Chris Crowell is a veteran kindergarten teacher and contributing editor to Children’s Technology Review, a web-based archive of articles and reviews on apps, technology toys and video games. Download a free issue of CTR here.
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$1.99
Ages 3-up
Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Why we like it: Last week, we reviewed Sort and Stack Toys 3D; this week we were thrilled to discover another 3D puzzle from the same publisher. In this game, children snap together machines and vehicles, putting last week's shapes into context.
Need to know: If the looping background music gets annoying (it will after a few minutes) show children how to toggle it on or off.
Ease of use: 10/10
Educational: 10/10
Entertaining: 9/10
$2.99
Ages 4-up
Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Why we like it: Well illustrated, musical and highly interactive, Little Fox Music Box is a sing-along songbook with 100 interactive elements hidden in three songs: London Bridge, Evening Song and Old MacDonald. A Karaoke Mode can be toggled on or off from the first screen, letting you assume the role of the lead singer; a good way for a child to put themselves into the app.
Need to know: One scene (London Bridge) contains ethnic stereotyping in the form of a group of photo-snapping Asians. There are also three language options, which can be toggled on or off. For a good musical, language experience, get this app.
Ease of use: 9/10
Educational: 8/10
Entertaining: 10/10
$3.99
Ages 3-up
Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Why we like it: Nothing lights up a retina display better than a good story, especially if animated routines work with the story. Available in three languages and two reading levels, this app tells the story of a young boy's trip to the North Pole in his submarine. He saves a baby whale and makes friends with the people who live on the ice.
Need to know: The parent options are a plus, but we didn't like the "review our app" link on the main menu.
Ease of use: 9/10
Educational: 8/10
Entertaining: 10/10
$3.99
Ages 2-6
Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Why we like it: Old MacDonald gets a wonderful British twist in this make-your-own nursery rhyme that is perfect for a beginning reader. You start by combining animal parts and make one of six friendly farm animals; each with a dilemma. Cuddly Cow, for example can't get any sleep, and Diggity Dog has lost his bone; problems find a quick resolution.
Need to know: Older children well be less than thrilled after a few minutes with the slower pace of this app; younger will quickly bond with the animals.
Ease of use: 10/10
Educational: 9/10
Entertaining: 8/10
$0.99
Ages 4-up
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Why we like it: Paper-doll-style apps abound, but not with this type of creative power. For example, you can use your camera to import the striped pattern of your curtains, and turn them into a dress for one of four quirky characters that come included in this playful app.
Need to know: Have fun helping your child find interesting patterns to collect. If you're looking for classic styles or conservative color patterns, keep looking.
Ease of use: 9/10
Educational: 9/10
Entertaining: 9/10
It’s back to basics for this week’s kids apps. We’ve got some great suggestions for apps for young readers. There are animals to play with and puzzles to be solved. One app helps budding fashion designers by incorporating household patterns into the gameplay.
The folks at Children’s Technology Review have shared five of the top apps from its comprehensive monthly database of kid-tested reviews. The site covers everything from math and counting to reading and phonics.
Check back next week for more Top Kids Apps from Children’s Technology Review.
What are your favorite kids apps of the week? Let us know in the comments.
$1.99
Ages 3-up
Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Why we like it: Last week, we reviewed Sort and Stack Toys 3D; this week we were thrilled to discover another 3D puzzle from the same publisher. In this game, children snap together machines and vehicles, putting last week's shapes into context.
Need to know: If the looping background music gets annoying (it will after a few minutes) show children how to toggle it on or off.
Ease of use: 10/10
Educational: 10/10
Entertaining: 9/10
$2.99
Ages 4-up
Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Why we like it: Well illustrated, musical and highly interactive, Little Fox Music Box is a sing-along songbook with 100 interactive elements hidden in three songs: London Bridge, Evening Song and Old MacDonald. A Karaoke Mode can be toggled on or off from the first screen, letting you assume the role of the lead singer; a good way for a child to put themselves into the app.
Need to know: One scene (London Bridge) contains ethnic stereotyping in the form of a group of photo-snapping Asians. There are also three language options, which can be toggled on or off. For a good musical, language experience, get this app.
Ease of use: 9/10
Educational: 8/10
Entertaining: 10/10
$3.99
Ages 3-up
Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Why we like it: Nothing lights up a retina display better than a good story, especially if animated routines work with the story. Available in three languages and two reading levels, this app tells the story of a young boy's trip to the North Pole in his submarine. He saves a baby whale and makes friends with the people who live on the ice.
Need to know: The parent options are a plus, but we didn't like the "review our app" link on the main menu.
Ease of use: 9/10
Educational: 8/10
Entertaining: 10/10
$3.99
Ages 2-6
Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Why we like it: Old MacDonald gets a wonderful British twist in this make-your-own nursery rhyme that is perfect for a beginning reader. You start by combining animal parts and make one of six friendly farm animals; each with a dilemma. Cuddly Cow, for example can't get any sleep, and Diggity Dog has lost his bone; problems find a quick resolution.
Need to know: Older children well be less than thrilled after a few minutes with the slower pace of this app; younger will quickly bond with the animals.
Ease of use: 10/10
Educational: 9/10
Entertaining: 8/10
$0.99
Ages 4-up
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Why we like it: Paper-doll-style apps abound, but not with this type of creative power. For example, you can use your camera to import the striped pattern of your curtains, and turn them into a dress for one of four quirky characters that come included in this playful app.
Need to know: Have fun helping your child find interesting patterns to collect. If you're looking for classic styles or conservative color patterns, keep looking.
Ease of use: 9/10
Educational: 9/10
Entertaining: 9/10
Source : feeds[dot]mashable[dot]com
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