Math apps help kids get ready for school by Jinny Gudmundsen, Special for USA TODAY

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Jinny Gudmundsen writes, "During the dog days of summer, your kids' brains are probably more focused on picnic tables than times tables. To help them transition back into learning mode, here's a list of kid apps that make doing math fun."

Slice Fractions

Ululab, best for ages 6-13, $2.99, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android

Rating: 4 stars (out of 4)

Kids help an adorable mammoth as he travels over challenging terrains. In each of the 90 puzzles, players slice objects into fractions to clear out ice and lava blocking the mammoth's path.

What makes it cool: This app uses slicing mechanics similar to that of the mega-popular puzzler Cut the Rope, so you know kids will like to play it. The developers worked with a team of learning experts from the University of Quebec to perfect the math curriculum, which is cleverly inserted into the gameplay. The result is an engaging physics puzzler that feels like a game but which also hones kids' math skills in working with fractions.
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Related links 
Slice Fractions 
Bug Mazing - Adventures in Learning
Numbers League
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Source: USA Today