Product Review Post
It still surprises me every time I think about how savvy my children are when it comes to the iPad and iPhone. I'm sure my two year old can use it more efficiently than me.
In some ways that's fantastic and in other ways it's so bloody scary. But like anything the onus is on me to supervise and control the situation.
I was fortunate enough to be introduced to a couple of Apps for Kids, that, not only do I like, but my kids like too.
The Yuckies
This app is actually a series of books, with the first two in the series released thus far.
It's aimed at 6-8 year olds however I believe it will appeal to kids of all ages.
Bridget Cull, writer of The Yuckies says "It's an educational series about the environment and to keep kids interested and engaged, it uses muck, goop and mischief"
Bridget Cull, writer of The Yuckies says "It's an educational series about the environment and to keep kids interested and engaged, it uses muck, goop and mischief"
The illustrations are hand-drawn, and as you can see below do not disappoint.
When you load the stories it's coupled with an enticing musical backdrop which I personally thinks adds to the excitement.
There are two options also 1/Read to me 2/Read by myself, again designed for all ages.
Verdict: My children loved this. They were keen to hear the 'read to me' version and as well as have me read it too. A week in and they've already revisited them a couple of times, with my daughter attempting to read it herself as well. These stories are really sweet and hilarious all at the same time.
A Yucky Meeting is free in iTuens and A Yucky Adventure can be purchased for $1.99
A Yucky Meeting is free in iTuens and A Yucky Adventure can be purchased for $1.99
WilderQuest
WilderQuest is not only an iPad app it's also a website, designed by the NSW Government in a bid to help kids reconnect with nature.
Designed for 5-8 year olds, they begin their adventure online and progress to the outdoors.
There are 16 different native animals to discover and unlock such as the Spotted-tailed Quoll, Regent Bowerbird, and Land Mullet. Once you locate them you take photos with the camera viewfinder and you can create your very own photo album!
It's also a great learning tool with animal information pages, including videos. Animal galleries with pictures of their food and markings and maps and information about where you can expect to find these animals.
Verdict: This app is great fun purely for the 360 degree views. Best used standing up you can turn around in cirlces and there is always something different to see and explore. The kids enjoyed the challenge of 'find and seek' and it was a great reward at the end to learn about the different animals we'd photographed.
Download the app for free here.
-x-
Whilst I think it's important to find a good balance of play time and screen time, this is certainly the way of the future. If my kids are going to be on the iPad it might as well be worthwhile.
Cheers
Mandy
WilderQuest is not only an iPad app it's also a website, designed by the NSW Government in a bid to help kids reconnect with nature.
Designed for 5-8 year olds, they begin their adventure online and progress to the outdoors.
There are 16 different native animals to discover and unlock such as the Spotted-tailed Quoll, Regent Bowerbird, and Land Mullet. Once you locate them you take photos with the camera viewfinder and you can create your very own photo album!
It's also a great learning tool with animal information pages, including videos. Animal galleries with pictures of their food and markings and maps and information about where you can expect to find these animals.
Verdict: This app is great fun purely for the 360 degree views. Best used standing up you can turn around in cirlces and there is always something different to see and explore. The kids enjoyed the challenge of 'find and seek' and it was a great reward at the end to learn about the different animals we'd photographed.
Download the app for free here.
-x-
Whilst I think it's important to find a good balance of play time and screen time, this is certainly the way of the future. If my kids are going to be on the iPad it might as well be worthwhile.
Cheers
Mandy
Isn't it delightfully dreadful?! I've been quite focussed on ensuring that my kids don't join the 'techno age' by keeping them away from video games etc but low and behold the little buggers somehow slipped through and are rather addicted to the iPod and the tablet! Clever little things they are :)
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions - think I'll go download them now!
ReplyDelete