Pebble Jump HD

Price: 99 cents (free version too)
Grade Recommendation: 3rd and up
Subject: Game
Specific Skill: Logic
Levels: 3
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This challenging game is a cross between checkers and peg solitaire. The object is to clear the board by jumping over the pieces. In order to do so, the last jump must land in the home space.

The app gives the option to receive hints, to reset the game board, and to undo a move. All of these options will definitely come in handy!

The higher levels (medium and hard) are unlocked after the easy puzzles (40 in all) are completed. This app will make a great addition to devices where students enjoy logic games.

Scrabble

Price: $9.99 (iPad), $2.99 (iPod)
Grade Recommendation: 3rd and up
Subject: Reading
Specific Skill: Spelling
Levels: 2
Players: 1 - 4
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

Sure this app is one of the more expensive ones I'll recommend, but it's definitely worth the price tag! The app version of Scrabble comes with many choices for customization. Students can play against the computer or choose to play a solo game. They also may choose to play with up to 3 more classmates.

Other options include 'Pass and Play' and 'Party Play'. For those who do not also have access to iPod Touches, the 'Pass and Play' option is quite adequate. Students literally pass the iPad to the next person once they've made a word. In 'Party Play', students can use an iPod Touch to display their tile rack! It's so cool! They 'slide' needed letters from the iPod to the iPad. The tile rack is a free app only available for the iPod.

A dictionary is built into the app so students can look up words before making them. Of course the app keeps score as words are being made.

Overall, this app is costly but highly recommended!

Custom Spinner

Price: $0.99
Grade Recommendation: All
Subject: n/a
Specific Skill: n/a
Levels: n/a
Players: n/a
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

Reflecting upon my career, I can remember several times where I've decided not to play an educational game with my students because I didn't have the appropriate spinner needed.

This awesome app solves that problem!

It comes with the following preset spinners: boy/girl, yes/no, foods, numbers, and colors. But the best part is that it comes with an option to customize the spinner too! You can choose from 2 - 10 segments and label each one.

This app is well worth the price and will certainly come in handy if you have your students participate in game-like activities.

Yahtzee HD

Price: $2.99
Grade Recommendation: 3rd - 12th
Subject: n/a
Specific Skill: Decision-Making
Levels: n/a
Players: 1 - 4
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Yahtzee HD for iPad, Yahtzee Adventures ($.99) for iPod Touch

Although technically just a 'game', I believe Yahtzee definitely has a place in the classroom. As a gifted program teacher, I often present my students with decision-making opportunities. This game, one that many of us know from childhood, does just that. On each turn, students have to decide what option to "go for". I found that many of them have never played Yahtzee before. Therefore, I had to write each choice on the board and explain what each meant - especially the small and large straights and full house.

When possible, I allow students to play against each other rather than playing against the 'computer'. This is one of the more pricier apps I'll recommend, but it's definitely worth having it available for kids to use.

The major difference between this app and the actual board game is that the 'computer' keeps score for the players! Also, there are no dice to lose! :)