Fractions are a hard topic for kids - and especially for kids with ADHD, understanding fractions conceptually could be quite difficult. Going suddenly from whole numbers (such as 1, 2, 3) to fractions such as half, or quarter, is suddenly a completely new concept.
What makes Fractions Hard?
Right from beginning to count, kids are taught numbers are 1, 2, 3 and so on. After that, they are taught about zero, which is a new, albeit special number. Then they get introduced to negative numbers, which can further twist their minds.
Enter Fractions. What you previously thought were the entirety of numbers are not that any more. While kids might intuitively see a number-line and wonder what lies between 1 and 2, giving it a name suddenly makes it much more challenging. Also the notations are not simple - 1/2 suddenly doesn't seem like a number lesser than 1, for example.
Introduction to fractions also causes them to rethink division, because before then, the only division they encounter is division of a larger number by a smaller number.
Kids with ADHD also have working memory difficulties, which can make this transition challenging. Helping them visualise the concept and taking it step by step can be a good way to address this.
Traditional ways of introducing them to "slices of Pie" for instance can also lead to challenges For example - "1 pie divided into 8 pieces - is 1/8 of a pie". But what if a bigger Pie is divided into 10 pieces? How could that 1/10 be somehow magically bigger than 1/8 of the smaller pie?
What is Slice Fractions?
Slice Fractions is a Math game designed by Ululab. In a simple puzzle game format, the game introduces fractions to kids and keeps building on foundational understanding to help them understand more advanced concepts within fractions.
The main character - a woolly Mammoth - needs your child's help to cross the different hurdles in their journey.
Through similar puzzles that keep building from simple to challenging, Slice Fractions covers part-whole partitioning, numerator/denominator notation, equivalent fractions, ordering, addition of fractions and subtracting fraction from 1.
It's sequel, Slice Fractions 2 builds on this and introduces fractions bigger than 1 (i.e. improper fractions) and fraction multiplication.
Why we Love Slice Fractions Twins?
Just like the Dragonbox twins for Algebra and Monster Math for Math Fact Fluency, Slice Fractions twins are real games, involving real game mechanics - and the game mechanics have the math embedded in it.
We've seen kids have tons of fun when playing these games, without having the anxiety or fear of Math we normally see them having when introduced to a topic such as fractions. Unlike the more popular Prodigy, it also has high time-on-task, as the game part is not separate from the learning/practice part. And lastly, it's based on solid research and pedagogy, verified by third party researchers at University of Quebec at Montréal.
It's also designed to be touch-first, so it's extremely engaging for kids of any ages, and can run on your smartphone or tablet, so very accessible.
Lastly it's self-paced - without any sort of timers.
All of these are really good for any child - but especially for kids with ADHD, these are amazing. the lack of timers is especially useful, and the visual and game format makes it super-engaging for them compared to other forms of learning.
Any Disadvantages?
One minor issue with Slice Fractions twins is that it's designed with no explicit instructions. In some ways this is a good thing - even if a child struggles with language comprehension, it shouldn't stop them from playing Monster Math.
However, at times, it can be frustrating if you get stuck on a level, or when new mechanics are introduced. These frustrations are temporary - after a few tries, both kids or adults do get past them and sometimes useful hints do pop up. However it feels like the reason for the child to get stuck sometime is not the math understanding itself, but the understanding of how the game works.
Given how difficult it is to weave Fractions or any other math concept into a really fun game, this minor inconvenience could be ignored though.
How to get Slice Fractions (1 and 2)?
In a world where more and more apps are available only via Subscription, Slice Fractions twins are still available as one-time app purchases on the App Store (Slice Fractions 1 and Slice Fractions 2) and on the Play Store (Slice Fractions 1 and Slice Fractions 2).
If you prefer a subscription with more value, you can also get it as part of Math Makers, the latest math app offering from Ululab. This does cover a lot more, including Place Value, Addition, Subtraction and more, in addition to Fractions.
And while you checkout Slice Fractions for your child - if you think they need some practice with Math fact fluency, to lay a stronger foundation for future Math - be sure check out Monster Math as well!
