Stack the Countries
Navigating the array of geography programs for your child can be overwhelming, with many lacking the dynamic interaction and comprehensive coverage needed to fully engage young minds. In my extensive review of geography curriculums, informed by years of teaching and evaluating educational materials, I've discovered that Stack the Countries uniquely combines entertainment with education, setting it apart in its category. This app was crafted by Dan Russell-Pinson, who aimed to make learning geography exciting through interactive maps and varied gameplay, earning accolades like the Editor's Choice Award from Children's Technology Review for its innovative approach. What I particularly appreciate about Stack the Countries is its ability to turn complex geographical information into a fun, engaging game that captures children's imagination and encourages learning through play. It is ideal for children who thrive with interactive and visually stimulating educational tools. Although the app's coverage of geographical nuances could be more comprehensive, this is not a significant drawback given the app's numerous strengths. A pro tip for parents: use the flashcard feature to reinforce knowledge before gameplay, maximizing the educational benefits of the app.
Grades: Suitable for ages 9-11 and beyond
Cost: Approximately $2.99
The in-depth review
In a globalized world, understanding geography is crucial for young learners. It helps them appreciate cultural diversity and global interconnections. A good geography curriculum should be engaging, informative, and appropriate for the child's learning level.
About Stack the Countries
Created by video game designer, Daniel Russell Pinson, Stack the Countries is an educational app designed to make learning geography fun and interactive. It has received accolades such as the Editor's Choice Award from Children's Technology Review and has been featured on the TODAY show. This app helps children learn about country capitals, landmarks, and more through interactive games.
Who Stack the Countries is for
This app is ideal for children who love video games, are visual or interactive learners and can benefit from a playful approach to education. It's especially suited for homeschooling environments or as a supplementary educational tool.
Why I recommend Stack the Countries for Geography
Stack the Countries uses engaging methods to teach complex geographic information. It combines learning with interactive play, which helps reinforce memory and makes learning enjoyable.
How Stack the Countries works
Children learn through interactive flashcards and games. They can choose specific continents to focus on or explore the world as a whole. The app offers various types of questions and interactive maps to enhance learning.
What Differentiates Stack the Countries from other Geography programs
Stack the Countries differentiates itself from other geography programs through its unique interactive gameplay, which enhances learning engagement and retention compared to traditional methods. Unlike standard geography curriculums that might rely heavily on textbook readings and static maps, Stack the Countries utilizes a dynamic game-based learning platform where users can physically manipulate and interact with different country shapes on their screen. This interactive approach includes activities like stacking countries to reach a goal line, locating countries on a map, and identifying information about countries under time pressure. These games not only make learning fun but also cater to various learning styles, particularly benefiting kinesthetic and visual learners. Additionally, the app offers customization options that allow learners to focus on specific continents or types of geographic information, such as capitals, landmarks, and flags, making it versatile for diverse educational needs. With its approachable design, absence of in-app advertisements, and a one-time purchase model, Stack the Countries provides a child-friendly learning environment that is both educational and entertaining.
What Stack the Countries covers
Country Capitals: Learning the capital cities of different countries.
Landmarks: Information on significant landmarks found in various countries.
Major Cities: Knowledge about major cities within each country.
Continents: Understanding which countries belong to which continents.
Border Countries: Learning about the countries that border each country.
Languages: Information about the official languages spoken in each country.
Flags: Recognition and knowledge of the national flags of countries.
Country Shapes: Identifying countries based on their geographical shape.
Updates and Additions
As of August 2023, the app has been updated to reflect geographical and political changes such as renaming Burma to Myanmar and updating capitals and languages.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Stack the Countries
What Parents Like about Stack the Countries
Educational and Engaging: The app is praised for its ability to make learning geography fun and interactive, using games that teach about country capitals, landmarks, and more (Apple) (JustUseApp) (148Apps).
Multi-Language and Multi-Platform Support: It is accessible on various devices and available in multiple languages, enhancing its usability for a broad audience (Apple).
User Customization: Players can tailor their learning experience by selecting specific continents or types of geographic information they want to focus on (Apple).
Positive User Feedback: Many users have reported significant improvements in their geographic knowledge and enjoy the gameplay, which also promotes family or peer interaction (JustUseApp).
Privacy-Conscious: The app does not collect personal data from its users, ensuring a safe environment for children and adults alike (Apple).
What parents dislike about Stack the Countries
Geographic and Political Accuracy: Some users have requested updates for more accurate representation of countries and regions that are missing or incorrectly portrayed, which could affect the learning experience (JustUseApp).
Content Updates: Users have suggested adding more questions and details about geographical features like whether a country is landlocked or its neighboring bodies of water to enrich the educational content (Apple).
Limited Audience Appeal: While the app is excellent for young learners and casual learning, it might not meet the needs of users looking for more in-depth or adult-focused geographic education (148Apps).
Special Needs
ADHD: Stack the Countries offers short, engaging gameplay that can capture the attention of children with ADHD, who may struggle with longer, less interactive educational tasks. The game's quick feedback loop and visually engaging interface can help maintain focus and provide immediate reinforcement, which is beneficial for keeping ADHD learners engaged.
Autism: For learners on the autism spectrum, especially those who benefit from clear, structured learning tasks, Stack the Countries provides a consistent format where learners can anticipate and understand what is expected in each segment of the game. Additionally, the ability to control gameplay elements and settings can help reduce sensory overload and make the learning environment more comfortable.
Dyslexia: Although not specifically targeted at dyslexic learners, Stack the Countries may benefit these students through its use of visuals and interactive maps that support learning without heavy reliance on text. This visual learning aspect can help dyslexic students absorb information more effectively by bypassing difficulties with reading.
Tips from Parents on how to get the most out of Stack the Countries
Parents recommend using this app regularly in short sessions to reinforce knowledge and maintain engagement. It's also suggested to encourage children to explore maps outside of the game to enhance their learning experience.
Select Reviews from Parents and Teachers
"I love this game so much, I’m 8 years old and I turned from not knowing where any country was in Africa or Asia, to knowing all the landmarks, countries, capitals, and where every country is." - JustUseApp Reviews (JustUseApp)
"It’s very good and you learn very much but it’s kind of rigged.1 time i put Spain in England and it started to shake and move to the right and fell of the platform and it’s happened about 9 times now and I’ve only had it for" - JustUseApp Reviews (JustUseApp)
"Whether you are looking to learn world geography for the first time or to brush up on what you learned years ago, Stack the Countries is a fun way to learn about one continent at a time or the whole world." - BestAppsForKids.com (Best Apps For Kids)
"Stack the Countries is a game that tries to blend education with physics puzzler gameplay, making you answer questions about the facts of the world's countries and trying to stack those countries on top of each other to reach the goal height." - 148Apps (148Apps)
"I love this game and I’m learning a lot. I love the map it mini game but it would be awesome if there was a mode for map it where it didn’t say the name of the country but just the shape because I’d like to be able to memorize the names as well." - JustUseApp Reviews (JustUseApp)
Why Trust Me
With over 20 years of teaching experience across various educational and cultural settings, I bring a broad perspective to educational tools. My background in American studies and my experience with different learning archetypes enable me to evaluate educational content effectively.
How I Vetted
I extensively reviewed online feedback and consulted with educational professionals to ensure a thorough assessment of Stack the Countries.
The Bottom Line
Who is Stack the Countries an ideal fit for?
This app is perfect for children who enjoy interactive learning and games. It's also well-suited for parents looking for an engaging way to supplement their children's geographic knowledge.
Who is Stack the Countries not a fit for?
It may not be suitable for children who do not engage well with screen-based learning or those who prefer more traditional learning methods.
Alternatives and supplements to Stack the Countries
For US States: Try Stack the States, also by Daniel Russell Pinson. This app focuses specifically on US geography, offering a similar interactive learning style but with a focus on states, their capitals, and key features.
For Hands-on Learners: Consider the Atlas Geography Kit. This physical kit includes maps and activities that encourage hands-on learning and interaction, ideal for tactile learners who benefit from physically manipulating educational materials.
For a Free Full Social Studies Curriculum: Explore resources from the Digital Inquiry Group (formerly Stanford Social Studies Education Group). This organization offers a comprehensive, free curriculum that covers a wide range of social studies topics beyond geography.
For a Book Option: Look into Lindsey the GIS Professional, which not only provides educational reading but also offers accompanying online games and activities to enhance learning through interactive methods.
For a Tasty Approach to Geography: Universal Yums might be a delightful alternative. This subscription box service delivers snacks and treats from different countries, along with educational materials about the geography and culture of each featured country, making learning delicious and engaging.
Value for the Money
Given its low cost and the depth of content provided, Stack the Countries offers great value. It's an investment in a child's geographical education that pays off in fun and learning.
Ways to Get Stack the Countries
Stack the Countries is available for purchase on platforms like the Apple App Store and Microsoft Store.
Affilate Disclaimer
This review is unbiased and independent; however, purchases made through links in this review may earn a commission.
More Geography Resources to Explore
Explore our in-depth review of Stack the Countries, a leading geography education app that transforms learning into an engaging adventure for children.