5 Apps to Help Improve Math Scores Now!

As parents, we do our best to help our kids get their homework done, prepare for quizzes and tests, and complete all of their projects and coursework on time. But this is often easier said than done, especially when it comes to math. For some kids, math isn't just difficult; it's like a whole new language for them. But one language most kids seem to speak universally is the language of technology! Using technology to help our kids understand difficult math concepts can make the exercise fun and painless for everyone involved. So here are our top 5 picks for math apps for your smart phone (adapted from this Parents.com article, 10 Best Math Apps for Kids) to help your child find the fun again in learning math:   1. Einstein Math Academy (pre-K through 5th grade) - Although this one is only available for Android devices, we couldn't help but include it in our top 5 picks! The app uses fun characters and reward systems to make learning addition, subtraction, multiplication and division fun. And younger kids can hone their pre-math skills through patterns, shapes, number recognition and symbols.   2. Marble Math Junior (ages 5-8) - Available for both iPhone/iPad devices, Marble Math Junior helps younger kids navigate basic math problems by moving a marble through a maze. With features like unlocking new marbles and collecting bonuses, the app keeps younger kids coming back again and again. For your older kids (ages 9-12) check out the original Marble Math app, on which Marble Math Junior was based!   3. Mathly Hollows (ages 5-8) - Also available on Apple devices, Mathly Hollows is a super fun app to help kids improve mental math and problem-solving speed. Kids must fend off brightly colored monsters by using math skills, and ultimately are rewarded with their own pet monsters and other fun friends made along the way.   4. Kids Math (ages 3-7) - The Kids Math app for Android devices is a free app which asks kids to answer 10 math questions in order to pass a level (8 levels total). The cool thing about this app is that the questions change, so even if your math wizard manages to pass all 8 levels with ease, new questions will appear when he/she starts over.   5. Mathmateer (ages 9-11) - This Apple product has been featured in the New York Times and regularly is listed as a top-choice math app for kids. We think it's because the app lets kids flex their creative muscles - who wouldn't want to build a rocket ship to blast off into space?! Well all kids need to do to build their space ship is answer math questions and complete fun math challenges.   There are literally thousands of other apps for smart phones (both Apple and Android) which can help students improve math skills. The bottom line: don't be afraid to incorporate technology to help make math (and all subjects, for that matter) FUN!   Happy learning!