Math in the Wild!

Children love animals and nature, but, generally, aren't fans of fractions and multiplication. Splash Math is an app that combines the two. The organization has apps for each grade level, but I focused on the app for third graders because I hope to work with kids of this age in the future. The app provides children with age appropriate math games to help them develop their skills. The games are broken up into lessons focusing on specific topics covered in third grade math. Learning should be enjoyable and interactive. Children in today's society have greater exposure to technology, expanding the role of technology in the classroom. Splash Math combines learning and technology in a kid-friendly and interactive manner.

Splash Math for third graders has several aspects and features that make it user friendly and appropriate for children.  First, the games and lessons are broken up between different topics covered in the Common Core. For example, there are specific games for multiplication and division. The student can choose which topics to study depending on their mood and progress. Second, the students can grow at their own pace. They can choose the games and topics along with the theme. Splash Math has two options, jungle and ocean. Third, the bottom tab on the left gives students scratch paper space. Often students like to show their work and write down the calculations they make. The bottom tab provides students with these opportunities. Fourth, Splash Math connects with parents and teachers. In order to use Splash Math, a parent or teacher of the student provides his/her information. The app uses the information to send parents or teachers progress reports on their children and give them access to their child's activities. Sadly, the same program for other grade levels isn't free and is only compatible with Apple products. However, third graders, and their parents and teachers could use this app to enhance their learning experience and rate.

Reviews of Splash Math are stellar! Both teachers and parents have given positive feedback for Splash Math. Teachers have implemented the app into their classroom as a teaching tool to supplement lessons. The app has been said to make learning fun, personalize the education experience, and improve standardized test scores. Parents rave about the app, also. They love how the app reinforces lessons from school, make math enjoyable and can be used anywhere, extending the classroom beyond the classroom. Splash Math can be an app provided by parents or teachers, which will improve student performance in math in a fun and interactive manner.


Resources:

Splash Math [image]. Retrieved from http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/06/prweb11930653.htm

[Untitled image of Splash Math]. Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/third-grade-splash-math-games./id449564960?mt=8