Bottom Line: There are tons of math apps available, but anyone looking for a customizable addition/subtraction app need look no further than More or Less : Learn Addition and Subtraction. This simple, yet fun app will work with children from those learning the basic concept of addition to older children as they learn more complex addition and subtraction equations.
If you would like to download More or Less : Learn Addition and Subtraction ($2.99, iPad only), please use our handy little link:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Contains links to other apps available by developer behind parent lock
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Anyone that knows me knows that I love math. I am a huge fan of anything that helps kids learn and be comfortable around numbers. When I test out a new math app, part of me is really excited and the other part is ready for the let down. Educational apps have that tricky balance to find between being educational and being something a kid will want to use. I am so happy to say that More or Less : Learn Addition and Subtraction by Marbotic finds that perfect balance.
I really appreciate that this app does not have lots of distractions and over-the-top, busy entertainment. Every piece of the app that is included is used to help the child learn. Each screen simply shows the numbers being added or subtracted, a number line to select the answer and small beads to help the child count out the answer.
The beads can be tapped and moved around the equation to help figure out the answer. Once a correct answer is given, the beads will move to display the answer and a small jelly fish will come to clear them from the screen before a new equation is displayed.
Parents and teachers can easily customize the app to their children’s needs. There is the ability to limit the minimum and maximum results in addition and subtraction. Parents can also choose from 11 languages as well as turning on and off the music.
There are three learning areas in both the addition and subtraction sections. These areas are shown at the top right of the screen as three different-sized chickens shown as a chick, hen and rooster. In the first area, children start by building their own equations on the screen. There is an empty equation with numbers on the bottom. Children drag and drop whatever numbers they want into the equation to find the answer.
The second section is the basic X +/- Y = __ set-up while the final section follows the set up of X +/- __ = Y. Children are shown an equation and must fill in the blank with the correct answer. The corresponding number of beads is shown under each number, and children are able to tap on the beads to help find the correct answer.
When I turned off the numbers slide in the settings, it seemed to break the app unless you own the wooden numbers, sold separately. The numbers at the bottom of the screen go away so that I was unable to fill in any of the blank squares. I hoped that I could write the number with my finger, but I couldn’t get anything to happen. Unless you own the blocks, be sure to keep the number line turned on to save some frustration for young users.
One other thing I would love to see in this app that isn’t there yet is parental feedback. As a mom, I would love to see a summary of how my child is doing and if there is a certain area he is struggling in. I do sit and work with them while they play, but again, I’m a math fan and I like to see metrics.
Overall, this is an extremely useful and fun educational app for kids, whether a child is first learning about addition and subtraction or if they could benefit from math practice. If you are interested, and would like to check out the wooden toys used to interact with the iPad, visit their website for more details.
***
Rachel H just indulged in a rootbeer float, one of her favorite childhood treats.
Comments