As you’ll learn about me through my reviews, I’m fool when it comes to quality memory and matching games. I’m delighted to say that the educational game “Floating Memory” makes me a foolishly happy gal. In some ways, this application is no different than most standard memory games – you pair objects (in this game it’s sea creatures) and collect points to work your way through progressively difficult levels. What’s different about this game is that the pairs are in frenetic, floating bubbles that are in constant motion adding to the challenge… and the excitement. I can listen to my own iPod songs while I play, and I often find myself entranced in the meditative and addictive nature of this game. Floating Memory is best suited for skilled matching game enthusiasts, older kids, and adults, and it’s a fabulous way to focus your concentration and sharpen your memory while having a good time.

By Age Range, By App Feature, High School +, Just For Fun, Matching, Middle School, Primary School, Reviews

This math-based application joins arcade game fun with simple addition and subtraction problems. To play Math Bumpies, you pick your tropical superhero likeness, and then tilt the iPhone/iTouch to navigate your way through the ten destinations on Math Island. Along the way you’ll see math problems; when you see a choice of answers, tap on your character to jump and bump the correct answer to acquire points. The game can be played in three modes (easy, medium, and hard) and is geared for kids age six and up. It appears best suited to children who already have a working knowledge of addition and subtraction and are looking to improve their math proficiency. It truly offers adventure, with challenges including shark infested waters, snow storms, walls of fire, and quicksand. Of all the math apps I’ve experienced, Math Bumpies feels much more like a heart-pounding video game than a means for learning. It’s no doubt this game will appeal to a child’s desire to have fun… and a parent’s ambition to enrich their child’s intelligence.

By Age Range, By App Feature, High School +, Just For Fun, Math, Middle School, Primary School, Reviews

Dictionary.com is a reference application that includes a dictionary, thesaurus, and word-of-the-day option, and also keeps a log of the most recent word searches. Reference words are quickly and easily accessed directly from the app, which can potentially save the user time and frustration from dealing with an unreliable internet connection. The best feature of all – and what helps make this app superior to traditional book versions – is the audio pronunciation. Now, not only do I understand what I’m reading and writing, but I can impress my peers with profound, polysyllabic words without fear of butchering the pronunciation. One might argue this application is the best-of-its-kind, but there’s absolutely no doubt that Dictionary.com is a “must-have” for students and curious minds of all ages.

By Age Range, By App Feature, For Parents, High School +, Middle School, Phonics, Primary School, Reading, Reviews

My son is just learning to talk and there are five words he says clearly and often: NO, fishy, apple, mama… and Elmo. Needless to say, we were thrilled to learn that Sesame Workshop Apps recently came out with an app starring our furry, red friend. To play “Elmo’s Monster Maker”, we first select a monster buddy and customize it with eyes, nose, and a hat. We then have the option to “play” with our monster by taking a picture, watching it dance, or goofing around with Elmo. There is an alluring and intimate quality to this game… a sense of inclusion where Elmo and the monsters embrace us in the fun rather than feeling like observers. This can be partially attributed to the production that uses only interactive video clips that engage directly with the audience. The monster’s dress-up options are ultra-silly with some outlandish choices, and the dance party feature has toe-tapping, themed tunes that can match the style and mood of your monster. This isn’t an educational app per se, but it’s certainly a lot of pure, clean FUN… Elmo-style.

By Age Range, By App Feature, Just For Fun, Middle School, Preschool, Primary School, Reviews, Toddlers

Mathemagics is an application that teaches tricks and strategies for mental math calculation. It’s based on basic math skills and only requires understanding of simple math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). Users are guided step-by-step through each lesson to solve the problem, then there’s the opportunity to use acquired skills in the practice section. The math calculations steps are easy to follow and logically explained. I was stuck a few times while practicing but I found it easy enough to toggle back to the lesson section to refresh my understanding of the calculation. Seriously, I’m the kind of gal who whips out her iPhone calculator to figure out a restaurant tip – it’s staggering that I can do such complex math problems with such ease and enjoyment. This app would likely appeal to teenagers and adults preparing for the math section on standardized tests, or those looking for a geeky good time.

By Age Range, By App Feature, For Parents, High School +, Math, Middle School, Reviews

In this search-and-find application you must “find yourself” before the timer runs out. To begin, you define “who you are” from a choice of fourteen characters and then you select one of five different scenes. The time allowed for each challenge varies depending on the skill level chosen (from easy to hard). I found this game to be absorbing and challenging, requiring me to exercise my attention, concentration, memory, and strategizing skills. Younger/novice players may benefit from starting with the easy skill level but I found the “hard” level to be the most enjoyable. At this level, there is only one minute to find my character within the crowded and chaotic scene. I must pay close attention because my character might be crouched down, bent over or hiding from me! This app is great fun for all and helps to develop and strengthen a keen sense of observation.

By Age Range, By App Feature, High School +, Middle School, Preschool, Primary School, Puzzle, Reviews

Pediatric SymptomMD is a physician-endorsed reference tool that caregivers can use to identify and treat their children’s health problems. It has five main categories including a symptom identification index, a “seek help” telephone directory, a pediatric medication dosage table, an option to connect with your pediatrician’s phone number, and a section with special pediatric topics. I’m impressed by the intuitive design and wealth of information offered in this application. It thoroughly defines each health problem (sometimes including visual images), then prioritizes each symptom by advising when and what help might be needed. I’ve successfully used this application twice now – each time following the care advice given – and it worked beautifully! Of course, Pediatric SymptomMD can’t replace the guidance of your health professional, but it’s a helpful resource for overwhelmed caregivers struggling to decide “what do I do next?” It’s a small price to pay for such peace of mind.

By Age Range, By App Feature, For Parents, Health, High School +, Middle School, Reviews

Lola’s Flag Adventure is a memory game where you match tiles representing flags from around the world. After you’ve practiced the memory game feature, you can then take the quiz to test your knowledge and record your best scores. There’s also a scorekeeping component to the game and quiz so you can compete against yourself or with others. I’ll admit it…I’m a sucker when it comes to a good memory game and this adventure genuinely satisfies me. From a learning standpoint, this application helps to flex mental muscles by exercising concentration, focus, and retention skills; it also teaches the names of various countries and their respective flags. Lola’s Flag Adventure is the perfect union of learning and fun and I found it to be an enchanting and engrossing game that will certainly appeal to kids of all ages.

By Age Range, High School +, Matching, Middle School, Preschool, Primary School, Reviews

Highlights Hidden Pictures is an application based on the magazine’s classic hunt-and-find game. When you correctly identify and tap on the hidden object in the black and white drawing, the object vividly presents itself in full color. There are eight puzzles included in this game with a free puzzle offered monthly. It’s worth mentioning that some users have experienced trouble updating the initial version of this app (significantly impacting satisfaction) but there’s a fix available if needed. The newer version of this app shouldn’t experience this problem. The initial price for this app was hefty; thankfully the publishers recently reduced the price to better match what’s offered. When I was a kid I subscribed to Highlights Magazine and the hunt-and-find game was absolutely my FAVORITE attraction. I’m thrilled my son will experience the same captivating game in this innovative, portable, and convenient format. Hidden Pictures remains enthralling, challenging, and great fun for children and adults alike. You’ll be wrestling your kid for dibs on this app!

By Age Range, By App Feature, Middle School, Primary School, Puzzle, Reviews

Popmath combines basic math drills (addition, subtraction, multiplication & division) with a matching game featuring floating bubbles. You match the corresponding math problem with the correct answer and…POP…you eliminate two bubbles. I sometimes struggle to review math applications but I knew this was a winner when I found myself choosing to play this game while pampering myself at the salon. This educational game exemplifies two of the greatest potential app qualities: learning and fun. Seriously, what could be more ideal? The playful twist to learning is fit for kids acquiring new skills and for adults looking to keep a sharp mind. Let your inner-geek rejoice!

By App Feature, Matching, Math, Middle School, Primary School, Reviews