Math games are a great way for your child to have fun while doing Math. AdaptedMind Math and Monster Math both use fun Monster Characters and a game-like interface to make Math fun for your child. If your child loves Monsters, and needs to improve in Math (or even just stay ahead!), you might consider getting either of these.
Which one is right for your child though?
AdaptedMind Math
AdaptedMind Math is a K-6 Reading and Math program that uses a game-like interface to motivate kids to practice and learn Math.
Your child can solve problems and unlock customisations for their pets, which provides the primary motivation for them to continue solving problems. If your child gets something wrong, a recorded video pops up to explain them that particular concept.
Monster Math
Monster Math is a K-3, Math Fact Fluency program that uses games to help kids visualise and practice Math. In Monster Math, your child will solve puzzles or play a game - and as they do so, they visually see how Math works, as well as move forward in the character's journey. A storyline provides the motivation to progress forward through different worlds.
The main difference between Monster Math and AdaptedMind is that in Monster Math, the Math is embedded in the game mechanics and the game is not just a wrapper around Math questions.
Advantages of AdaptedMind Math
AdaptedMind has following advantages over Monster Math
- AdaptedMind checks if a learner is able to answer specific questions on a particular topic - and then if they can't, supplement this with videos.
The videos would be similar to learning from a teacher so might feel familiar. - Accessible on the web along with mobile devices
- The questions are in the worksheet format, so similar to how it would be in a school grading test.
- Covers a wider range of topics compared to Monster Math, and upto Grade 6.
Disadvantages of AdaptedMind Math
- The questions are in a worksheet format - and the game is just a wrapper over the worksheets. So if worksheets are not working for a child, this might not work either.
- The learning happens via videos, which are again very similar to traditional instruction.
- The fun game part itself contains no Math - so the time on task can be a problem as kids would want to spend more time on the fun part.
- Not specifically designed to be Neuroinclusive - so it may not work well for kids with ADHD or Autism or any other Neurodivergence.
Advantages of Monster Math
- The Math bits are part of the game mechanics - so kids are having fun while doing Math. This improves time on task and also builds association that Math can be fun.
- Visually depicts Math operations before moving to abstract notation - so if traditional methods are not working great for your child, there is a good chance this might work better.
- Focuses on Math Fact Fluency, which is foundational for Math.
- Learning happens in-game along with practice - this ensures it works even better for kids for whom direct instruction might not work so well.
- Designed to be Neuroinclusive - so if your child is Neurodivergent, Monster Math is more likely to work for them.
Disadvantages of Monster Math
- Not standard worksheets. So if you are looking for something that looks like traditional worksheets but digital in nature with some fun wrapped around it - Monster Math is not it.
- The Math looks different from the way it's presented in traditional ways. Though pedagogically sound, it needs a bit more patience from Parents to see how the Math learning progresses.
- Focused on Math Fact Fluency, and mainly lower grades.
Which one to choose for your Child?
If your child loves worksheets, and you are just looking to get more practice in for them digitally, in a program that has Math practice and learning in a more traditional way, AdaptedMind (or even Prodigy) could be better for you.
If your child doesn't like worksheets, would prefer more visual material and if you are looking for something that might not be traditional looking but is quite pedagogically sound; or if your child has any potential neurodivergence (such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia or Dyscalculia) - Monster Math could be better for you.
Eventually - you need to choose a product that works for your child. Both AdaptedMind and Monster Math allow you to sample the product before you decide to purchase - AdaptedMind has a 30 day free trial, whereas Monster Math has a 7-day free trial, but also has free levels you can try before even starting a subscription trial. So do try both of them out!
