Story Created: Sep 24, 2012 at 9:17 AM CDT
Story Updated: Sep 24, 2012 at 9:28 AM CDT
By SpringfieldMoms.org
I received an iPad for Christmas last year. While I first thought it was a pricey, unnecessary gift; it grew to be my best friend during the first few months at home with my new baby.
I used it for reading e-books, catching up on e-mail and learning the latest parenting tips, all from the comfort of my bed. I soon realized just how valuable the iPad could be. Upon researching new applications to download, I stumbled onto several really useful, creative and educational apps that were created just for kids.
Wile I first thought it was a pricey, unnecessary gift; it grew to be my best friend during the first few months at home with my new baby.
I used it for reading e-books, catching up on e-mail and learning the latest parenting tips, all from the comfort of my bed. I soon realized just how valuable the iPad could be. Upon researching new applications to download, I stumbled onto several really useful, creative and educational apps that were created just for kids.
While my daughter is only 8-months-old, we?ve already found a few great story-telling apps that help us out when we?re in a bind, waiting at the doctor?s office or even during a power outage while we?re riding out the storm.
These are a few of our favorites and a few others that were recommended by friends. Most of these apps are also available for the iPhone and iPod Touch as well.
1) ?When I Grow Up.? This app is based on Weird Al?s best-selling children?s book by the same title. It?s a completely interactive e-story that you can read or have narrated by Weird Al himself. It allows you play games throughout the story, which follows the tale of an 8-year old boy as he considers his career options. ( iTunes: $2.99, Ages 3+)
2) ?Sprout.? If your child is a fan of the PBS Sprout channel, then this is definitely a fun app to check out. It features video clips and games based on various Sprout shows. We are big fans of ?The Good Night Show? part of the app in which you can help Star, one of the main characters of the show, get ready for bed. You can use the touch screen to help him brush his teeth, wash his face and even move the device from side to side to rock him to sleep. (iTunes: Free, Ages 1-4)
3) ?American Museum of Natural History: Dinosaurs.? If your child is a budding archeologist or just has a fascination with dinosaurs, this could be the app for them. You can scroll through thousands of pictures and facts about the prehistoric creatures. (iTunes: Free, Ages 5+)
4) ?The Pianist.? Transform your device into an 88-key piano for your budding musician. This app allows your child to record their masterpieces to play for their adoring fans. I can guarantee you?ll be composing tunes right along with them. (iTunes: $3.99, Ages 4+)
5) ?Scribble Lite.? Turn your device into a sketch pad. Draw your picture and then shake it, Etch-a-Sketch style, to erase it. With several colors, pen options and color in photos, you?re child will be playing with this for hours. This is definitely one for long car trips. (iTunes: Free, Ages 4+)
6) ?Toddler Teasers: Shapes.? This app quizzes tots on the basic shapes. They?re told which shapes to tap and then after four correct answers, they?re given a ?virtual sticker?. (iTunes: Free, Ages 2-4)
7) ?iTot Toddler Flashcards.? Just like traditional flashcards, this app teaches the names of animals, food and other objects as well as numbers and the alphabet. As if the hundreds of words aren't enough, you can also learn them in Spanish and French, too! (iTunes: .99, Ages 1-4)
8) ?Mad Libs.? Just as fun as you remember, this app allows you to fill-in-the-blanks to make hundreds of silly stories. It?s almost impossible to create the same one twice. (iTunes: Free, Ages 6+)
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