Starfall vs Monster Math - which Math app for your Child?

TL;DR Starfall has a full curriculum approach to both Math and Reading ELA, whereas Monster Math is much more focussed on Math Fact fluency. Both focus on using manipulatives in their math curriculums. Starfall's pedagogy is strong, and is not as fun as Monster Math; whereas Monster Math has Math part inside the game play, which makes it a lot more fun for building a strong Math foundation. 

Digital, interactive math programs are really helpful for kids to visualize and understand Math. In comparison to books which are static, they help kids play around with the manipulatives - and unlike physical manipulatives which are useful but limited to what's available, digital manipulatives can change and scale based on the math learning at hand. 

Starfall Math and Monster Math both use digital manipulatives for math learning - how do they compare? 

Overview of Starfall

What is Starfall?

Starfall was primarily created as a reading program for dyslexic kids by Dr. Stephen Schutz. It currently offers reading & ELA and math curriculum from preschool to Grade 5 and beyond. The reading program is very popular as it focusses on phonemic awareness and systematic phonics to help kids improve reading skills. 

However, they also have a Math curriculum that mainly focusses on visualizing the math bits to understand concepts better. 

How is math integrated into Starfall?

The math part is very straightforward in a Q&A format, accompanied by visuals and simple animations that help understand the math operations. 

Monster Math Overview

What is Monster Math?

​Monster Math is a research-backed, Math Fact Fluency game-based program that helps kids build a strong number sense using explicit, strategy-based instruction. 

​Monster Math has a puzzle style game play with a single player option. Some of the games are platformer style while others are fashioned on other mechanics such as bubble shooter or a number line based gameplay. 

The game encourages calm thinking and solving, with the puzzles being really fun for kids. 

How is Math integrated into Monster Math?

In Monster Math, the math bits are part of the game play - to make progress in the game, a child has to solve different puzzles - but each puzzle is a math problem designed to help kids visually see how the numbers and operations work. 

Where Starfall focusses on adding visuals and animations to digital worksheets to make them more pedagogically useful, Monster Math reimagines what math instruction should look like and weaves it as part of the gameplay. Starfall also focusses on topic breadth, whereas Monster Math focusses on Math fact fluency only, but does so in a much more fun and thorough way. 

Advantages of Starfall

• Covers a wide variety of topics - both ELA and Math, and even within Math, diverse topics such as Math facts, Geometry, measurement, etc. 
  
• Covers more grades (preK to Grade 6)
• More economical to get this compared to getting multiple best of breed products for different subjects/topics. 
  
• Within Math, they also cover word problems in a structured manner. 
  
  

  

  
  
  

Disadvantages of Starfall

Starfall does have some disadvantages - 

• Less focussed on Math fact fluency, and no strategy-based instruction. 
  
• Not as fun as Monster Math
• Web-first design (created in 2002, content evolved, but not core design) - the graphics and the interactions both feel a bit dated. 
• There is more of practice than learning of concepts if you don't know how to do something. 

Advantages of Monster Math

Monster Math has some advantages compared to Starfall. 

• More focussed on Math fact fluency, which is a specific (but very important) need to be addressed. 
  
• Much more fun - the game-like interface is really fun for kids and they keep coming back. 
• Mobile-first design - works very well on tablets and smartphones, in addition to desktop. 
• Math practice and learning are both included. 
  

Disadvantages of Monster Math

There are some disadvantages to Monster Math - 

• Doesn't cover anything outside Math Facts and Number Sense. For example, Algebra or Geometry are not part of Monster Math. 
  
• Doesn't cover higher grades or ELA. (though older kids who need Math fact fluency remediation can use Monster Math). 
• Slightly more expensive, if you need to pair it with a reading program. 
  
• Doesn't cover word problems (yet). 
  
  

Which one to choose for your Child?

If your child loves digital worksheets, and if you are looking mainly for wider range of skills to practice with for your child (not for learning) and maybe assessing where they stand, and you would prefer to have ELA and Math in the same program - then Starfall might be a better fit for you than Monster Math.

On the other hand, if you are looking for something to specifically help with Number Sense and Math Facts without memorizing them, to build a strong foundation in math, something that is pedagogically sound, has learning involved, and is designed to keep kids calm and relaxed while playing - you might want to consider Monster Math. 

Ready to Try Monster Math?

Start your free trial of Monster Math today and see how game-based learning can transform your child’s confidence and love for math.

Frequently asked Questions

Is Monster Math better than Starfall?

If your child is in grades K–3 and benefits from interactive visuals, and needs a strong foundation in Math Fact Fluency Monster Math is likely the better fit. 

If your child just needs practice, is ok with  worksheet-based practice and you're looking for a broader curriculum that also covers reading, Starfall might be the better option. . 

Can both apps be used together?

Yes. You can use Monster Math to build fluency and engagement, while Starfall can be used for reading, where it really shines. 

Which app is better for children with ADHD?

Monster Math tends to be more engaging for kids with ADHD due to its puzzle and game-based learning, and visual feedback. It’s less repetitive and more immersive. 

Does Monster Math follow a curriculum?

Yes. Monster Math aligns with Common Core and other international standards, covering arithmetic, number sense, and more through progressive levels.

What ages are best for each app?

Monster Math: ages 5–9 (grades K–3). Starfall: ages 4–12 (grades preK–6).