With distance learning becoming more and more common we are all on the hunt for creative ways to learn from home! Kahoot! has been creating educational quizzes in our classrooms for years but has recently acquired new learning apps DragonBox and learn-to-read app Poio by Kahoot!. Kahoot! is all about making learning awesome. Here is a quick introduction and review of what you can expect from these amazing learning apps.
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What to Look For in a Learning App
All educational apps are not created equal. I’ve written about other apps I’ve loved before, and I’m excited I’ve found these to add to the list.
The top five things I look for when finding an educational app that works:
- Intuitive learning that is age appropriate (no babysitting required)
- Individualized learning (You can select age/learning ability)
- Easy to understand
- Teaches your child building blocks for success (reading/science/creative thinking/math)
- Its fun!
Before we go ANY further…
DragonBox Numbers is FREE through May
DragonBox is a learning app that focuses on the building blocks of math starting from the very basics up to Algebra! This is divided into four different age specific apps so you can find the on that is the right fit for you and your child.
Here is a basic breakdown of the offerings:
DragonBox is all about growing your very own dragon! It uses a system of learning drawn from Cuisine Rods which is a visual representation of numbers and how they grow visually as you add.
As I read about how this app works I was nervous thinking it would be too complicated but it was just the opposite! My kids did not need explanation, they just started playing and figured it out intuitively as they went! The monsters will “eat” one another to grow in size as your child explored the relationship of the numbers/monsters. One of the things I love most about the app is that it also teaches your child about money as you advance in the levels!
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The best way to explain what this is really is for you to download the app for yourself. It is free for this week!
Explanation for DragonBox Apps
- DragonBox Numbers: DragonBox Numbers will teach your child what numbers are, how they work, and what you can do with them. The game makes it easy and fun for your child to gain an intuitive understanding of numbers. It’s a great introduction to the wonderful world of math. My three year old was able to pick up on the basics of this game really quickly and laughs as he watches the Nooms eating each other to make bigger numbers.
- Dragonbox Big Numbers: Build on the your math basics with the Nooms! A family of friendly monster numbers that you can advance with in worlds and coins. As you progress through the game you gather apples to give to your Nooms. This allows you to build a fun fortress as you learn about math!
- DragonBox Algebra 5+: “DragonBox Algebra 5+ Is perfect for giving young children a head start in mathematics and algebra. Children as young as five can easily begin to grasp the basic processes involved in solving linear equations without even realising that they are learning. The game is intuitive, engaging and fun, allowing anyone to learn the basics of algebra at his or her own pace.”
- “DragonBox uses a novel pedagogical method based on discovery and experimentation. Players learn how to solve equations in a playful and colorfull game environment where they are encouraged to experiment and be creative. By manipulating cards and trying to isolate the DragonBox on one side of the game board, the player gradually learns the operations required to isolate X on one side of an equation.”
DragonBox Algebra 12+
DragonBox Algebra 12+ is a more advanced look into Algebra. With my son entering 7th grade I’ll admit I’ve been a bit intimidated keeping up with what he is learning. It has been a while! This app with help you take on the more advanced aspects of Algebra and will cover all of these topics through PLAY!
- Parentheses
- Positive and Negative signs
- Addition of Fractions (Common Denominators)
- Collection of Like Terms
- Factorization
- Substitution
DragonBox Algebra 12+ gives players a greater understanding of what mathematics is all about: objects and the relationships between objects.
This educational game targets children from the ages of 12 to 17 but children (or adults) of all ages can enjoy it. I watched this video I found on YouTube to help me understand what the different symbols meant in the game. Once I watched that I was good to go. My son pretty much figured it out on his own.
DragonBox Algebra 12+ introduces all these elements in a playful and colorful world appealing to all ages.
FEATURES:
- 20 progressive chapters (10 learning, 10 training)
- 357 puzzles
- Basic algebraic rules with which the child can experiment
- A focus on minimal instruction encourages creativity and experimentation from the player
- Multiple profiles for easy progress control
- Dedicated graphics and music for each chapter
My Review of DragonBox
I love that the learning is intuitive and fun! The Nooms have unique, fun personalities that are engaging and capture the attention of my kids.
I was really impressed with the concepts that are covered with the algebra learning apps. I found that watching this quick tutorial of how to approach the app and single out the “BOX” or solve for the box helped my understanding a lot. Once I understood the basics it was fun to test my own understanding of Algebra again. You will eventually grow your dragon as you learn and grow. It is a lot of fun!
Poio offers a hands on approach to reading that feels intuitive and fun!
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MY REVIEW OF POIO
Poio is a learning to read app that is best for children ages 4-8. I have two children that fall under this category and they LOVED it. Of the two apps this seems to be their favorite. Poio is really fun to watch because it reminded me of playing a video game like Mario Brothers meets Montessori-type discovery type learning.
I feel like we’ve only scratched the surface with its abilities. Your child will learn how to break apart a word and build it back together through sound. It is such a fun way to bring a world to life with the bright colors and engaging characters.
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In effort to make our summer run more smoothly this year I am incorporating 30 minutes of learning to our every day routine. Some days we take the learning in the kitchen, outdoors, with an educational video, or an app. This is a perfect way to bring engaging learning without any fuss.
What are some of your favorite educational apps?
Looking for more ways to have your child engaged and learning off screens? Check out this post!
Hello! I am Camille, a wife, mother of four, Disney obsessed, certified teacher, and believer in creating your best momlife the way you see fit. Motherhood comes with its ups and downs, my hope is you’ll find something here to make your life a little better/easier. Let’s be friends on social!
Dang! I wish this was around when my kids were younger!! I’ll have to remember when my grandkids start coming! 🙂