Making Math fun is a great way to help your child learn and practice more of it. One way to do that is digital math games - there are tons of them that you can find on the internet. Two of the popular ones are AdaptedMind and Prodigy. Which one is better for your child?
Why Math Games?
Research suggests that using Math games for your kids can significantly improve their Math confidence - which is a precursor to improving their Math skills. The more accessible kids feel Math is - the more they are willing to practice and better they can get.
Especially for those kids that do not like endless worksheets or flash cards, Math games can be a much more fun way to do Math. Plus given that some kids prefer to spend some time on their devices, having that screen time be educational can be much better than playing mindless games or scrolling through Youtube Shorts.
AdaptedMind Math and Prodigy Math are two common Game-based Math programs used by millions of kids and parents worldwide. How do they compare?
AdaptedMind Math
AdaptedMind Math is a K-6 program that uses a game-like interface to motivate kids to practice and learn Math and Reading.
Your child solves problems - and as they do that, they unlock customisations for their pets. If your child gets an answer wrong, a learning video pops up to explain them that particular concept immediately. This provides a timely feedback loop to help your child get better at Math.
Prodigy Math
Prodigy is a Grade 1-8 Math and Reading Program. It has a self-paced, worksheet style Math and Reading practice, wrapped in a fun magic/exploration game. Answering the worksheet questions gives the main character powers to fight monsters and progress in the game.
Advantages of AdaptedMind Math
- AdaptedMind has less of "battles" and more of nurturing your pet. This can appeal to parents who want to avoid their kids "fighting" with others.
- If you decide to get AdaptedMind, there are seemingly no dark patterns to try and upgrade them (since you already would be on a trial/subscription).
- There are no social aspects to the game. This can appeal to parents who prefer a simple, no-nonsense experience rather than unnecessary comparison with what your child's friends are doing.
- There are corrective videos if your child gets questions wrong, which provides remedial action.
Disadvantages of AdaptedMind Math
- AdaptedMind has no free version. You have to commit to at least a trial, which will auto-convert to a paid subscription if you don't cancel it.
- The lack of social aspects might reduce the incentive for kids to get ahead in the game. (Depending on parents' preference, this could be a positive or a negative)
- Doesn't cover beyond Grade 6, so if you are looking for older kids or higher level Math, AdaptedMind doesn't cover it.
Advantages of Prodigy
- The game has a lot more aspects to it - there is the magic battle part, the exploration of the game, the collection of "pets" (similar to pokemon) - overall it's almost a MMORPG.
- The social aspects are not unsafe - kids can only see other players and their monikers trasversing the world but not actively communicate with them.
When kids know that their friends are also playing Prodigy, they can join the same server so that they can get a sense of playing together. - Prodigy covers upto Grades 8, so especially for higher Math, Prodigy would be a better pick.
- Prodigy has a free version, so you can use it even without paying (however it has been accused of pressuring kids with comparisons to upgrade)
Disadvantages of Prodigy
- Paid version of Prodigy is more expensive than AdaptedMind, especially comparing their monthly prices (though it does have discounts on annual).
- Other than Q&A worksheets and some free play areas to work out their Math, Prodigy doesn't include a lot of "learning" material.
- The free version makes the child feel like a second-class citizen - lesser rewards for completing the same missions, lesser customisation options.
Which is better for your Child?
AdaptedMind and Prodigy both provide a fun way for your child to experience Math. If you are mainly looking for a fun Math practice program, with lots of fun and an almost endless game experience, Prodigy might be better. If you are looking for something that also embeds some remedial learning, and your child is able to learn through videos, and doesn't have difficulty understanding verbal instructions, AdaptedMind might be better.
Before you decide to get a subscription for either one, also do consider Monster Math. While AdaptedMind and Prodigy both wrap a fun game experience around worksheets, Monster Math embeds the Math in the game play, significantly increasing time-on-task.
Especially if your focus is on helping your child be strong in basic Math fact fluency, or if your child has any Neurodivergence, Monster Math might be a better choice than either of these. As always, you can always start a trial and see what works for your child before deciding where to spend your budget.
