New apps in KinderTown this week include:
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Record your own narration in a fantastic storytelling app
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Build rockets while practicing math concepts
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4 apps perfect for your 3 year old
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You’re the Storyteller: The Surprise (Home Edition)
Subject: Language
Category: Writing, Comprehension, Storytelling
Concept: Writing, Pre-Writing
Age: 5,6,7,8
Price: $3.99
Device: iPad
You’re the Storyteller: The Surprise is one of the most complete storytelling experiences we have seen. Watch a short, wordless video about a little boy and his stray dog. The video is broken up into chapters and it’s your child’s job to tell the story. Probing questions and “challenge” words are provided for each chapter. The writing box is thoughtfully placed on the same page as the video. Start with the info page, it’s filled with wonderful resources for parents and teachers. There is a pro version that allows 30 users, the home version is for single use only.
Rocket Math
Subject: Math
Category: Number Sense, Geometry, Logic, Measurement
Concept: Operations, Counting/Reasoning, Shapes, Patterns, Sequencing
Age: 6,7,8
Price: $0.99
Device: Universal
Rocket Math will soar at your home. Rocket building gameplay is paired with a tremendous amount of leveled math concepts. From identifying shapes to advanced division (and everything in between) there is something for the whole family. Multiple kids can log in and maintain their own scores and rockets. There are no spoken directions, which are vital to each mission, so non-readers will struggle using this app independently. A fantastic math practice app that would be even better with an option for missions to be read aloud.
Look & Learn: Animals Vol. 1
Subject: Science, Language
Category: Life Science, Pre-Reading
Concept: Letters and Sounds, Listening
Age: 3,4,5,6,7
Price: $2.99
Device: Universal
Look & Learn Animals is sure to be a new favorite in your home. Games are entertaining but still give your kids a fantastic learning experience with animals, letters and spatial reasoning. Our parent review team enjoyed that the pictures of the animals were crisp, clear, realistic and placed them in their natural environments. Even their 8 year old child got into this engaging app.
Alphabet Game Deluxe
Subject: Language
Category: Pre-Reading, Reading
Concept: Letters and Sounds, Phonics
Age: 3,4,5,6
Price: $0.99
Device: Universal
Alphabet Game Deluxe is a nice app for letter practice. In the “learn” game, letter names are presented with objects that start with the same sound. In “practice” kids need to identify the beginning sounds of written words. We would like to see the developer present the letter sounds in addition to the letter names since the app is mostly working on symbol and sound connections. We highly recommend the “play” game. A letter is presented on a white screen with 9 crayons. Draw a picture of something that starts with the given letter and share it with a friend to see if they can guess what you drew. This kind of collaborative play builds communication, literacy and social learning.
Bo’s Dinnertime
Subject: Language
Category: Pre-Reading, Comprehension
Concept: Listening
Age: 3,4,5
Price: On Sale for $0.99 this week
Device: Universal
Bo’s Dinnertime is a great way for kids to practice sequencing and listening to directions in a colorful and sweet app. Bo’s 10 interactive pages walk through the steps from going to the groceries store, cooking the meal to cleaning the dishes. Each page has an interactive element which reinforces an early learning skill like sorting, colors and counting. By listening carefully and comprehending what the story is asking, your child will easily be able to complete all the activities and then be ready to start their own mealtime routine. We are glad to see an app that uses highly structured play for kids who need routine reinforcement.
Trace Letters
Subject: Language
Category: Writing
Concept: Letter Writing
Age: 3,4,5
Price: $0.99
Device: Universal
Trace Letters is a tracing app that is ideal for kids who need limited distractions, instructions, noises or reinforcement. The app presents letters in order from A to Z. Tap on the pencil to trace the lines of the screen. The child can trace outside the lines in this app. The formation is shown when the child taps “see it!” from one of 8 buttons on the screen. The lite version has all of the capital letters for free. We highly recommend you to try the free app first to make sure that it will suit your child’s needs and attention.
NxtApp 4 Kids
Subject: Math
Category: Number Sense, Logic
Concept: Operations, Logic Games, Sequencing
Age: 5,6,7,8
Price: $1.99
Device: Universal
NxtApp 4 Kids gives your child a chance to practice number sequencing while applying knowledge of operations in 5 levels of this fill in the number app. Banners are presented with a number sequence. Answers are constructed by the user with a calculator-style number line. Sync up with game center to track your scores. Music and sound effects can be turned off, which is great because they are very child, but not adult, friendly. Be aware of links in the app which take you out of the app for more purchases.