Most kids dislike math. I hated math growing up. It is a necessary skill to learn but yet can be incredibly frustrating for both children and parents. I remember having many melt downs in my jr high years over algebra.

Math is such a “building block” subject – each concept builds on the one before. If any of the building blocks are weak, the subsequent ones come crumbling down. Here are some apps that turn math into fun and games, but still accomplish a learning purpose. The following list is some of my favorites I’ve reviewed this year.

For Toddlers:
TallyTots is the perfect app for you if you are looking to get an interactive counting app for you little one (starting around 12 months). It’s focus is numbers 1 – 20. It’s highly interactive which makes the numbers more memorable. We have owned this app for months now and my 3-year-old and 2-year-old still love it. This app is available for both the iPhone and iPad. We have promo codes to give away for this one. For more information, read the full review here. ☆☆☆☆☆

Teach Me: Toddler is a well-rounded educational app perfect for the curious toddler. The app focuses on everything from letters to numbers to shapes and colors. Create a profile for your child then watch as they are quizzed on age-appropriate topics. As teacher mouse guides them along, they will earn virtual stickers and praise for right answers. This is a great app to play with your child and turn wrong answers into teaching moments. Teach Me: Toddler is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and can run in 2xs mode on iPad. ☆☆☆☆

Preschool:
Park Math uses a wide range of mini games to teach various preschool math concepts. The setting is a park and lots of animals are involved with teaching concepts such as counting, adding, subtracting, patterns and more. This one has been a hit with our preschooler and the delightful music, colorful art and easy-to-understand child voice overs make it extremely child-friendly. Park Math is available for both iPhone and iPad. For the full review, go here. ☆☆☆☆☆

Monkey Preschool Lunchbox may sound like a strange app, but it has been a hit with little ones everywhere. It is not exclusively a math app, but offers up a wide variety of learning objectives. Puzzle solving, colors, numbers, matching and more. The main character monkey is adorable and kids respond very well to him. If you’re looking for an app that teaches a bit of math but mixes it up with lots of other skills, this one is for you. Monkey Preschool Lunchbox is a universal app and works on both the iPhone and iPad. Check out the full review here. ☆☆☆☆

Grade School:
Math Academy is a beautifully crafted, kid-friendly math supplement for kids tackling basic math. Think speed drills made fun. There are differing levels of difficulty and two modes of play (timed and endurance). If you child can’t stand speed drills, this could be the answer. As your child gets answers to the problems correct (multiple choice style), he or she earns points which they can use to buy virtual stickers within the game. The graphics are gorgeous and this app is available for both iPhone and iPad. Check out the full review here. ☆☆☆☆

Geom-e-Twee is the perfect answer for parents who want to get their kids interested in geometry. This app is not only free, but it is fun and entertaining for all ages. Effortlessly form beautiful geometric shapes and take photos to insert in your tree garden. We have had lots of fun with this one and it’s a great addition to anyone’s app library. Your kids will go crazy about making beautiful geometric shapes and will hopefully develop in interest in learning more about the mathematical topic. Check out the full review here. ☆☆☆☆

Stamp Game is the digital version of the timeless Montessori stamp game. If you’ve always wanted to buy the set for your child to help them learn about math the Montessori way, but were worried about losing the pieces, worry no more. This iPad app keeps all the simplicity and integrity of the original version, but with no mess or cleanup. This is perfect for home educators or for use in the classroom. I plan to use this method with my own children as they enter grade school and will most definitely put this wonderful app to work. Check out the full review here. ☆☆☆☆☆

Place Value is another Montessori app that again keeps all the integrity of the original but again there is no cleanup or risk of losing pieces. If your child is just learning place values or is struggling to grasp the concept, try teaching your child the Montessori way. This method singles out each place value and is visually explanatory. Perfect for visual learners. This is a no-frills learning app that gets the job done. Check out the full review here. ☆☆☆☆

Motion Math is one of the most unique math games you’ll ever see in the app store. One of the most difficult concepts for children to grasp is that of fractions and decimals. With Motion Math, fractions were never so much fun! I even had fun with this one and played it for a while myself. This game mixes motion and math beautifully to help your child grasp fractions and decimals in a new way. If you child likes to move while learning, this is definitely an app you should check out. See the full review here. ☆☆☆☆☆

Rocket Math combines something kids love(rocket ships), with something they are not normally fond of (math) and makes the latter feel like a blast. Your child can choose the difficulty level and exact subject matter within mathematics to focus on and shoot their rocket into space. While they’re in space they must answer as many math questions as they can to stay in orbit and gain points. Once they collect enough points, they can cash it in for upgrades to their rocket. It’s nothing short of fun. Rocket Math is available for both iPhone and iPad. Check out the full review here. ☆☆☆☆

If you have any questions about any of these apps, please feel free to ask in the comments. Check back next week when I’ll list out my top app picks for busy parents!

Hannah is an educator, mom to three wonderful children ages 3 and younger and proud wife of an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran. She is the founder of MyAppinions.com. My Appinions is a site where she posts reviews of iOS apps of all kinds but with a heavy emphasis on ones with educational and practical value.