Math Games can be really useful to engage kids who are otherwise disinterested in, or struggling with Math. Compared to worksheet based programs such as IXL or Splash Learn, math games such as Monster Math or Prodigy with real game mechanics and fun characters are much more loved by kids.
But which one to choose?
Prodigy
Prodigy is a Grade 1-8 Program that offers an adaptive, worksheet style Math and Reading practice, wrapped in a really fun exploration game. Doing the worksheets and answering questions gives the main character powers to fight monsters and progress in the game.
Monster Math
Monster Math is a Math Fact Fluency program that uses games to help kids visualise and practice Math. In Monster Math, the child will solve puzzles - and as they do so, they visually see how Math works, as well as move forward in the character's journey. A thin storyline provides the motivation to progress forward through different worlds.
Advantages of Prodigy
Prodigy is super fun for kids - and comes with a wide variety of curriculum covered for Reading, Science and Math. It also has a free version that allows kids to play, albeit with a lot of push to go for the paid plans.
Parents also get a separate app that they can use to monitor their child's progress and send rewards to their child for completing certain goals. Prodigy school also offers ways for teachers to assign specific lessons to kids.
Main advantages -
- Super fun game, so better motivation than just doing dry worksheets.
- Worksheet style format for questions - so kids see a familiar interface for the Math.
- Separate Parent or Teacher interface.
- Covers wider curriculum, across Math and Reading as well as for 8 grades.
- Also has a social aspect to it - kids can join a server where their friends are playing and can also see their progress (although this can also cause peer pressure to upgrade to the full version).
- Supported on all major platforms.
Disadvantages of Prodigy for Math
Prodigy does come with some disadvantages.
- It's mainly a practice game with limited learning opportunity
- Since the game is separate from the worksheets, the "fun" part where kids are engaged takes up a lot of time away from learning. This can reduce time-on-task and increase screentime without proportionate increase in learning.
- Paid plans are expensive - start at $75/year for the cheapest Math-only plan, going all the way upto $134/year for the 3-subject plan.
- As the actual practice happens via worksheets, can continue to promote the "rote-learning" method.
Advantages of Monster Math
Monster Math is a more niche product for a specific purpose - to help your child's Math Fact Fluency skills. This has a few advantages -
- The Game part includes the Math learning. This significantly improves time on task.
- Kids get to visually see how Math works, so there's both Math learning and practice at the same time.
- Math Fact Fluency is the foundation of all future Math skills - so focusing on only this, and especially working on Math strategies allows kids to build a more positive relationship with Math without necessarily rote learning.
- Designed with Neuroinclusion in mind. Especially for kids with ADHD or Autism, the product has many design decisions (such as lack of a timer, or a calm environment) that can make it significantly better for them.
- Much more economical at $59.99/year.
Disadvantages of Monster Math
There are some disadvantages of Monster Math too.
- Doesn't look and feel like traditional Math. This can take some time to get used to, especially for parents, who might think their kids are only solving puzzles and not really doing Math (even though there's sound pedagogy behind how it works).
- No separate Parent or Teacher interface - at least for now.
- Focused only on basic Math, suitable for Grades 1-3 - if you are looking for something that covers, say, Algebra, Monster Math can't help you.
- Limited free plan - with enough levels to try out what the game looks like but not enough to keep playing free forever.
- Currently limited to iOS and Android platforms.
Which one should you choose?
If you are a parent of a child in Grade 4 or above - or if you are looking for something that looks like traditional worksheets, digitally, but having a fun motivation for your child to do those worksheets - you might want to go for Prodigy.
Kids really love the game part of it, so it's likely they will practice daily, just to play the game - and then tolerate the Math problems to get forward.
If you are also looking for more subjects, such as Reading or Science - then again, you can consider Prodigy.
On the other hand - if your child struggles with basic Math facts - and you don't want them to just focus on rote learning, but want to help them learn Math concepts better - or if your child has ADHD or Autism - and you have an Android or iOS device that your child can use - then you should definitely give Monster Math a try.
Both products come with a Free trial - so you can try out both before choosing the one you like. And of course, if your child likes both, and your budget permits it, you could consider getting both too!
