The kids really enjoy this matching game. In reality it is a suite of matching games- there are 3 different types of matching activities (reading, riddles, math concepts) for three different age groups (4+, 6+ 8+). Each type of activity has four lessons to choose from, so that's 12 activities per age group. Activities range from matching the correct colors (4+), to an activity called The Magnifier, which requires the user to match a close up of an image with a whole image (6+), to filling gaps (8+).
Each activity has a timer feature and the child must beat the clock.
The music and graphics are charming, the game play is educationally sound, and it is a hit with the kids. I also found the sound effects during play helpful to the child- when a correct match is made the cards will make a soft shuffling as they are flipped over. If a match is incorrect a sound is played that can only be described as a record being scratched- it is actually a bit jarring to my ears, but it does clearly indicate the pairing is incorrect. (See Wish List).
I'm not sure if this was intentional or not, but I love the accessibility features built into this app- the pictures can be paired using a dragging motion or any kind of touch, for example, the side of a fist, multiple fingers etc. For those with motor difficulties, this is much appreciated.
Wish List
(I always have one)
I would love to have a toggle to allow music, but shut off some of the other audio features- or better yet a slider bar to control volume. I really love the soft shuffling of the cards as they are paired up, but the audio cue for the incorrect pairing would be more tolerable to my ears at a slightly lower volume.
I would also like to control what language and sound effects are used at the end of a round. I don't mind the sound of clapping and kids shouting "Yay!", nor the visuals such as "First Place" that appear when the user has completed a round successfully. However, when a round is not completed before the time runs out, the user hears kids saying "Aw", along with a frowny face/written message "Oh no! Try again!". I'd actually prefer to not display the frowny face, and instead just say "Try again".
Dear Special apps special kid Blog,
ReplyDeletethank you very much for your review, we will regard your wish list to our next updates.
We wish all the kids a lot of fun and experience with Match the Pairs!