Math Numbers: Gamifying Math Learning for Your Students!

Monster Numbers is an interactive, gamified approach to learning foundational mathematical operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division skills. After launching the app, a storyline is presented to users that explains that they are helping the main character in the game to repair his spacecraft by correctly solving math problems. Next, the app’s main menu loads, and users can click the green “Play” button to start the game. At this point, the chapter launches, and users help their character through the stages by correctly answering math problems, collecting coins, and completing other challenges. As they do so, they progress through the game and math problems while the challenges increase in rigor.

At any time, users can tap the “Back” button on the top of the screen to return to the main menu. From there, they can click the “Stats” button to view their daily and overall performance. The “Story” button takes them back to chapters described earlier in this review, and the “Math Zone” button lets users practice their math skill along with viewing the collectibles they have gathered throughout the game.

Links:

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.playtic.monsternumbers

iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id892283434

Instructional Ideas for Monster Numbers

1. During free time or as a reward, teachers can have students use this app to practice their math skills.
2. Teachers can create a friendly class contest where they challenge their students to see who can advance the furthest in the game during a specific amount of time (e.g., a week, a fortnight, a month, etc.). To check their progress, teachers can have students open the “Stats” menu on the app. The student who progresses the furthest can earn a homework pass, extra recess, or another reward.
3. After teaching a certain math skill (e.g., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), teachers can have students practice those skills with this app, either in the game mode or through the “Math Zone” feature. Again, teachers can monitor their progress by viewing the “Stats” menu option.
4. After using this app, teachers can create a professional learning community (PLC), view other alternative apps for practicing math skills, and compare them. Teachers can then use the different apps with their students and see which they prefer. Finally, teachers can return to their PLC and share that information.

Screenshots of Monster Numbers