By Stefan Dubowski
Available in French
Toca Nature offers a pristine landscape where players get to create wildlife, grow forests, and find out what bears, deer and other animals love to munch on. They also get to experience their generated habitats throughout the entire day and night as the game presents an accelerated trip around the sun lasting just a few minutes. The app's designer says he wanted to create an environment "to amplify the mysteries and magical moments that could be experienced in the wild." Aligns nicely with Ontario's Grade 1 science curriculum, which includes understanding life systems.
DEVICE: Apple, Android
SOURCE: Apple App Store ($5.49), Google Play ($5.49)
RATING: 4+, Everyone
Available in French
This app teaches children aged six to nine how to add and subtract multi-digit numbers — but it's so much fun, they might not even realize they're learning. DragonBox Big Numbers introduces the Nooms, who plant apple trees, collect fruit and do other things to keep their world turning. Players help by sorting material and solving math problems. Instructions are minimal and picture based so it might take time to figure things out. But if they persevere, players won't want to quit. It's ideal for Grade 3s, who are starting to study multi-digit addition and subtraction.
DEVICE: Apple, Android
SOURCE: Apple App Store ($10.99), Google Play ($9.99)
RATING: 4+, Everyone
Available in French
Habitica transforms task management into a game where users become avatars on a quest for prizes. Players create to-do lists and identify habits, and the app rewards them for completion. Users can win pets for their avatars or real-life bounty such as an hour of TV. Knowing how to set and reach goals are key steps to success for many high schoolers; they're especially pertinent for students in the Grade 12 Skills for Success After Secondary School course. Main app content is available in English and French but tutorials are English only.
DEVICE: Apple, Android
SOURCE: Apple App Store (free), Google Play (free)
RATING: 4+, Everyone