HyperHomeschool

The team at Arithmaroo has just launched the first of five iphone apps aimed at helping students develop number sense while improving their understanding of basic operations.  The first app, Instant Counting, focuses on transitioning from counting to recognizing and assigning values to numbers.  There are 4 levels involving the numbers 1-50. Up to four people can race against the clock while testing their numerical prowess in this fun, counting game.

This application takes a predominately "right brain" approach to learning.  For example, vivid imagery replaces static, black and white problems.  Also, pattern recognition replaces the standard "drill and kill" repetition.  Throughout the game, there is a timed element.  While it does not serve as the primary goal, this aspect should appeal to those who enjoy healthy competition.

Being a math educator myself and a homeschooling mom of four, I was eager to have each of our four children try this app.  We even took my iPod Touch to gymnastics and passed it around to others.  The team at Arithmaroo should be proud because it became an instant hit with the younger crowd.  While my 2nd and 4th graders were not challenged by the content, they enjoyed the "game" aspect and raced against each other to see who could get the most correct.  Our preschooler, on the other hand, found the game fun and engaging.  As I watched him throughout the activity, I could actually "see" his recognition of the numerical values improve.  He became faster and more confident.  He even commented, "this school is fun."  I even had a mom (and fellow math teacher) comment on how this is a great way to solidify the understanding of one-to-one correspondence and the modeling of numerical values.

Instant Counting is an instant hit!  This is a game parents and teachers can feel good about letting children play. You can actually watch children develop confidence in their mathematical ability while building a great foundation for more advanced skills. Arithmaroo, you should take a bow!