5 Apps for iOS Your Kids Will Love
Ages 4-12
Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Why we like it: First released on CD-ROM in 1993 as one of the Living Books series, this 24-screen, engaging electronic storybook features Arthur and his gang of friends in a typical day at school with their teacher, Mr. Ratburn. It is possible to toggle between English and Spanish, or jump to any page thanks a table of contents feature.
Need to know: It's funny to see what used to be crystal clear graphics from yesterday on today's clear iPad screen (not so good). But our testers couldn't care. This app is proof that good interactive design, when merged with a meaningful story can survive through evolving platforms.
Ease of use: 9/10
Educational: 9/10
Entertaining: 10/10
Ages 2-5
Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Why we like it: Good for a child's very first app, this open-ended experience lets you decorate your own pony using a set of clear multiple choice menus, and then take it for a ride. There are no in-app purchases or ads.
Need to know: The art is a bit over the top, and silly, which may or may not appeal to your child. We liked the ability to choose between a male or a female lead character, although there is a mild "prince saving the princess" theme.
Ease of use: 9/10
Educational: 8/10
Entertaining: 9/10
Ages 4-up
Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Why we like it: Want to expose an English-speaking child to the sound and rhythm of Spanish? Here's a good app. The narrative of the story is told in two languages at the same time -- labels for both provided. Touch the cow and you hear "Vaca" pronounced, in a clear voice.
Need to know: The design isn't flashy and the content is limited, but for $1.99, this is a nice app for bilingual enrichment, framed around a good story. The are no ads or in-app purchases.
Ease of use: 8/10
Educational: 9/10
Entertaining: 9/10
Ages 3-7
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Why we like it: Three well-designed and well-leveled classification games start easy, and progressively get more challenging. The games are on par with the older Math Rabbit CD-ROMs (remember those?) at a fraction of the price. Of course, they work much better on an iPad's clear touch screen.
Need to know: The transportation theme might have a strong appeal to some children. There's a limited amount of content-- we were able to work through all the problems in about 30 minutes, but then again, we're already good at spotting patterns.
Ease of use: 9/10
Educational: 10/10
Entertaining: 8/10
Ages 3-7
Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Why we like it: This outstanding early-reading app is similar to Boats by Byron Barton. As children explore each page, they discover trains and train-related words that jump out of the screen with the slightest touch.
Need to know: Unlike most Oceanhouse Media titles, many objects can be moved around the screen, flannel board style. This is a good value app for its target age group.
Ease of use: 9/10
Educational: 10/10
Entertaining: 9/10
via Mashable.
Published: Thu, Nov 22 2012 @ 14:04:07
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