By Kristen Chase.
Since so many of you asked for app recommendations in my post last week about how our family uses the iPad, I thought that I would follow up that post and share some of our favorite apps.
As I’ve discovered in the almost two years I’ve been reviewing apps, there are tons of them and as parents, it’s really challenging to know what’s good and what’s not. Unless you’ve got a good friend (like me!) who will tell you about what she/he loves (and conversely, doesn’t like very much), it can be a risky game of trial and error, something you wouldn’t want to do when you’re purchasing them.
When I’m evaluating apps for Cool Mom Tech, I look for a few different features, namely the diversity of the kids’ skills involved in playing, but also a few other things, like graphics and use of technology. If it’s a paid app, I look to see if it’s worth a buck or couple of bucks, and I want to be sure that it’s something that won’t bug me if my kids play a lot; no ability to turn off the music drives me crazy!
I’m extremely picky, because I feel as though if I’m going to recommend something, especially when there are so many apps out there, then it needs to be awesome.
Today I’ve rounded up five of my (and my kids’) all time favorite educational apps. You’ll notice that most, if not all, are iOS (Apple) apps, mostly because that’s what we use in our household, but also because Android apps can be quite a challenge to review. Finding apps that work across all Droid platforms is difficult, so while it might be great on an HTC, it’s less than satisfactory on a Samsung.
I’ve had the best luck trying to find my favorite Apple apps on Android. Hopefully you Droid users will have some success with some of these. Keep in mind we have lots of favorites, but I wanted to offer you just a smattering of the ones we love.
Stack the States
A few months back, a reader wrote to tell us that her child aced his Geography class thanks to Stack the States and I’m not surprised. Though he’d probably do well in Physics thanks to this game too. Kids answer questions about specific states; correct answers afford them the chance to stack the state so that they tower above the finish line. For a bigger challenge, try Stack the Countries.
Freefall Spelling
Of all the subjects that seem to present issues for homeschoolers, spelling seems to be high on the list. If you’re one of those folks, then I definitely recommend Freefall Spelling, an app for early spellers (no National Scripps Spelling Bee contestants!) that allows them to grab and place the falling letters, all accompanied by cute graphics.
Numbers League
We’re big fans of Math Bingo, but for entertainment and educational value, the Numbers League is pretty darn cool, from the comically awesome characters to the brain challenge your kids will get, whether they’re math novices or super scholars.
BOB Books
I’m a big fan of the actual BOB Books, so I was thrilled that their apps are equally as effective. For the price of the app, you get a slew of activities, all of which are developmentally appropriate and build skills from easy to more difficult. If you want to save a little room in your school room or book shelf, I’d recommend adding these to your smart phone. Plus, they’re great for learning on the go.
Go Car Go
Of all the educational apps my kids play, Go Car Go is probably the one they go to most time after time. It’s a fantastic Physics lesson as kids create cars out of various materials and attempt to get them to the finish line while scoring stars. I’m continually amazed at how well my kids work together to try to create the winning vehicle.
I’d love to hear about your favorite apps. Please share in the comments!
Kristen Chase is a mom of 4, writer, and co-publisher of Cool Mom Picks and Cool Mom Tech, a popular shopping and trendspotting blog for moms, as well as 4 Kids or More, an online resource for the modern larger family. She’s a 2nd generation homeschooler, having been taught middle and high school by her own mother back when people were still using quills and ink wells, and is now a very well-adjusted and socialized homeschool mom herself.