Mathtopia+ 1.94

This app has proven to be remarkably engaging, to the point where I found myself unable to pause my gameplay long enough to document a review. My children, aged 11, 8, and 5, are also captivated by it, leading to friendly competition over whom gets more time on the iPad for Mathtopia+. This level of enthusiasm for an educational tool is unprecedented in our household.

Described by Math Coach's Corner as "wickedly addictive", it's clear that this app appeals to various ages. In fact, I discovered our 10-year-old 'sneaking' some time with the iPad to enjoy the game on his own, an indication of its engaging nature.

The gameplay involves stamping math expressions with colorful answer tiles and solving tile-matching puzzles to progress. Players earn stars and trophies as they improve their speed in recognizing equivalencies. The tile-matching mechanics are reminiscent of popular jewel-swapping games but are enhanced with multi-touch capabilities, adding complexity and challenge for enthusiasts of the genre. Additionally, players can compete against others on Game Center and unlock secret levels, providing further motivation and engagement while cultivating essential math skills.

Mathtopia has garnered multiple accolades indicating its quality and educational value:

• Children's Technology Review Editor's Choice Award 2013
• Fun Educational Apps Top Pick
• PadGadget - Ten iPad Apps We Love
• SmartAppsForKids - Five Stars
• Minds in Bloom - Best Math App Ever

The achievements offered by Mathtopia foster lifelong math skills without distractions from ads or in-app purchases. The same engaging gameplay is available in a free version titled "Mathtopia", although that version does require in-app purchases to unlock certain features.

In terms of educational alignment, Mathtopia supports the Common Core State Standards:

• Addition and Subtraction: Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade
  • CCSS.Math.Content.2.OA.B.2 Add and subtract within 20. By end of Grade 2, know from memory all sums of two one-digit numbers.
• Multiplication and Division: Third Grade
  • CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.C.7 Fluently multiply and divide within 100. By end of Grade 3, know from memory all products of two one-digit numbers.

Mathtopia's animations utilize the Sparrow Framework, enhancing the overall experience.

For more information, visit www.TopShelfLearning.com.