Times Tables

Price: $0.99
Grade Recommendation: 3rd - 5th
Subject: Math
Specific Skill: Multiplication
Levels: Multi
Players: 1+
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This is the kind of app that's meant to be used over time. It tracks the progress of students as they master multiplication facts. It will save information for more than one student.

After selecting their name (or adding a new player), the app gives 4 choices:

Single Table Quiz
- Choose between tables 1 - 12. All start at level 0, where the questions are asked in order (1x1, 1x2, 1x3, etc.) and students can make up to 4 mistakes. New levels are reached according to accuracy and speed.

Quick Quiz
- It is unlocked only after higher levels are reached on the single table quizzes. Once it's unlocked, users can choose between the following quizzes: 30 questions, 100 questions, 1 minute, 3 minutes, or 1 mistake.

Competition
- This mode is also unlocked only after higher levels are reached on the single table quizzes. Once it's unlocked, users can choose between the following quizzes: 30 questions, 100 questions, 1 minute, 3 minutes, or 1 mistake. These quizzes are meant for 2 - 5 players and can have between 1 - 3 rounds.

Custom Quiz
- Choose between tables 1 - 12 (or a combination) and between 30 questions, 100 questions, 1 minute, 3 minutes, or 1 mistake.

Although this app only focuses on one skill (multiplication), it comes highly recommended. It's customization and ability to track progress make it well worth the small price tag. I also appreciate how it provides instant and ongoing feedback to students.

Baseball Multiplication 1 - 6

Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: 3rd - 5th
Subject: Math
Specific Skill: Multiplication
Levels: 1
Players: 2
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This is yet another app developed by the McGraw-Hill Companies. It compliments their Everyday Mathematics series; some students may find it quite familiar.

This particular version of the app multiplies numbers 1 - 6. A separate version exists for numbers 1 - 12.

The object is to correctly multiply number pairs in order to score points. The app is set up as a 3-inning baseball game. The player with the highest score at the end of the game is the winner.

After choosing a representative color, the first player touches the pitcher. The pitcher 'throws' a multiplication problem. The batter then uses the keypad to input the product. With a correct answer, the batter's 'hit' is based on the product.

1 - 10 = Single
12 - 16 = Double
18 - 20 = Triple
24 - 36 = Home run

An incorrect answer garners a strike; 3 strikes and you're out! But the umpire may also call a batter out or the ball may be caught, also resulting in an out. It's then the next player's turn.

A comprehensive tutorial is included. Students can also choose to turn on the 'Guided Play' option.

In general, I'm not a big fan of the Everyday Mathematics apps. But due to the two-player format and fun task, I do recommend this one.

Beat the Computer - Multiplication

Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: 3rd - 5th
Subject: Mathematics
Specific Skill: Multiplication
Levels: 3
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

McGraw-Hill developed this app as a companion to its Everyday Mathematics curriculum series. In this app, students need to compute a multiplication fact (0 - 10) before the time runs out (20 seconds). The seconds left on the timer are added to the user's score. There are 20 rounds in each game.

Feedback is given for correct and incorrect answers. A complete tutorial is also included in the app.

This is a very basic app. Students will enjoy the multiplication practice it provides. But parents and teachers will long for more customization options. Skip it (especially at this price point) and instead look for an app that's much more robust.

Lattice Multiplication

Price: $3.99
Grade Recommendation: 3rd - 6th
Subject: Mathematics
Specific Skill: Advanced Multiplication
Levels: N/A
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both (but not native to iPad)

Lattice is one of the 3 methods I teach my third grade students to use when multiplying larger numbers. I first teach them how to draw and use the lattice grid on paper. However, I find this app to be beneficial when it comes to them practicing using this method.

It was originally designed for the iPod Touch; however, it also works on the iPad.

A few options for customization are included. The multiplicand can have between 2 - 5 digits and the multiplier can have between 1 - 3. You can also decide whether or not to show the current operation (multiply or add) and whether or not to highlight the operands. All of these options provide students with just the right amount of scaffolding to experience success.

Overall, this app does an excellent job of illustrating and allowing students to practice this method of multiplication. Despite the price tag, it's worth having if you plan on covering lattice multiplication at least once through the year.