Best Math Apps for Ages 4–5: Pre-K to Kindergarten Transition

The transition from Pre‑K to Kindergarten is an important developmental milestone as it introduces children to a more structured school environment with new academic, social, and self‑regulatory demands. During this time, children’s brains are rapidly developing executive function skills, such as working memory, self‑control, and the ability to shift attention. These skills are essential for general learning, following classroom routines, and adapting to new expectations in school settings – but what about specific math skills?

When your child moves from Pre-K to Kindergarten, math skills such as sorting, counting, recognizing numbers and shapes, become crucial. Math apps can make this learning process engaging and interactive. Here's a quick look at three popular apps designed for 5-year-olds:

• Funexpected Math: Offers 675 lessons across 50+ topics, covering counting, shapes, logic, algorithms, and even early coding. It includes a progress tracker and costs $10.99/month.

• Splash Math: Focuses on core math skills like number sense, addition and subtraction through interactive games aligned with school curricula. It offers a subscription model, typically costing around $11.99/month.

• Moose Math: A free app aligned with school standards, featuring mini-games that teach counting, shapes, and basic arithmetic.

Quick Comparison

Each app has its strengths. If you're looking for a broad learning experience, going beyond the standard school program, Funexpected Math is a solid choice. For school-aligned number practice, try Splash Math. If you're on a budget, Moose Math is a good free option. Test them out to see which works best for your child!

The Transition from Pre-K to Kindergarten: A Critical Phase

Cognitive and Academic Changes

As children move into Kindergarten, they encounter more expectations for listening to instructions, sustaining attention during lessons, and solving problems independently — skills that are still developing at this age. Research shows that early executive function abilities in Pre‑K are associated with later success in both academic and social domains at school entry. These cognitive changes are accompanied by the need to adjust to classroom routines, follow rules, and interact cooperatively with more peers, which can be a challenge for children who are still mastering self‑regulation and behavioral control. Social and emotional development is also a key part of this transition.

Challenges and Stressors

Because the Pre‑K to Kindergarten transition involves many new demands, children may experience stress or struggle with unfamiliar expectations. Establishing consistent routines at home, encouraging play that builds self‑control and problem-solving, and gently practicing school‑like tasks can help children feel more prepared. Studies show that programs incorporating self‑regulation support lead to improved outcomes in attention, behavior, and readiness skills during this critical period.

Supporting Children Through the Transition

Parents can also support their children by learning together, offering opportunities for cooperative play, and maintaining open communication about strengths and areas for growth. A stable, predictable home environment and warm, responsive interactions reinforce the very executive function and self‑regulation capacities that help children succeed in Kindergarten and beyond.

The Math Apps That Can Help to Pass Through This Phase

1. Funexpected Math

Funexpected Math is great for getting 4- and 5-year-olds ready for Kindergarten. It offers a neuroscience-backed curriculum paired with an AI tutor named Aika. With 675 lessons and over 10,000 tasks across 50+ topics, the app focuses on building early math skills in an engaging way.

Aika, a personal digital tutor in the Funexpected Math app

Skills Covered

The program emphasizes four key areas: Numbers & Counting, Geometry, Logic, and Algorithms. Kids learn to count, recognize number patterns, and understand place value. They practice addition and subtraction within 10 using numbers, and up to 20 with visual aids. Interactive equations and 3D shape recognition (like spheres, cubes, and cones) are also part of the curriculum.

On top of that, children enhance their logical thinking by sorting, completing patterns, and diving into a beginner-friendly coding module with 2–3 step programs and IF-ELSE logic.

Algorithms game in the Funexpected Math app

Games & Activities

The app keeps learning fun and structured with daily 15-minute sessions. These sessions are split into three levels - "Dive in", "Explore", and "Master" - and use a mix of activities like oral tasks, puzzles, games and drills to reinforce concepts.

Parent & Teacher Features

Funexpected Math includes a dashboard for tracking progress, showing which concepts kids have mastered and where they might need extra help. Parents can choose specific programs manually or let the app adjust automatically based on performance. Detailed progress reports are available. For educators, additional tools include classroom management features, roster organization, and performance analytics.

"This is the most beautiful learning math app I have come across so far for my kids! It engages them with the world of mathematics in an innovative, intuitive, and imaginative way." - Violetta, parent [1]

Cost & Access

The app is available on iOS and Android for $10.99 per month or $64.99 per year, with the yearly plan offering a 51% savings. Both options provide unlimited access to all features, lessons, and activities. One subscription can be used by several children in the family on multiple devices, each with their own individual profile and learning path.

2. Splash Math

Splash Math is an interactive, game‑based math learning app designed for children from Pre-K to Grade 5. It offers curriculum‑aligned lessons and activities that help kids build fundamental math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, place value, measurement, time, money, and data interpretation. The app uses colorful graphics, playful characters, and rewards like virtual aquarium items to keep learners engaged while they practice concepts at their own pace. It is available on iOS and Android devices, and also supports parent and teacher dashboards for tracking progress[2].

Skills Covered
The app covers a broad range of elementary math topics aligned with Common Core standards. For younger learners, it includes early number concepts and basic operations; for older elementary students, it adds more advanced arithmetic, fractions, decimals, and problem-solving. Teachers and parents can select specific skills or grade levels for a customized learning path, and kids receive instant feedback as they work through activities, which helps reinforce understanding and build confidence[3].

Games & Activities
Splash Math incorporates game‑style elements in its practice activities. Students solve problems through visually engaging exercises and earn rewards that encourage continued participation. The app tracks progress in real time, allowing parents and teachers to view detailed reports and monitor growth over time, identifying areas where a child excels or needs additional practice[3].

Cost & Access
Splash Math is free to download; full access requires a subscription. Pricing on the Apple App Store includes options such as around $11.99 for one month of full access, or roughly $59.99 for a year of full access, with variations depending on region and specific plan chosen. The subscription auto‑renews, and the app can be used across multiple devices once logged in.

3. Moose Math

Moose Math is a free, ad-free math app created by Duck Duck Moose in collaboration with math education expert Jennifer DiBrienza, PhD. Now part of the Khan Academy family, this app is designed for children aged 3–7, providing engaging math practice tailored to young learners [4][5].

Skills Covered

Moose Math aligns with Common Core State Standards for Kindergarten and 1st Grade, focusing on key math skills. Kids can practice counting by 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s up to 100, learn addition and subtraction up to 20, identify shapes, and compare lengths. The app incorporates tools like ten frames, dice, rekenrek racks, and pictorial models to help children grasp these concepts visually[6].

Games & Activities

The app offers five interactive activities:

• Moose Juice: Kids count ingredients and solve basic math problems.

• Paint Pet: Focuses on dot counting.

• Pet Bingo: Encourages problem-solving through interactive games.

• Lost & Found: Teaches shape sorting and color recognition.

• Dot to Dot: Develops pattern-solving skills.

As children progress, they earn rewards to build a virtual city, adding an extra layer of motivation[7].

Parent & Teacher Features

Moose Math includes a "Report Card" section where parents and teachers can monitor progress in areas like counting, addition, subtraction, sorting, and geometry. It also provides suggestions for further skill-building activities. The app supports multiple player profiles, making it ideal for families or classrooms with several children. However, some parents have noted that kids can accidentally create extra profiles, which can make tracking progress more challenging.

Cost & Access

Moose Math is free and available on iOS (requires iOS 11.0 or later), Android, and Amazon platforms. With over 500,000 downloads on Google Play, it has earned a 4.0/5 rating from 1,760 reviews. On the Apple App Store, it holds a 4.2/5 rating from 560 users. For children transitioning from Pre-K to Kindergarten, Moose Math offers an excellent way to build foundational math skills while having fun.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Here's a breakdown of what each app brings to the table, along with potential trade-offs to help you find the best fit for your child's learning style and needs.

Funexpected Math stands out with its extensive curriculum, featuring 10,000 tasks spread across 675 lessons. It includes a personalized digital tutor and interactive activities, making it a great option for tailored learning. The app supports 16 languages and adheres to COPPA and FERPA standards, ensuring a secure and inclusive environment for families. It’s a great choice for parents who want their child to deeply understand the school curriculum – or go beyond it, including areas like algorithms and early coding.

Splash Math Endless Numbers focuses on game-based activities that make practicing core math skills engaging and motivating. Its colorful interface and reward system encourage independent learning while reinforcing concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and fractions. The app tracks progress and adapts to each child’s skill level, supporting gradual mastery. However, some advanced topics, such as higher-level problem-solving, are not included, so it is primarily designed for elementary-level learners.

Moose Math provides a free, ad-free experience aligned with Common Core standards. It uses story-driven mini-games to reinforce counting and basic arithmetic skills. While it's effective for early math practice, its scope is narrower and doesn't extend to more complex mathematical concepts.

Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:

Conclusion

Choosing the right app depends on your child's learning needs and your budget. Funexpected Math offers an extensive experience with 675 lessons that range from counting to 20 to introducing basic programming concepts. Its personalized digital tutor adjusts to your child's pace, making it a great option for families looking for a structured and long-term solution during the Pre-K to Kindergarten transition.

On the other hand, Moose Math provides a free, Common Core-aligned platform that reinforces classroom concepts, making it a solid choice for additional practice.

To decide, try each app briefly to see which one captures your child’s interest and encourages active engagement.

FAQs

Is Funexpected Math an appropriate choice for 5-year-olds starting Kindergarten?

Funexpected Math is crafted for kids aged 5 to 6, offering a fun way to develop key math skills as they move from Pre-K to Kindergarten. The app covers important basics like counting up to 20, recognizing numbers up to 10 at a glance (subitizing), and grasping place value. It also introduces early concepts such as 3D shapes, symmetry, and even basic coding logic to boost spatial reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

Using activities grounded in neuroscience, the app delivers math lessons through short, interactive modules that adjust to your child’s learning pace. Whether they’re just starting or eager for more advanced tasks, the playful, game-like design ensures learning stays fun. At $10.99 per month or $64.99 per year, Funexpected Math provides an engaging and age-appropriate way to prepare young learners for Kindergarten.

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