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By Stefan Dubowski
The perfect French class supplement — six entertaining games based on Devine Qui Vient Jouer? TFO’s (the educational Ontario French-language TV channel) show starring Élyse and her dog, Virgule. This colourful app invites three- to six-year-olds to identify shapes, arrange items from largest to smallest and try other pattern-finding activities. Students can play Amuse-toi avec Virgule to develop hand-eye co-ordination and Danse avec Virgule to get moving. This app isn’t strictly for francophone fans of the program; those new to the language will appreciate Élyse’s bubbly and easy-to-follow instructions. Either way, players may need help with the first few sessions.
DEVICE: Apple; Android
SOURCE: iTunes; Google Play (Free)
RATING: 4+; Everyone
EDULULU RATING: 4.5/5 Bones
This simple game has a not-so-simple goal — to help six- to eight-year-olds develop their working memory, so they can keep information front-of-mind. It’s essential for fostering foundational tasks such as writing, mathematical problem-solving and reading comprehension. Boost working memory by challenging the brain to recall and repeat recently acquired information. Think of this app as a mobile, amphibian-themed version of Simon Says. The player watches the frog jump across an array of nine lily pads and then tries to repeat the pattern. Levels 1 to 3 may seem easy, but the difficulty increases with each subsequent level, helping students fortify their memory banks.
DEVICE: Apple; Android
SOURCE: iTunes; Google Play (Free)
RATING: 4+; Everyone
EDULULU RATING: 4/5 Bones
Help students 12+ develop their problem-solving skills — with some feathered fun. This game offers five wacky activities that match math with comedic cluckers. Assist a kung fu-fighting chicken reduce fractions through common numerators and denominators in Simply-Frying Fractions. Smash rotten eggs by identifying non-equivalent fractions in Bad Egg. Figure out the decimal equivalents of fractions as hens launch eggs from their nests in Estimating Fractions — the only game included in the free version. Purchase additional games on: iTunes, ($2.29 each; $6.99 for all) or Google Play, ($2.67 each; $7.13 for all).
DEVICE: Apple; Android
SOURCE: iTunes; Google Play (Free)
RATING: 4+; Everyone
EDULULU RATING: 4.5/5 Bones
*EduLulu is part of Groupe Média TFO, a world leader in education. The online guide’s evaluations are the work of teams of independent experts (including OCTs), who review up to 100 English, French and bilingual educational apps (iOS and Android) each month for ages 2 to 17. To access the complete list and search by filter, visit edululu.org/en. Interested in becoming an EduLulu evaluator? Go to oct-oeeo.ca/1NzwdJd to learn how to get involved.