An educational app to teach kids math, ninja style

My kids, like all kids it seems, are big fans of the blockbuster Fruit Ninja app. So when I heard about a new app that pretty much rips it off but adds math to the equation (heh) I was interested in checking it out.

 

Now I'll start with the big disclaimer that I do get a little squidgy about developers (or businesses in general) who jump on other entrepreneurs' intellectual property and trade on their successes. So I'm wondering how long Pers is going to be a allowed to keep the name Ice Math Ninja. But let's just skip that for now because otherwise, it's a very good app for kids.

Essentially what you have here are a cute teddy bear ninja (yep) and a penguin in a kimono, who are slashing their way through five math games with more to come. In the most basic game, good for preschoolers or so, you use your finger to slash every number that isn't a zero. Then there are games in which you slice only odd or even numbers; slice only numbers below a certain other number; or get into actual math by slicing the answer to an addition question or numbers that are multiples of a specified number.


My seven-year-old can play the easy version no problem, but is getting ready to try out medium; my kindergartener enjoys the first two games and just laughing at the ninja bear whose name is Tushka. (Which sounds like "Tushie" when you're five.)  I'd think that the harder levels will be perfect for grade schoolers; and the achievement badges definitely are a motivation to keep them playing--and learning.

I can see why Ice Math Ninja it's hugely popular in Europe right now, and the top iPad app in France. If the Fruit Ninja attorneys stay away, I imagine it will do nicely here too. -Liz

Find Ice Math Ninja by Pers for $.99 for iPad and iPhone in the App Store

Find More: Apps for iOS, Apps for kids, Educational!, Preschoolers and Little Kids, Tweens + Big Kids