Review by Debbie Gorrell, Common Sense Education | Updated July 2014
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Teachley: Mt. Multiplis

Get it now
  • Download from App Store

A fun game and conceptual approach to multiplication build math skills

Subjects & skills
Subjects
  • Math
Skills
  • Character & SEL
  • Critical Thinking
Grades This grade range is a recommendation by Common Sense Education and not the developer/publisher.
3–5
Common Sense says (See details)
Teachers say (1 Review)
Price:  Free
Platforms:  iPad

Take a look inside

4 images
Solve problems and build bridges to help Linka get to her plane.
Area models help kids build a conceptual understanding of multiplication.
Kids see the traditional method for solving problems after they complete the area models.
Complete levels to rebuild Linka's plane.

Pros: An engaging theme and solid conceptual-learning approach help kids succeed at math.

Cons: Hints, feedback for incorrect answers, and suggested extension activities for teachers would be useful.

Bottom Line: A clever story line, colorful graphics, and a solid conceptual approach make this game an excellent tool for teaching single-digit multiplication.

How Can I Teach with This Tool?

This game is a great way to introduce multiplication in the classroom. Have kids work in pairs to complete a level, and then reinforce what they learn through class discussion. Multiple-user accounts aren't an option, so create a class leaderboard to track progress. Kids can write their own multiplication problems and have their partners draw area models to model and solve the problems.  

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Standards:

A character named Linka crashed her plane in a storm and needs to build bridges to reach the plane and rebuild it. Kids help Linka by solving multiplication problems, collecting gems, and building bridges. As kids tap each area, they're given a multiplication problem and must drag planks into an area model to fill the model and solve the problem. Kids earn gems for solving problems correctly, and they can use the gems to build bridges. As Linka gets closer to her plane, the plane is rebuilt, piece by piece, as kids complete levels. A Parents and Teachers section provides information about the Common Core standards coverage, and gives users access to general game settings and development credits. 

Teachley: Mt. Multiplis is a math game that teaches kids how to multiply single-digit numbers using a conceptual approach that incorporates the distributive and commutative properties of multiplication. For each problem they have to solve, kids view an area model and they have to drag wooden bridge planks into the model to fill it. For example, to solve 3 x 5, kids might drag a 2 x 1 plank into the model to represent 2 x 5. They tap a number line to show that 2 x 5 = 10. Then they drag a 1 x 1 plank to fill in the model, tapping the number line again to show that 3 x 5 = 15. This conceptual approach is an excellent way to help kids understand multiplication and build fact fluency. Kids have the opportunity to visualize and develop an understanding of multiplication, which is a much more meaningful approach than simply using tables to teach through memorization. The story line is fun, and kids will enjoy collecting gems and building brides, while striving to reach the end goal of rebuilding Linka's plane. Kids stay engaged by dragging planks into the area models and then tapping the interactive number line. A useful addition to the game would be detailed feedback that pops up after kids make one or two unsuccessful attempts to solve a problem. 

Overall Rating
Engagement Is the product stimulating, entertaining, and engrossing? Will kids want to return?

Kids have fun building bridges, collecting gems, and helping Linka rebuild her plane. Interactive area models and number lines keep kids engaged. 

Pedagogy Is learning content seamlessly baked-in, and do kids build conceptual understanding? Is the product adaptable and empowering? Will skills transfer?

A conceptual approach through the use of area models and the commutative and distributive properties helps kids build a solid understanding of multiplication and improve fluency. 

Support Does the product take into account learners of varying abilities, skill levels, and learning styles? Does it address both struggling and advanced students?

Parents and Teachers section provides some background about the learning approach. Pop-up instructions help guide kids through the game. Hints and feedback could help struggling kids. 

Common Sense Reviewer
Debbie Gorrell
About our ratings and privacy evaluation.

Key Standards Supported

Operations And Algebraic Thinking

  • 3.OA.7

    Fluently multiply and divide within 100, using strategies such as the relationship between multiplication and division (e.g., knowing that 8 × 5 = 40, one knows 40 ÷ 5 = 8) or properties of operations. By the end of Grade 3, know from memory all products of two one-digit numbers.

  • 3.OA.1

    Interpret products of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 5 × 7 as the total number of objects in 5 groups of 7 objects each. For example, describe a context in which a total number of objects can be expressed as 5 × 7.

  • 3.OA.3

    Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.1

  • 3.OA.5

    Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide.2 Examples: If 6 × 4 = 24 is known, then 4 × 6 = 24 is also known. (Commutative property of multiplication.) 3 × 5 × 2 can be found by 3 × 5 = 15, then 15 × 2 = 30, or by 5 × 2 = 10, then 3 × 10 = 30. (Associative property of multiplication.) Knowing that 8 × 5 = 40 and 8 × 2 = 16, one can find 8 × 7 as 8 × (5 + 2) = (8 × 5) + (8 × 2) = 40 + 16 = 56. (Distributive property.)

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Teacher Reviews

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Featured review by
Jennifer K. , Classroom teacher
Classroom teacher
Learn to Multiply with Strategies
This app has great strategies to teach students multiplication. It guides them through new sets of facts that allows them to practice the strategies over . Each level allows the students to earn jewels when they use a strategy they have been taught. They can earn more jewels by using fewer strategies to solve multiplication problems. I like that each level has treasure chests where students can quickly recall math facts and earn coins to build new bridges to complete their quest. It provides lots of different ways for students to practice their multiplication facts. My only criticism of the app that it forces the user to use the "right" strategy to get jewels, which may be frustrating for some students who don't understand that particular strategy.
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