According to a recent report by Common Sense Media, studies show that 72 percent of children age 8 and under have used a mobile device for some type of media activity such as playing games, watching videos, or using apps.
Splash Math - Grades 1 to 5 (free) is the latest iPad app by StudyPad Inc. that allows children to learn math on the web and on a tablet. Currently, the company has over 4 million children using Splash Math on the web and grade-level specific iPad apps. This latest release combines all the different grade levels into one cross-platform app.
The app provides personalized learning for children grades 1–5 and is aligned to the Common Core curriculum. I let my 5 year-old son test the app and he was instantly engaged with all the activities. In fact, he touts that he can do first grade math as a kindergartner.
One of my favorite features of the app is the ability for me as parent to track my child's progress with real-time reports. I also like the various rewards and games that are unlocked as children score more points. Children tend to have short attention spans so it's great to see a game incorporate different elements to keep them engaged, and more importantly, learning.
Splash Math is a subscription-based service and parents can choose to a monthly ($10) or yearly ($79) plan.