Mickey & math: Disney unveils learning apps

Disney unveiled a portfolio of learning apps for young children on Thursday, harnessing the appeal of iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy to subjects like math, science, creative arts and languages.
The entertainment giant said its "Disney Imagicademy" aims to expose three to eight-year-old children to core educational concepts via a curriculum developed in conjunction with academic and education experts.
The company said more than 30 app-based experiences, including five which would be rolled out on December 11, would form the integrated program along with books and other physical products.
"Disney Consumer Products is transforming the future of our industry by integrating storytelling, play -- and now learning -- to create deeper, more engaging experiences for kids and families," said Bob Chapek, president of Disney Consumer Products.
"With Disney Imagicademy, we are taking the next step and offering parents a learning product unique in the marketplace today."
The product launch begins with Mickey's Magical Math World, an iPad-exclusive app that features five math-focused activities -- Mickey's Super Rocket Shapes, Donald's Number Launcher, Minnie's Robot Count-Along, Daisy's Bedtime Countdown and Goofy's Silly Sorting.
Each app aims to hone early math skills such as counting forward and backward, sorting and classifying, skip counting, number and shapes recognition, reason and logic.
The second range of digital apps is Mickey's Magical Arts World, focused on creative arts, available on the Apple App Store for download in January.