Hold That Panda is a game designed to develop children’s ability to relate quantities to their numerical representations. In the game, children are challenged to keep the Panda balanced by placing an equivalent quantity of objects in each basket the Panda holds.
The Panda loves to walk the tightrope, and to stay balanced, he must carry equal amounts of objects in the baskets on each of his hands. But he loses balance very easily, so players must be careful and make sure to add the correct number of objects in the baskets by doing the math!
On the home screen, by tapping the Menu button and then “Options”, you can turn on or off sound effects and music. Players can learn more about the game on the “Information” button and receive tips on the “How to Play” button.
In the centre of the home screen, after tapping “Play”, players must choose a difficulty level. The game has three levels: easy, normal, and advanced. In the first two, students relate the quantity of objects to the requested number. In the third one, they need to do mathematical calculations to overcome the challenges.
This game allows students to elaborate, interpret, and solve problems in the additive domain while implementing and communicating their own strategies. It strengthens counting skills, memory, visual perception, and the concepts of equality and difference, as well as quantity association.
It also contributes to the development of attentional focus, persistence, communication, resilience in facing challenges, and problem-solving.
The task of comparing and associating quantities, in addition to exercising the concepts of classification and seriation, is important for recognizing similar relationships and transformations in everyday situations, objects, and materials that are observed or handled. These activities help develop children’s imagination, expressiveness and creativity, opening pathways for their emotional and affective growth.
