Smart Apps For Kids

Sky Fish Phonics — Review

 

 

Bottom Line: A great combination between game play and phonics learning for kids ages 4-6. The graphics are perfect, and anything that is “fishtastic” is pretty fantastic in my mind!

Dot-to-Dot Adventure — Review

 

 

Bottom line: dot-to-dot drawing games that enhance number and letter sequencing for kids ages 2-10. Not a lot of potential for repeat play, and way too much open access to external links to be a recommended pick. Free lite version available.

Good Free App of the Day: Easy Studio - Animate with Shapes! ($3.99 app, Limited time!!)

** Sorry but if you are reading this, this app has gone back to full price. Please sign up for our Free App Alert so you don't miss any of our free app posts. **

 

I used to love making animated flip books to show a ball moving across the page, or a simple plane flying through the sky. Today's Good Free App of the Day is an updated version of the popular flip book, using stop motion animation and simple colored shapes to animate on the iPad.

And it is so much fun! There are templates for beginners and experts, telling the user exactly where to move the shapes after each photo, but the best part is the free play. Creativity abounds with this app, good for animators

Don't miss out on this great app! It's only free for a limited time!! 

Dr. Panda's Handyman — Review

 

 

Bottom line: A creative and engaging app for youngsters 2-6, in which they can tear down, build, fix, and create a number of real life items without getting their heads bonked or thumbs smashed under hammers. Exactly what we've come to expect from the folks at TribePlay.

Snowpo: The Trip for Fish and Chips — Review

 

 

 

Bottom Line: This book app includes interactions that make the app difficult for young children to use independently, but the story is cute and the interactive elements very creative, making it worth a look for children about 3-7 years old.

 

 

Good Free App of the Day: Model Me Going Places 2 (social stories for autism!)

(Also check out our list of Free and Reduced Apps for May 6th!)

Parents and teachers of children with autism know how helpful social stories can be to get through the day. The best social stories are personalized, of course, but sometimes a short cut for common situations is just what is needed. 

And Model Me Going Places 2 is a FREE app with modeling for SIX!! different locations. Before going to the doctor (or mall, or a restaurant...) load up this app and watch the little boy go through his exam with a smile on his face. It's a must-download for parents, therapists, and teachers of children with autism! (Ages 2-8)

Good Free App of the Day: Grid Player (FREE AAC!)

(Also check out today's fantastic Free and Reduced Apps!)

A savvy reader alerted us to another great FREE AAC app! Grid Player is a great alternative and augmentative communication program. And this free AAC is loaded!

With four different board options and thousands upon thousands of symbols and photographs within those boards, the free version meets the needs of a wide variety of individuals, from the very young to older kids, and even adults. There are even many languages supported. It's a must-download for anyone who works with AAC or might someday work with AAC.