Educational software expert JumpStart® successfully blends education and fun in its latest mobile app – Madagascar Math Ops™. With twenty years experience in the business, it’s no surprise my kids were engrossed for hours with the Madagascar zoo crew. Read on for our full review!

The beloved Penguins from the DreamWorks Animation Madagascar franchise are making their first mobile game debut starring in Madagascar Math Ops™. With this game, kids can dive into an educational and mathematical covert operation with the Penguins. Players must solve puzzling math equations to help the Penguins rescue their fellow Madagascar pals Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria from evil henchmen.

Why I Reviewed It

I was first introduced to JumpStart learning software a decade ago, when my dad bought me the JumpStart Toddler and Pre-K CDs. My toddler LOVED them, and so did I. He got to learn how to use a mouse, as well as learn basic “cause and effect” skills, accompanied by catchy (but not annoying) tunes.

This was a big deal back then. It was very difficult to find software that was easy enough for toddlers to use, taking into consideration that their fine motor skills were still developing. Too many other titles out there were just frustrating for little kids to use and not fun at all. These were just perfect and I happily used them with both my boys. (I have the song playing in my head as I write this!)

When JumpStart reached out to me to review this latest app, I was curious. I had a fair amount of faith in the company based on past experience, but times have changed and I wondered whether the apps would appeal to my now-tween boys. They might be educational, but would they actually be fun and something kids would want to play?

I’m happy to say both parents and kids rated Madagascar Math Ops™ a win!

Game Play

Here’s how the game works:

Kids select a grade and combination of skills to be tested (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).

Within each of these there are several levels of increasing difficulty.

Starting at the first level the child is presented with a series of Math problems and must tap the correct answer for each equation displayed.

Once these are answered correctly, the child then gets a chance to free the Zoosters.

This is the real “game” part of the app, and the penguins must be angled just right to free the Zoo buddies from their cages and squash the evil henchmen. More correct answers mean more power ups and chances (dropping pins, more speed, more powerful impact) to successfully complete the level.

Completing each level rewards you with coins which can help you unlock different “worlds” – the default is New York, but Paris and Sydney are also available.

If you fail to free the zoo friends or eliminate the henchmen from the level and you repeat it, you’ll be presented with different questions at the same difficulty level, but the same layout of obstacles and henchmen standing in your way.

Why It Works

The game is addictive.

Sure there’s the Math element, and while there are probably very few kids out there who will WANT to practice their Math skills (except when motivated by an upcoming quiz or exam) most kids will not mind doing the basic Math in order to access “the real deal” – aiming those penguins, hitting the targets and racking up points.

Let’s also be clear on what the educational support is here.

This isn’t a teaching app. There’s no instruction on how to tackle these Math concepts. This is a reinforcement tool which gets the kids to practice the skills they’re already learning in class.

In our schools we have “Mental Arithmetic” quizzes. These are timed tests where the kids have a limited amount of time to work out a basic math problem in their heads (hence – Mental Arithmetic). It’s great practice in developing “number sense” which has real world implications, and it’s wonderful mental stimulation.

If your kids have quizzes of this nature in their schools – this app will be very helpful in getting in practice. Even if they don’t, it’s still a very useful way to boost their Math skills.

Getting back to the game. It really is fun. I had the kids try it and wondered if they’d bring the iPad straight back after 5 minutes. I was pleasantly surprised that they kept at it for at least 45 minutes the very first time I gave it to them. In order to keep them unbiased, I didn’t tell them I was writing a review. I just told them I’d downloaded a game for them that I’d like them to try out.

After they gave their feedback, my husband and I decided we would try it out to get a parent’s perspective. I am AWFUL at games, especially physics-based games like this is. Hubs is great at it, so needless to say he left me in the dust, progressing really quickly and racking up points!

I had a lot of repeating of levels to do, because I suck at freeing the animals AND getting the henchmen. For review purposes I considered it a plus though, since that let me experience repeating of the Math component of each level. I was happy to see that the identical questions weren’t presented over and over, so everything felt fresh… even under the pressure of not being able to get rid of those pesky henchmen!

Both hubs and I agreed with the kids that it was the most fun educational game we’ve come across for grades 1-4, and one that you actually don’t mind playing.

Pop Up Advertisements

Once the game is loaded, there is a pop up ad for another JumpStart game. This can be dismissed, but it’s not difficult to imagine a child being confused, clicking the large brightly-coloured button and being redirected to the App Store instead of to the game they expected to play.

I’m not a huge fan of pop-up ads in games for kids, especially ones which take over the screen and force interaction with them. That said, once the ad is by-passed it does not appear again during gameplay except when switching grade/topic selection.

In our review, we were only ever presented with one ad (at game start and when switching levels) which the kids easily bypassed to return to the game, after their first encounter with it.

As a parent I’m not averse to developers letting me know what other apps are available. In fact, if I like your app I may indeed want to know what related apps you offer. I would recommend that JumpStart move to less aggressive ad placement such as a banner display below the score after each level is attempted.

Overall

We liked the game, and we will be using it to reinforce Math skills in our home. I don’t expect that the kids are ever going to say “Hey Mom can I play Math Ops” out of the blue (unless they’re preparing for exams), but I do think they would gladly squeeze in some Math Ops time when we want them to get in some practice.

Madagascar Math Ops™ launches on iOS®, Android™ and Kindle® for $2.99 and FREE download today, June 5th 2013.

Disclosure: I was provided with a JumpStart promotional code at no cost JumpStart in order to test the products’ abilities and give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the free product provided.

Nothing beats a homemade gift to let someone know you really care.

If you’re looking for a great Father’s Day idea to let Dad know how much he’s loved, these 5 should get you off to a great start!

Monster Phone Charger

Monsterize Dad’s Phone Charger – Bring a smile to Dad’s face EVERY time he charges his phone!
[Get the instructions]

iDad Card

The Perfect Card for a Gadget-Loving Dad – Personalize this card with photos of Dad’s little treasures, fun riddles, or anything that suits your fancy!
[Get the instructions]

Car Shirt

This T-shirt is not only cute, it’s a great way for Dad to sneak in a tiny back rub from the kids! Muhahahahaaa!
[Get the instructions]

Photo Blocks

This would be wonderful on Dad’s desk! Personalize it with family photos of the kids, Dad’s proudest sporting moments, photos of the kids’ artwork… the options are endless!
[Get the instructions]

My Dad Rocks

Edible Fudge Rocks – Indulge Dad’s sweet tooth with this cookies-and-cream fudge creation!
[Get the recipe]

I have to hand it to the creative minds behind these blogs, I’ve been searching the interwebz for creative and unusual ideas and they’ve certainly come up with some ideas that are out of the ordinary!

I hope you enjoy!

It’s Day 2 of a 4-day weekend in Trinidad & Tobago and I find myself reminiscing.

Twelve years ago I would have been off doing something with this weekend.

More than likely, I’d have been at a random remote beach. Equally as likely? 99th hour “planning” would have landed us in a simple, sparse space just close enough to the sea. Perfect.

Or maybe we’d be “fishing” at some waterway, expecting very little catch to be landed. But that would be ok, because all that mattered was the sweetness of the lime anyway – the poor fish a flimsy excuse really to share good company and a lot of laughs.

But something changed 12 years ago.

Kidnappings and violent crimes were on the rise.

With a new little one in tow, we still managed after-work impromptu fishing trips – Hubs casting a line, me reading stories to little one til sweet dreams found him.

But with a combination of worsening crime, another little one on the way, and Mother Hen parenting in overdrive… well outdoor excursions gave way to backyard adventures and indoor imaginative play.

We made a little nest for ourselves – a safe space for our children to be.

We put our outdoor excursions down to the ways of youth, and got on with the serious business of Parenting.

We chose one over the other because that’s what you’re supposed to do, right? And also because it’s hard to live in that in-between space where your liming friends aren’t “family friendly” and your friends with families are too exhausted to be limers.

So you choose one and stick to it hard, until the day comes when you look back and wonder if the way you chose was the only way.

Or even the right way.

For a moment I allowed myself a bit of self-pity, wishing I could go looking for bouncy castles at midnight or head out on a spontaneous drive with no planned destination in mind. I looked at the “things” tying me down.

I didn’t give in too long to the bitter and opted instead for the sweet because I know I believe these to be true:
1. Making a Home is not an easy job, and not for the faint of heart.

2. Decisions you’ve made in the past should never be doubted. No regrets. They were made for reasons that were true and sound at the time.

3. You should never sacrifice who you are, but every day offers a new chance to re-balance and re-align the many moving parts that define YOU.

4. Today is brand new day, a clean slate for making new memories.

And with that in mind… off I go to read that book the 2yr old has set aside for today and to explore what this new day holds for me. For us.

I’m happy to be working with the JumpStart team once again to bring you a review of their latest educational game for kids:

Madagascar Math Ops is a mobile app for kids in Grades 1-4, and will be available for iOS and Android (including Kindle).

The full review will be available on June 5th – the day the app hits app stores – but in the meantime… a sneak peek!

The beloved Penguins from the DreamWorks Animation Madagascar franchise are making their first mobile game debut starring in Madagascar Math Ops™. With this game, kids can dive into an educational and mathematical covert operation with the Penguins. Players must solve puzzling math equations to help the Penguins rescue their fellow Madagascar pals Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria from evil henchmen. Madagascar Math Ops will be launching on iOS®, Android™ and Kindle® for $2.99 and FREE download on June 5, 2013.

Stay tuned for my review (along with my 10- and 12-yr olds) and hear how your kids can:

• See all your favorite Madagascar friends
Play along with the Madagascar crew, including Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria and those lovable Penguins — Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private!

• Have Hours of entertaining physics-based gameplay
Play 80 game levels – strap on soda-fueled jet packs and deploy Penguin pyrotechnics to free the Zoosters.

• Learn math the fun way
Explore thousands of math problems, ranging in difficulty from 1st grade to 4th grade levels. Your child can practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division!

Don’t forget! June 5th! Maybe I’ll even do my first vlog!

Netflix considering changes to subscription policies – analyst says 10 Million watch for free

Netflix is reportedly looking at changes to its current subscription model which allows 2 devices to stream content simultaneously on 1 subscription.

Analysts claim as many as 10 million individuals are getting a free ride, and effectively stealing content. Netflix is considering family plans that will allow them to charge for these freeloading preschoolers. [Bloomberg]

Blackberry taking BBM to Android and iOS

Blackberry is finally looking to make its signature messaging service available on iOS and Android devices (subject to marketplace approval in the iTunes and Google Play stores.)

BBM has never truly been duplicated, although What’s App arguably may be close. And while giving up BBM was a serious consideration for me before I eventually did switch from Blackberry, and I do miss features it offered, I fear it may be too little too late. [Mashable]

Fuad feuds with grieving Sextuplets Father

Minister of Health Fuad Khan has publicly called the parents of Trinidad & Tobago’s first sextuplets ungrateful, for daring to question whether the couple should have sought to have their babies delivered overseas rather than here at home.

Inexplicably Minister Khan has decided to engage and reprimand parents grieving the loss of 2 of their 6 children. The issue of gratitude being raised certainly says a great deal about the way the hospital preparations for multiple births of this magnitude has been personalized and projected on the family. What should be a feather in the Ministry’s cap, and a beacon of hope for expectant parents of multiples in the Caribbean, has quickly devolved into public embarrassment of the family and a political spectacle.

In the unlikely scenario that the healthcare provided truly was deficient, the hospital does not look good. However, the approach of dealing a tongue-lashing to a parent in grief under any circumstances does not exactly fill anyone with hope that empathy and professionalism are the order of the day in T&T healthcare. One can only imagine Dr Khan intended to show support to his hard-working colleagues, but instead he may have unwittingly given credence to the impression so many in the public have – that doctor-patient disconnect is very real.

It is not to late to bring this back on the right course, and one would hope that the good Minister would take steps to do so upon his return from Dubai. The mainstream print media’s early sensational handling of the sextuplets care does not go unnoticed. [Trinidad Express]

North-West

[Show as slideshow]

Add your camp to this list! Click here to email me!

Mother’s Day at the water’s edge…

The Chaguaramas Boardwalk – A lovely place to spend a morning close to the water

The sky promises a beautiful day

The Boardwalk

Dragon Boat Racers In Training

Macqueripe Bay

View overlooking Macqueripe Bay

Families enjoying the waves and sand

VIDEO: Silk Cotton floats down to the waves on Macqueripe Bay.
The silk cotton barely shows up in the video, but I’m leaving it up for the sound of the waves.
It was such a magical feeling floating in the waves and having the silk cotton sprays float down everywhere around you. Half expected to see fairies hitching a ride!

Let’s travel the world together!

It’s FREEBIE FRIDAY!

After SEA Special Edition

This week’s selections are especially geared toward the pre-teen age group. Hard working students need to wind down and relax!

The Time Hunters (Book 1 of the acclaimed series for children of all ages)
‘The Time Hunters’ is a thrilling adventure that takes Becky, Joe, Uncle Percy and Will on a quest through time to find the legendary Golden Fleece.

“This book has been called a natural successor to Harry Potter and indeed it has the same magical qualities that I found in those books.”

“I had a great time with this book even though its target are kids. I found it to be well written, fast paced and most importantly the story hooks you right from the beginning.”

Nimpentoad
5 star rating from 94 Amazon reviews, Wired Magazine’s Geek Dad talks about this collaborative work between a father and his 5- and 7-yr old sons.

“There are lessons of teamwork, creativity, perseverance, leadership and anti-bullying peppered throughout the tale. The illustrations are spectacular, the book reads at the level it was written for (young readers just at that chapter book level) and it isn’t laden with overbearing fantasy or sci-fi concepts.

Instead, it’s a basic tale of adventure with fantasy creatures that tell an engaging story that children and adults will love.”

Wraith
Jane struggles with adjusting to her new home and school after an abrupt move. She wants one thing in life—to be like everyone else at school, but that’s hard to do when you’re the new kid. But she does manage to make one friend, Evan—he’s sixteen, charming, and protective. Everything a girl could want in a best friend…with one minor caveat.

He’s dead.

She thinks he’s here to be her friend, to take care of her, and that’s why no one can see or hear him. That is until a new boy shows up at school. Connor can see Evan and he’s not convinced the ghost is being completely honest.

EXTENDED – Previously Featured, Still Available

Logic to the Rescue
Logic to the Rescue is designed to teach kids 10-14 critical thinking. A combination of fiction and non-fiction, it weaves examples of logical fallacies into a fictional sword-and-sorcery fantasy. Simple examples for testing a hypothesis and setting up experiments in chemistry and physics are integrated into the plot.

No Way Out – And Other Scary Short Stories
A series of short spooky stories for ages 9 and up.

Mysterious without being horrifying.

The Light Keepers, a FREE Epic Fantasy Adventure (ShadowLight Saga)
(Based on Norse Mythology.) Isolated because of what she is–because of the power she holds inside–Astrid longs for contact with another human being. Her well-intentioned mother locks her away from society in order to protect her from an evil that seeks to use Astrid’s abilities for his own means. But the resulting loneliness drives Astrid deeper into the shadowwalk–a power she is forbidden to use, a magic that lands her directly into the arms of the Shadow.

Special mention:

The Anne Stories
I dearly loved the Anne of Green Gables series when I was a child. I related to Anne (with an E!) and her stubborn streak, and loved quiet Matthew’s support of the defiant redhead. As for Mariella, I loved to hate that dear woman, until I grew to love her. My only regret is that I never got to read the entire series – some of the later books were very hard to find back then.

Which is why I thought I would mention that the series is available on Kindle right now for just 2.99!
It was 99c when I first noticed it, so it’s fair to think this price is NOT going to last long.
I must note that the final 2 books in the series are not included, but this is still a great deal and a great opportunity to get a little one reading.

1. LEGO® STAR WARS™ THE YODA CHRONICLES
By The LEGO Group
For hundreds of years Yoda™ has trained the Jedi Knights™ of the future, but never for something like this. The Dark Side is preparing a weapon more powerful than any Jedi™ has ever faced before. Play now to take control of the galaxy!

2. Tap Tap Muppets
By Disney

Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal and the rest of the gang for the most sensational, inspirational, and celebrational TAP TAP music game ever!

TAP TAP MUPPETS features nine full tracks — three of the most memorable songs from the tribute compilation, The Green Album, three all-time favorite Muppet Show tracks, and three songs from the soundtrack to the movie event of the holidays, The Muppets!

Sign Up for Friday Freebie Alerts!

Very early yesterday morning I came across an article about Charles Ramsey – the Cleveland man who kicked in a door and called 911, rescuing Amanda Berry who had been missing for 10 years.

The article included a video of the gentleman and stated that Mr Ramsey was about to be famous – the next “Sweet Brown” – and they were right. By last night that video clip had gone viral, and Charles Ramsey’s animated retelling of the story had been seen all around the world.

Now I won’t lie, I watched it. I forwarded it. What a story! And what a retelling! I’m still going to say this man has some Trini roots in him somewhere, because he told that story like he was one of us! You could almost smell the barbeque and feel the beat of the salsa music! He had the humour in there, even in the midst of this serious situation, and he told it as it is no matter how uncomfortable it made that poor TV reporter!

He reminds me so much of Charlie around the block from me, especially with his double-take “…until today!”

Man, I am glad Charles Ramsey was there!

Come to think of it… I wish Charles Ramsey was here.

Imagine if he was a Trini!

Imagine if Charles Ramsey was little Amy Annamunthodo‘s neighbour. Would he have taken on Marlon King? Would he have said “No man, this is not right!” when little Amy was tortured and beaten for all to hear. Or would he have decided it was best not to get involved in people’s business?

What if he lived in Arima and knew of the young girls brought there by their “friends” on whatever pretext, only to find themselves drugged and abused. Would he stand up and say “No buddy, this is not how real men treat women.” Would he call the police and let the chips fall where they may.

I have no idea.

I don’t know Mr Ramsey, I don’t know his history and I don’t know his character. I have no idea what spurred his actions on this day. I do believe him when he says that he is having difficulty sleeping, difficulty reconciling himself with the fact that he lived for a year next to this house of horror doing nothing sooner to save the victims trapped within.

It says a lot about his character that he took action when he did, that he is grappling with the feelings that he is, and that he has refused the reward posted for the rescue of these missing girls.

He sees his actions as simply doing the right thing, and what I’d like to say to him is…

That’s exactly what makes you outstanding sir, in this world where so many people have forgotten what that means.

See Anderson Cooper’s interview with Charles Ramsey here:

Watch @andersoncooper‘s intvw w/ Charles Ramsey, the man who helped rescue the missing women in #Cleveland: on.cnn.com/ZFNfZ7

— Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) May 8, 2013

It’s FREEBIE FRIDAY!

WHAT a GREAT response about the books and apps last week!!!

In our own family, dear daughter read (or had read to her) 2 of the books over and over again, and the boys (daddy included) enjoyed the memory game and adventure game.

I hope you enjoy this week’s picks just as much!

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
The beloved story of a boy and his mongoose, a bird and a snake, India and the British Empire. Rudyard Kipling’s dramatic tale, here excerpted from the greater volume of The Jungle Book, is the story of the loyal mongoose, Rikk-Tikki-Tavi, and the lengths to which he must go to protect his adoptive human family.

PEQUENA THE BURRO Hispanic Heritage Children’s Picture Book
(Fully Illustrated Version)
A surprising find, this story for the 3-6 set follows Pequena the Burro (Donkey) as she discovers her heritage, her true identity, her inner strength. Touching and inspiring!

Leaf & the Rushing Waters (Twig Stories)
“When a melting glacier bursts through an ice dam, the Rushing Waters river is set loose on an old growth forest. The flood surrounds an ancient tree, where impish, stick creatures – the Old Seeder Twigs – are stranded.” An entertaining Tween read.

Logic to the Rescue
Logic to the Rescue is designed to teach kids 10-14 critical thinking. A combination of fiction and non-fiction, it weaves examples of logical fallacies into a fictional sword-and-sorcery fantasy. Simple examples for testing a hypothesis and setting up experiments in chemistry and physics are integrated into the plot.

The Light Keepers, a FREE Epic Fantasy Adventure (ShadowLight Saga)
(Based on Norse Mythology.) Isolated because of what she is–because of the power she holds inside–Astrid longs for contact with another human being. Her well-intentioned mother locks her away from society in order to protect her from an evil that seeks to use Astrid’s abilities for his own means. But the resulting loneliness drives Astrid deeper into the shadowwalk–a power she is forbidden to use, a magic that lands her directly into the arms of the Shadow.

Forty-Four (44)
Last year after falling through the ice, seventeen-year-old Abby Craig woke up from death.

But she woke into a world she barely recognizes. She can’t see colors, memories have been erased, and her friends all hate her. And then there’s Jesse, who she loves, but who refuses to forgive her the one mistake she made long ago.

1. Finding Andy
By Mofables sp. z o.o.
‘Finding Andy’ is an interactive game with a plot of a story. The child actively takes part in the story by searching for the mouse along with the characters. This way, the child becomes one of the characters and therefore is given a very responsible task to complete – to find the little mouse.

2. SoundMatch by EdNinja
By Club LIA

Challenge your child’s memory with a fun audio-memory game.

Children love card matching games, and this one adds a little fun to the mix for little ones:
sounds assist with the visuals of each card (a lion’s roar along with his picture when his card is turned over).

Sign Up for Friday Freebie Alerts!