iLuv Drawing: People, Animals, Santa, Monsters, Dinosaurs
Subject: Art
Category: Creativity, Drawing
Target Age: 4 – 8
Device: iPhone & iPad
Price (as of publishing): Apps range from FREE to $1.99
Get the newest app iLuv Drawing Dinosaurs on the app store
MyVijan had done it again with a new app in their iLuv Drawing series. On May 30 they released “iLuv Drawing Dinosaurs.” This app is a must have for any parent or teacher. We have loved reviewing and making our own pictures (do we have to share with the kids?) in each of the iLuv drawing apps.
iLuv Drawing Series makes drawing simple and easy. Each of their apps has easy to follow visual instructions delivered in an friendly voice. Kids learn to draw by completing each step-by-step direction and then move on to freehand. There are even 2 pages for free drawing or trying out the drawings on their own. Don’t stop after you are done drawing, the app has many design tools for personalizing your picture.
Where is the learning? Here is where we see the educational value:
1) Children explore, create and build confidence in their abilities.
2) Vocabulary used in the app is sophisticated but used in a way that models language and doesn’t confuse the kids.
3) Images are labeled clearly and reflect kid friendly concepts to spark interest in more learning.
4) Children have to follow specific directions to get the desired outcome. We can not make light of how important apps like this are for increasing attention to task in kids.
We have no doubt that you will find your fridge plastered with your children’s printouts. Happy drawing!
Show What You Know
Activity 1: Digging for Bones
So you have learned how to draw awesome dinosaurs. You have written a short story about what your dinosaur does. You have even downloaded a fantastic dinosaur learning app to keep the fun going. Sounds like you have used the app to build on many educational experiences. Don’t leave out active exploring from your “dino-themed” experience.
You’ll Need:
1. Dinosaur Bones! (see below for some way to “make” bones that don’t involve stealing from museums)
2. Kiddie pool or large tub
3. Sand or soil
4. Tarp
Using the 4 items listed you can create a new play area that your child will return to for many weeks. Start by laying out a tarp and filling up a large tub or swimming pool with either sand or soil. Sand is by far the easiest, but in my classroom I would always fill a Science Table with potting soil during our plant unit and it is surprisingly clean. The tarp is useful for getting extra sand and soil back in your tub after play time.
Bury some dinosaur bones. If you going for a very real experience, ask your grocery store for left-over bones. Boil the bones for an hour and then put them in the oven at 350 degrees for one more hour. Your bones are now ready for a coat of brown or white paint and to be buried in the sand. Is that a little more than you want to do? Find “fake bones” on Amazon or at local costume store. Add some shells and rocks for more effect.
Start digging and have fun!
Topic for Parents: Diligence – A Key to Success
This month’s topic for parents comes from the creators of Reading Kingdom, the online reading program that’s disguised as a game.
Dr. Blank shares that, “Children strive to learn about the world. No one has to persuade them to do this. They push themselves.” There are many things parents can do to encourage this internal drive. You can find these strategies at the Reading Kingdom blog.