Threes!

A fun game to sharpen mathematical literacy: that's Threes! in a nutshell. To play, you just add and match numbers — mostly multiples of three, but with other numbers thrown in to spice things up — all across a straightforward grid. Each swipe of the finger introduces a new number and changes the positions of the other numbers, making it a bit more challenging to match and add each time. Common Sense Media recommends this app for students eight and up. There's a "Freeplay" version with advertisements, but watch out for those ads; they may not be appropriate for young audiences. The non-Freeplay/ad-free version is the better option.

DEVICE: Apple, Android
SOURCE: Apple App Store($8.49), Google Play($1.29)
RATING: 4+, Everyone

Happify: for Stress & Worry

Everyone could use a boost these days — people currently in the turbulent teen years even more than most. Along comes Happify, a mood-enhancing app with activities and games teens can use to quell negativity and see the potential ahead. Although it's all virtual, Happify feels truly personal with questionnaires and the occasional probing question from the built-in digital assistant to help identify which activities the player should do next. While not a substitute for professional therapy, it's still an engaging support for mood management. A number of activities are free but others require "premium" access with subscriptions from $14.99 per month and up.

DEVICE: Apple; Android
SOURCE: Apple App Store(free), Google Play(free)
RATING: 4+, Everyone

DNA Play

This app comes across as a simple time-killer for the four to nine set, but it's actually steeped in science. Players create monsters with different body shapes and various numbers of limbs by placing puzzle pieces. In fact, players are experiencing a simplified representation of how DNA works: how these genetic building blocks come together to make unique life forms, and how characteristics can change according to where the pieces are moved. Students don't really start studying the concept of DNA manipulation until Grade 10, but here's a fun way to introduce any of your science-minded younger ones to the idea.

DEVICE: Apple; Android
SOURCE: Apple App Store($3.99), Google Play($4.99)
RATING: 4+, Everyone

FirstVoices Keyboards

Students learning First Nations languages can practise to perfection using this app, which enables them to type words in more than 100 native languages including Invialuktun, Mi'gmawi'msimg, Kwakwala, Ojibwa and Anishinaabemowin. The app has keyboards for languages not only from nations in what's now called Canada, but also from Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The developers say once installed, the app can be used to type in any of the built-in mother tongues across all other programs including email, word processors and social media networks. It speaks to the provincial Native Languages program for Grades 1 to 8.

DEVICE: Apple; Android
SOURCE: Apple App Store(free), Google Play(free)
RATING: 4+, Everyone