 2 – consists of puzzles involving adding and subtracting.
Level 3 – consists of puzzles involving adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing and parentheses.

Upon entering Level 4, players will immediately notice a slight change in the number of cards available. Instead of four moveable cards, players now have to manipulate and build an equation containing five numbers equalling 32. Puzzles in Level 4 contain the same available operations as level 3. The final challenge happens in Level 5, when players must manipulate four numbers to equal a total of 32 as it integrates all aspects of the orders of operation, exponents included.

There are a number of things that Applicable2U likes about this math application. As software becomes obsolete due to more and more schools implementing mobile devices in school, an application like 32 will certainly have a place in a classroom, on the go, or at home. It very nicely fits the late elementary curriculum standards and can stimulate the oldest of minds. 32 would work as a center activity or part of a whole group lesson with your iPad connected to a large screen projector as mathematical conversations are sparked. Or use just to stimulate ones mind at home in order to reinforce and master skills being taught at school.  Although we are an advocate of the game, there are some things we hope the developers will take into consideration when looking at their next update.

- Might it be possible for those just learning this mathematical skill or who need additional support to incorporate something like a video screencast or jing video modeling the solving procedures prior to playing. By integrating this added feature, your mobile application will be differentiating the learning for all students.

- Also, have you thought about allowing for multiple accounts within the application.  As puzzles are solved, might it be possible to include a username submission box which stores the Top 10 scores within each level.  Thus showing progress made by multiple users.

- For some students or users, the point value timer may be overwhelming.  Might it be possible to set the timer as an option that can be set to on/off as needed.  As suggested by one of our students, the point timer could even be invisible.  It is not until the game is done that this numerical value appears.  In addition, to continue on the theme of added support, might a scratch pad be made available in which users can jot down their work.  As players moved onto levels 4 and 5, this scratch pad feature could become locked after so many attempts at opening it up.

Overall, Applicable2u gives the educational math app 32, two thumbs up!  We have been on the look out for supplemental activities to reinforce such math skills and believe that we have found a winner in 32!!  We were amazed to see that it only costs .99¢ to download to our iPad device.  If you would like to learn more about William Gann, please visit his website here.  It’s time to stimulate your brain and apply known number facts as you follow the orders of operation while playing 32 in the palm of your hands, click here to download today!

Reviewers website: www.applicable2u.wordpress.com

Hungry Fish by Applicable2U

Hungry Fish

by Motion Math

Come swim along the shores of Wave Reef as you test out your addition skills.  From the developers of Motion Math and Motion Math Zoom, young mathematicians will not be disappointed with their recent addition – Motion Math Hungry Fish.  Designed for all Apple devices running iOS 4.0 or later, this initially free educational app will get your gills wet as your student or child ages 4-12+ feeds their very hungry fish with numbers.  For those educators or parents whose state is now or soon will be following the Common Core Standards, it is important to note that Motion Math games are designed with such standards in mind.  Hungry Fish is applicable to children just learning the concepts of numbers and addition to adults looking to brush up on their brain stimulation. With wonderful graphics, easy to navigate tutorials and playful modes of creativity, users will want to unlock more.  Additional levels can be added to your device through an in app purchase of $3.99 for each of the following: Subtraction and Negatives or purchase the whole fish tank for $6.99.  Luckily, these fish won’t die as quickly as those from the pet store.

Upon entering the application users will want to observe their “fish tank.”  In the bottom right hand corner, users will see four icons: a fish, musical note, trophy and a question mark.  Each of these icons will support and guide the user as they go fishing. If this is your first time playing, users will want to tap the fish icon.  Upon tapping this icon, it would appear that an unlimited amount of fish “users”  can be added to the application.  Through exploration and gaming, users will be able to associate a creatively designed fish of their own to their account. If at any time, the sound effects or music becomes a distraction for students, simply return home and tap the music icon to off.   Based on your successes, the trophy icon will store your high score as it relates to other fish in the sea.  Within the question mark icon, users and parents will find a great deal of resources. With a how to play, a parent guide, and options, each users experience can be customized for them.  In addition, this home tank provides positive reinforcement to those playing, in the bottom left hand corner a very basic reporting system of your points, a multiplier, the number of colors you have unlocked, and how many fins styles your fish can have.  Once your fish has been dropped into the tank, it is time to play.  Play can begin in two ways: tapping the play arrow in the top right hand corner or interactively.  With your fine motor skills, tap and drag your fish across the screen and watch it follow your finger tip.  After a little playtime, it is time to get academically playing, drag your fish up to the play arrow.

Your first experience with Hungry Fish will require you to begin with the introduction.  Here narrators will explain how to play.  Feeding occurs through number recognition and combining numbers to make new sums so as to feed their fish.  Hungry Fish is visually explaining the concept of mental arithmetic as it shows multiple ways to make the same number.  With this free version of Hungry Fish, users will have access to 18 levels of difficulty as they explore the Wave Reef.  Levels of difficulty can range from simple number matching, to faster gameplay, to even challenging for the most math savvy individual.  Regardless of which level you choose to play, your goal is to feed your starving fish.  In the tank, you will see your fish will have a number on it, it is your goal to drag and drop a floating bubble of that same number into your fishes mouth.  At times, there are no bubbles with the exact number and it is now time to do a little combining.  If combining is required, then you must overlap bubbles to form a new numbered bubble.  It is important to note that your fish only likes to eat one bubble at a time, it’s matching number on its stomach. As you strategize combinations, don’t panic if you accidentally combine the wrong number, the surrounding sea life will blow out new bubbles so that you can fix your mistake.  Luckily no time will be eliminated from your score, however, with every mistake or lack of feeding, your fish will get smaller. No person or even fish likes to starve.

Overall, Applicable2U would give Hungry Fish two thumbs up! From the standpoint of a teacher, knowing that my students can actively be meeting the Common Core Standards in math at a variety of grade levels in one app is worth the download.  Yes, there is an added expense to extend the learning with subtraction and negatives, but for $6.99, it seems rather minimal.  Seeing my own addiction to it, I can only imagine how my students might feel.  If you would like to learn more about Motion Math, please visit their website here.  To begin feeding your virtual fish today, access Hungry Fish in your iTunes library by simply click here.  You will not be disappointed!

Reviewers website: www.applicable2u.wordpress.com

Great Preschool App!

Name: Alien Buddies by artgigapps

Fee or Free: 1.99

Rating: 4.5 /5 stars



Why I Like it: This app has great graphics that compel young learners to explore. On the opening screen children are faced with three choices. These are pre-readers so they do not know that the choices are match, dot-to-dot, and stickers but after they explore on their own they will quickly have the functions memorized.  Once past this screen going left to right, young readers are given a choice of matching different colors, shapes, letters, and numbers. This where it really gets cool. In the top level learners are asked to find the alien among a line of six that matches a spaceship that flies up from below. Going back to the home screen for matching, learners can do matching through a listening activity which is great for building oral comprehension. The letter matching does lower case to lower case, upper case to upper case, and mixed giving learners a built-in challenge. The numbers are grouped 1-10, 1-20, and 1-50; again building on what children have learned and reinforcing their new knowledge at the same time.



In the dot-to-dot activity there are six choices of simple dot-to-dots (should be called stars-to-stars as children are connecting stars : ) ). Learners can ask for help if they connect to the question mark. In the help mode the next numbered star to connect to turns pink telling learners what to push.  In the I can do it myself mode the stars stay yellow. A bonus of the dot-to-dot that as the child hits each number it is said aloud so children get counting skills reinforced. The dot-to-dots get progressively harder as you move left to right and then down. Starting at ten going up to 17 stars to connect. If you are a parent working with your child you might take the opportunity to talk about constellations as the dot-to-dots are stars on a blue background.

Every time a child completes an activity successfully they get a sticker. Going back to the home csreen and choosing the far right choice children are presented with a landing screen showing eight different scenes. When they choose a screen they they are greeted with pleasant thematic music and the stickers they have earned are in a line at the bottom of the page. Stickers that they have not earned yet are transparent motivating them to go back and play more games to earn those stickers.

The graphics are engaging, the music is appealing and not obnoxious, the activities are age appropriate, and the children should get hours of play time from the 1.99 purchase.

Things I'd like to see to give it 5 stars. More challenging dot to dots. I'd like to see higher numbers, more complex pictures, and the use of an alphabet dot-to dot to reinforce the alphabet recognition taught in the app.

All in all, great job artgigapps!

 Visit Mobile iEducator for more app reviews!

Love to Count by Applicable2U

Love to Count by Pirate Trio

by Next is Great

When you think about incorporating a mobile device with any grade level student or child, their goal should be to understand and grasp the skill(s) being taught, right? Well then come aboard a pirate ship as we land on the shores of unknown seas. As they use their mobile device, the hope is that they are discovering new mathematical skills rather than playing to memorize. Love to Count by Pirate Trio has been designed and tested to do just that in a very creative way to enhance numbers.  It is a mathematical educational app designed for all Apple devices running iOS 4.0 or later.  When you read the title of the app, Love to Count, you assume your child will only be working on basic skills.  Well, you couldn’t be more wrong.  Applicable2U was amazed at the number of mathematical skills that are reinforced as your son/daughter or student(s) are playing in the land of pirates.

Love to Count by Pirate Trio is accessible to multiple users.  When entering you can choose from six diverse characters, 3 boys and 3 girls.   As you dive down into the deep  blue sea or hop aboard a pirate ship, your student or child will be working and exploring with adding, subtracting, shapes, counting and ordering.  Each of these skills is then narrowed down even further to deepen their understanding of numbers.  There are a number of things that Applicable2U loves about this application.  Love to Count by Pirate Trio is accessible for all learners.  It provides a great deal of repetition, verbal reinforcement, a hands on learning experience as they use their fine motor skills to move items around the page, rewards and even user statistics that a parent or teacher can view.  When playing some math applications, users are at times stressed due to a timer, Love to Count by Pirate Trio does not incorporate such a feature.  The captain aboard the ship, or the narrator, reads the question and basically waits until an answer is chosen or the “Done” green checkmark is selected. If a child needs to question repeated, the developers have an answer for that, simply click the speech bubble button in the top right hand corner and your captain will read the question once again.

As you successfully complete each question, users are verbally rewarded.  If however, you have chosen an incorrect answer, not to worry, you can always try again.  As you enhance your understanding of numbers 1 to 10, users will be asked to unlock a secret code word, once unlocked you can then enter a cave where hidden rewards are.  These rewards are stored in your treasure chest and can viewed for others to see.  The approach that is taken with this educational app is very well done. Although there are over 700 math tasks, Applicable2U would love to see an extension of numbers added for those having mastered the necessary skills.  Such an extension could come through as a free update, or an in-app purchase to those that have downloaded Loved to Count by Pirate Trio.

Overall, Applicable2U will certainly recommend Love to Count by Pirate Trio to other educators and parents.  If you would like to learn more about Next is Great, please visit their website here.  If your son or daughter loves to count, then you will want to add this pirate adventure to your iTunes library, simply click here.

Reviewers website: www.applicable2u.wordpress.com

Numbers League by Applicable2U

 Numbers League
   by Bent Castle Software

EXTRA!!! EXTRA!!! Read all about it.  The streets of Infinity City are looking a little gloomy.  Why?  A “number “of villains are  on the loose.  For those that are intrigued by superheroes , it’s time to hero up with our friends from the Numbers League.  Originally a tabletop card game, Bent Castle Software has recently launched for the iPad device with an operating system 4.3 or later, the Numbers League.  With a comic book like feel, it is an educational app that encourages individuals to solve math problems strategically while working with a variety of numbers. In a very unusual way, users will design their own superheroes as a way to nab the villains before they take over Infinity City.  Whether you are 5 or 45, Numbers League will stimulate users both educationally and emotionally.

Upon entering, Applicable2U was immediately struck by the graphics presented.  The line up of our team of superheroes truly reminded me of the Super Friends or Super Hero Squad that my son adores.   There are several math apps currently categorized under Education that develop and reinforce the concept of numbers as it relates to the four operations (+, -, x and ÷).  What makes this application different from other operation apps?  Play can be done solely or with as many as four friends or family members. Watch out though as three robots of varying skill levels may also enter the game. Simply take on a secret identity in appearance and even your name and let the capture(s) begin.  With appropriate music and sound effects, users can play in dynamic, fast or simple mode.  In addition, hints and timers can be turned on or off which will assist all learning styles.   With a variety of game types such as: Minion, Sidekick, Hero, Hero Plus and Superhero, users will be challenged academically while having fun.

Regardless of game type, the streets, which can be viewed as your game board, are filled with numbered villains.   Unlike any other app, the math appears as superhero trading cards divided into three parts: head, body and legs.  Together these three pieces equal the total sum which should match a villain’s particular number.  As game play progresses, trading cards are  collected and can be combined to take down as many villains as possible. When building your unusually powered hero, parts can be locked into place as others are spun in order to obtain the necessary numbers.  Just keep in mind that this option of re-spinning can only occur twice within each round.  As a user succeeds and moves from Minion to Hero and beyond, additional features will be added which can guide or help ones strategy of play.

According to latest Infinity City Chronicle, Addiplication is the unstoppable force that all villains dread! Mathematically, how are you going to save the day?  Whether you are a parent, educator or home schooler, the Numbers League is very applicable to you! If you would like to learn more about Bent Castle Software please visit their website here.  In order to begin this incredible adventure and capture the interest of all types of learners through the support of ones imagination and mathematical strategy, then download Numbers League today from your  iTune library here.

Reviewers website: www.applicable2u.wordpress.com

Sam Phibian by Applicable2U

Sam Phibian
by 3CD

It’s time to go on an adventure through the swamps with our frog friend, Sam.  Appropriately titled, Sam Phibian, will engage children in preschool through kindergarten as they experience a very clever counting game that not only works on a number of mathematical skills but also a user’s hand eye coordination. After only two days in the Apple Store market, Sam Phibian has already been mentioned in the “New and Noteworthy” section.  Currently, it is FREE, so be sure to get it while you can at this discounted rate. So what is all the hype over this educational app?   Sam happens to be a picky eater, so it is your goal to read what is “on the menu” for each meal of the day and feed him only those things that he wants.  If Sam happens to eat too much, the wrong type of fly or a random object, some very goofy things will happen as he becomes too big for his lilypad.  For this age group, it’s a nice mix of academics with opportunities of laughter and fun.

Prior to entering the swamps, Sam’s meal is revealed through a visual and numeric representation.   At each meal, users will simply tap the screen to trigger Sam’s tongue to grab the correct number and colored fly.  Accommodations are made within this educational app as it provides support for various learning styles and needs. Such support would be the tracking and/or reminder of the flies needed for that meal in the lower left hand corner of the users screen.  However, I wonder if an option to read particular items (directions upon entering the swamp or unknown numbers) might be added to guide those just learning or to reassure students.  With success, each meal there after will become more challenging thus turning those options mentioned above off.  Through auditory sounds and visuals, users will know when correct and incorrect answers have been selected.  The tracker menu at the bottom will place a green checkmark as tasks are completed.  If extra flies or incorrect flies are chosen, users will hear a buzzing sound and checkmarks will turn red causing Sam to become slightly bigger with each incorrect answer.  As you navigate from one area of the swamp to another, flies will begin moving a lot faster and meals will become more complex, so users need to pain attention.  If you are not paying attention, Sam could be given quite a surprise!

How might this be integrated into a classroom or home setting?  Applicable2U can envision this educational app set up within a “technology center” for children to use as they work on numbers.  We do wonder how many levels users will experience as we noticed upon exiting and re-entering that games are not saved.  In addition, we noticed that with repeated use that each experience appeared to be the same.  Although repetition is wonderful, would it be possible for users to experience different numbers with each return visit. While at home, Sam Phibian would be a wonderful way to reinforce what is happening in the classroom.  While on the road, in a restaurant or waiting at the doctor’s office, Sam will encourage learning and fun as he hops along with your little one to develop appropriate mathematic and hand eye coordination in order to execute certain tasks.

Overall, Applicable2U gives Sam Phibian a thumbs up.  Regardless of those “wish list” items mentioned above, Sam Phibian would be an excellent addition to your Apple device.  Through wonderful graphics, visual aides and various challenges, various users will find this app appealing.  If you would like to learn more about 3CD, please visit theirwebsite here.  To begin downloading this currently FREE application now, simply click here for your iTunes library.

Reviewers website:  www.applicable2u.wordpress.com