Happi 123 HD – A Math Game for Kids
by Serendipity
Do you have children or students between the ages of 4-7? As a parent or educator are you wondering how you can make learning math fun? Then you will want to check out recently updated Happi 123 HD – A Math Game for Kids. It is designed for your iPad device running iOS 3.2 or later and makes your children or students feel as though they are participating in a game show. At this time the game can be experienced in four languages: English, Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian. Additional languages will be added as a free update soon. Come up on stage with their host, an adorable tiger and be rewarded with various types of badges. At an early age, counting is instinctually done on one’s hands. Many try to disway children from counting in this format, however, developmentally it is very appropriate. Happy 123 HD encourages this “natural way” of learning math as it reinforces various mathematical skills from basic counting to number series, pattern recognition, and addition/subtraction.
Through our exploration we found that Happi 123 HD has so much to offer. Upon entering the educational app, contestants will notice two gaming options. We like to call them “finger play” and “let there be light dominos”. For first time players, contestants might find it useful to begin with finger play as they learn to recognize and count to 10. As they manipulate numbers through pictures and fingers, players have the ability to earn up to 50 badges. While in finger play, educators and parents will be pleased to see a number of educational accommodations in place. Each particular round has a designated badge that will be earned as it will become apart of the game. To encourage one to one correspondence, contestants will be able to tap each badge as it swings back and forth while players mentally count. The objective is to count out and match that number on the devices fingers. Players must answer six questions before that rounds badge can be earned. Through visual support users will see that number in two ways: on their hand and as an actual number. If the contestant thinks they have the answer right they are to pull down the lever on the right hand side. If correct, contestants will be reinforced with a two thumbs up, confetti and a shining light bulb. Numbers can be counted out on the devices fingers in any way the user chooses. Once all light bulbs are bright, players may replay and earn addition badges or move onto the next game.
The next round of play is what we call the “Let There Be Light Domino” round. Here users must drag and drop numbered plugs in a domino like format. On one end of the plug is the actual number and users must find and plug in its coordinating dice number. Plugs will rotate in either direction, vertical or horizontal. A note to the developers – might it be possible that players could rotate plugs on their own? Thus working on fine motor skills at the same time. Or even have certain plugs going in the wrong direction, making players use their thinking skills to align the matched numbers. Once the puzzle has been plugged in correctly, turn the light switch on and see a bulb light up. See how your adorable tiger host begins to disguise himself. As you plug in correct matches, contestants have the ability to earn 24 playful disguises.
The game continues to get better as it also incorporates what developers call a timed streak level. During this bonus round users are expected to answer a combination of mathematical concepts until the time runs out. With every correct answer the streak continues. Applicable2U and our little contestant haven’t reached this round as of yet, but look forward to the challenge. If in a school or home setting, Happi 123 HD app settings can be manipulated through the devices Settings app. Here parents or educators can reset badges or disable the Audio Help option. With 50 badges and 24 disguises to collect, your child or students number sense will certainly advance. We wonder if after collecting all these items, will our contestant have another opportunity to game for a reason.
If you would like to learn more about HappiPapi and the other educational apps that they have, please visit their website here. Become the next contestant for puppet master or host, Papi the Tiger by downloading Happi 123 HD to your iPad device today by clicking here.
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