Friday 30 November 2012

I Spy with Lola App HD - Review

I Spy with Lola HD is an iPad app by BeiZ bursting with fun filled interactive features. It comes in six different languages  - English, Dutch, German. French, Finnish and Swedish.  The app requires iOS 4.3 or later to operate. Help Lola and her friends discover hidden objects as she travels around the world in her very first I Spy adventure. 













If you would like to purchase the app now please do so via this link iTunes

I Spy with Lola is also available for the iPhone via this link iTunes


This fun filled game comes with three different difficulty levels of play. As you progress through the game you unlock the various levels of the game. Once unlocked they can be returned to at any stage during game play. 











The Easy Difficultly level looks at identifying objects through the means of naming the item and having an outlined image of the item on the left hand side of the page. This method provides the user with an easy introduction to the search and seek aspect of the game. It also teaches them word recognition and object recognition.  This level affords the user to  opportunity to learn the name of new items in a fun filled manner. 







The Medium level is a little more challenging. It replaces the whole word with just the first letter of the object that Lola is searching for. This helps with letter and sound recognition . A darkened outlined of the object still remains on the side as a guide to the user if needed. For this level we looked at Yellowstone . My kids loved this destination. I have one minor fault with this destination across all difficulty levels and that is that the 'boots' in the object list are identified as beginning with the letter 'S' and yet when found they are referred to as 'boots'. This can be quite confusing for a child, especially a child with learning difficulties who may already have trouble with word association and letter recognition. Other than that minor issue, which will hopefully be corrected in future updates,  this level is a great way of challenging the user and increases their level of concentration and listening skills as well. 


The Hard level we explored by visiting Hawaii. This level challenges everything the child has learned so far. It involves a much deeper thought process and requires the child to develop word association,  visualise the image, and to seek out the chosen object without the aid of a picture image on the left hand side. It tests the user's range of vocabulary as well as looking at their level of understanding in terms of shape recognition . 





One of the things I really liked about this app is its constant reinforcement of achievement . This is critical in terms of long term market value of a children's app in my opinion. Children like to receive praise when they complete a task and being able to see little achievements unlocked as they go is a great way of maintaining their concentration levels for longer periods of time. Lola collects a little souvenir at the end of each visit and the user gets to decide which one they would like to keep, which gives the app a truly personal touch.  




As we all know children love taking snap shots as often as possible. Lola builds on this and takes a quick snap shot of her visit at the end of each level. This brings a touch of humour to the game as you will find that the picture often catches Lola and her friends in a funny pose. 








The Parental controls in this app are extensive. The developer has added a nice a security feature to ensure that a young child won't be able to accidentally  access the iTunes links to other apps  in the main menu. 










Overall I throughly enjoyed this app . The simple game play makes it suitable for all learning ages. It teaches children in a fun manner, and the child becomes so engrossed in finding the objects that they don't even realise they are learning something at the same time. This app will be a hit within the special needs community as it is easy to operate and allows children to experience the fun and culture of other countries. The graphics and animations featured in the app are of a high standard and the lack of in- app purchases is a huge bonus in my book. I like an app that features everything in the original price. I Spy with Lola would be a nice addition to any child's iTunes collection. 


If you would like to find out more about Lola please visit their Facebook page or website


Wednesday 28 November 2012

Current Giveaway List


Do you remember how excited you felt each morning in December, counting down the days until Christmas? The thrill from being allowed to eat the chocolate from your advent calendar before breakfast? Have you watched your children argue over who gets to open today's window or smiled at the delight on their faces as they uncover a little keepsake?
a Rafflecopter giveaway





DESCRIPTION

If your child likes to play with dolls' houses this is a perfect application for it. Select one house that you want to decorate or decorate the entire neighborhood. Choose the furniture and decorations to be placed in your house. Select characters that have to live at home. See how much fun for your child will provide Little House Decorator.

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Remember those fun Spot the Difference puzzles they always had on the puzzle page of the daily newspaper? With iSpotproLeicesterAppDesigner.com has created an app that will not only bring back those memories but makes them even better with it's fantastic graphics and added game play.

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Kids Geography is an iPhone app that will test the knowledge of even the most hardened geographer . It challenges the users knowledge in a multitude of areas related to both world geography and the geography of the United States.  It requires iOS 5.1 or later to run, and is available in sixteen different languages English, Catalan, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Slovak, Spanish, and Swedish.



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Description

Now enjoy the 4th instrument of our musical instrument, this time a modern instrument- Keytar-also called Keyboard Guitar.



a Rafflecopter giveaway



Memollow – Memory Game on Pillows for kids is an ipad app from Kiooik games
This is a fabulous memory-matching app for young children with a twist or should that be a squish. Instead of plain old matching cards we get to squish pillows and when a pair are matched they burst with a puff of stuffing.



a Rafflecopter giveaway




Kids Math is an iPhone app that sets out to test the extreme limits of your Mathematical knowledge. It is just as challenging for adults as for kids.  It is available in seventeen different languages - English , Catalan, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian , Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Slovak, Spanish and Swedish. It requires iOS 5.0 or later to operate.  


a Rafflecopter giveaway

KidsMathG4 By Sprima Inc. - Review and Giveaway

Kids Math is an iPhone app that sets out to test the extreme limits of your Mathematical knowledge. It is just as challenging for adults as for kids.  It is available in seventeen different languages - English , Catalan, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian , Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Slovak, Spanish and Swedish. It requires iOS 5.0 or later to operate.  














If you would like to purchase the App now, please do so via this link iTunes  . It is currently priced at $1.99 in the US iTunes Store. 



My maths days are far behind me thankfully, but I went about testing this App oozing in confidence at my mathematical ability. I soon realised that my brain was not as sharp as it used to be in the math field.  Kids Math is aimed at Grade-4 , which is roughly ages 9 and upwards. This App is an ingenious way of teaching children Math without them even realising it. Once your child starts a task they will become so engrossed in it that they will forget they are actually learning and just have fun . 






The options in Kids Math are slightly different to the other apps by Sprima Inc. that we have looked at already on AppAble. In the main menu there is the option to choose between Practice and Test. The practice session  gives the user a very brief testing session.  The second option , the Test, allows you to select one of 4 different time settings, namely 1 minute, 15 minutes, 30 minutes or 45 minutes. I like the different time settings as it gives you a  good indicator of your child's attention span, mathematical knowledge and also allows for more complex testing of older age groups. 








Kids Math helps your child to learn addition, subtraction, division , multiplication in a fun way , and also poses some logical thinking questions for them to decipher . I put my 10 year old son to the test with these questions . He enjoyed the logical questions the most. The testing of the various concepts was a good indicator of how much he has learned in school. 









As with other apps from Sprima Inc, Kids MathG4 allows the user to skip over a question if they find it too complex . It doesn't affect their overall score , but the user must be made aware that even with skipping a question the clock doesn't stop and more time is elapsing. The constant reinforcement that the app gives with each correct answer is a hugely positive feature of the App. For children who crave regular feedback this App would suit their needs . 






Overall I throughly enjoyed this app. It is great value at $1.99. The educational value of the App is immense , but yet it is done in such a manner that the user doesn't always realise they doing work . It draws the user into the App, thus making them believe that it is more about fun than educational value, which creates mutually beneficial outcomes for the user as well as the Parent or Teacher. 

We have 9 codes to give away. Please enter via the Rafflecopter link below. 

To find out more about Sprima Inc. and their apps please visit their Facebook page or website






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Tuesday 27 November 2012

Finger Song By MEET Studio CO.,LTD.


This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad
  • Free
  • Category: Education
  • Updated: Nov 22, 2012
  • Version: 1.7
  • Size: 31.6 MB
  • Languages: English, Chinese
  • Seller: MEET Studio CO.,LTD.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.

Download the app here iTunes  . Please make sure to verify the price before downloading. 




Description
As an old saying mentioned, 'Your finger is connected to your mind.' The developement of brain will benefit from enough amount of finger movement trainings, espeically for the development of language skills, visual and aural senses.

Finger Song is designed for kids from 3-6 years old, and it's the most convenient way to help your kids develop their finger movements. our kids can follow the cute panda baby to sing and move. And it's also filled with cartoon scenes that can be interacted with the kids. Meanwhile, your kids can also view it as an ebook.





more funs, more education, and more pleasure.

Pls follow us on twitter: @meetstudio
http://www.meet-future.com



iCreate By MEET Studio CO.,LTD



This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad
  • Free
  • Category: Education
  • Updated: Nov 22, 2012
  • Version: 4.8
  • Size: 32.0 MB
  • Language: English
  • Seller: MEET Studio CO.,LTD.
Download the app here iTunes  . Please make sure to verify the price before downloading. 
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.
Kids can create anything with iCreate!!!

Now featuring SmarTots!

We built iCreate to give kids the tools to create anything. Full of educational content, and fun images and clips, your kids will be drawing, coloring, and (with your help) printing masterpieces worthy of the refrigerator gallery!





Features:

1. Kid's can use iCreate to draw anything!
2. Also featuring tangrams - the classic shape-puzzle.
3. Over 10 different scenes, each with it's own original music.
4. A full set of artistic tools, colors, and brushes.
5. In addition, iCreate has a full complement of learning content including words and animals.

Create anything with iCreate!!!





Twitter:@eseedo
Website: http://www.meet-future.com
Email: eseedo@meet-future.com

This App Features SmarTots
--------------------------
SmarTots provides learning reports and mobile education app reviews that help parents understand what their children are learning. Signing up for SmarTots also gives parents access to fun activities that enhance the educational value of mobile education apps like this one. Click the Parent Button inside this app to get these great features.

Starfall Learn to Read - Review





This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad
  • $2.99
  • Category: Education
  • Updated: Oct 14, 2012
  • Version: 1.2.71
  • Size: 35.7 MB
  • Languages: English, Chinese, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish
  • Seller: Starfall Education, LLC
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.

If you would like to purchase this app now click this link iTunes

Do you remember the excitement of learning to read? Once you had those early concepts mastered, you could escape into the magical worlds that are created in books. The Starfall Learn to Read app helps children make the transition from knowing letters and letter sounds into that magical world.
Starfall Learn to Read is a universal app from Starfall Education LLC. This app has the same material as the “Learn to Read” section of the awesome starfall.com website. It is appropriate for all children learning to read with its greatest appeal aimed at preschool through second graders.    “Learn to Read” was built by professional educators. It has taken into consideration research, learning styles and the need for learning to be fun and engaging.
 
When the app is opened, users are provided access to fifteen different sections that are based on short vowels, long vowels, two vowels, r controlled vowels, and y as long e. All fifteen sections contain three similar activities; make a word, view a related movie, and read a book appropriate for early readers.

Each of the fifteen sections provides user access to short books featuring the vowel sounds. The student can read the book independently or have each page read to them. If a reader experiences difficultly pronouncing a word, they are able to tap on the word and a flash card will appear that helps them sound out the word. Students should be encouraged to tap on the pictures in the book as some are animated and help bring the story to life. In each of the sections there is also activities that ask the children to “Make a Word”, “Make a Match”, “Picture Hunt” or “Word Sorting” based on the featured vowel. The final thing present in each section is a short video that supports the learning in that section.

Something that I would like Starfall to consider in future updates to the app and website is to provide a label on the introductory screen of what vowel sound is featured in that section of the fifteen activities. This addition would help parents and educators easier access to the skill area they would like the student to focus on. This app is extremely appropriate for students with special needs. It could be used by educators and parents to work on a specific skill that was previously taught. It also could be used for remedial work if a student is struggling with specific vowel sound or rule. The large variety of activities in the app holds the early readers attention well and offers learning activities for every learning style. If your early reader enjoys the Starfall website, then this might be a great addition to your iOS device.
You can find out more information about Starfall by following these links.


Facebook
Starfall.com
morestarfall.com









































































Monday 26 November 2012

Memollow - Memory Game on Pillows for Kids - Review and Giveaway


  • $1.99
  • Category: Games
  • Updated: Nov 09, 2012
  • Version: 1.2
  • Size: 155 MB
  • Language: English
  • Seller: KIOOIK SP. Z O.O.
Rated 4+


Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later.

If you would like to purchase the App now please do so via this link iTunes
Memollow – Memory Game on Pillows for kids is an ipad app from Kiooik games
This is a fabulous memory-matching app for young children with a twist or should that be a squish. Instead of plain old matching cards we get to squish pillows and when a pair are matched they burst with a puff of stuffing.



There are 10 different themes, so definitely one to suit the fussiest of small people, dinosaurs, monkeys, trucks, letters, numbers, dolls, ponies, spaceships,vegetables and animals.At the end of each game there is a short clip to reward the child, this proved a great motivator with my son.


And that’s not all, there is just the cutest free gift, you can download free wallpapers, beautiful pictures from the app and use them on your device, my favourite is the owl.
We had great fun reviewing this app, the graphics are beautiful, and the music is lovely. It would suit pre-school children very much.




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Website
Twitter
We have four codes for this app to giveaway. Please enter via Rafflecopter below...


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Keyboard Guitar By MEET Studio CO.,LTD - Giveaway



  • $0.99
  • Category: Music
  • Updated: Nov 14, 2012
  • Version: 2.0
  • Size: 17.1 MB
  • Languages: English, Chinese
  • Seller: MEET Studio CO.,LTD.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.

If you would like to purchase the App now please do so via this link iTunes

Description

Now enjoy the 4th instrument of our musical instrument, this time a modern instrument- Keytar-also called Keyboard Guitar.

What is a keytar?

A keytar is a relatively lightweight keyboard (with or without a built-in synthesizer) that is supported by a strap around the neck and shoulders, similar to the way a guitar is supported by a guitar strap. Keytars allow players a greater range of movement compared to conventional keyboards, which are placed on stands. The instrument has a musical keyboard for triggering musical notes and sounds. Controls for pitch bends, vibrato, portamento, and sustain are placed on the instrument’s “neck". The term "keytar" is a portmanteau of the words "keyboard" and "guitar." Keytars may either contain their own synthesis engines, or simply be controllers, triggering notes on another MIDI capable synthesizer.




How to play?

Step 1: Choose either Rock Guitar or Electric Piano mode
Step 2: If you're new to such an instrument, we strongly recommend you to choose a tutorial. Our tutorial can guide even a 3-year child to play a complete song.
Step 3: If you already are familiar with Keytar,ok, just feel free to play your own music after Step 1



Features:
1. Save and replay
2. Customized background
3. choose a background music from your iTunes music library

What's new in our future updates?
1. More tutorials
2. Online- Scoring system
3. Peer-Peer play
4. iPad customized version




We have 10 codes to give away for this app. Please enter via our Rafflecopter below.

Facebook

Website




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Kids Geography By Sprima Inc. - Review & Giveaway

Kids Geography is an iPhone app that will test the knowledge of even the most hardened geographer . It challenges the users knowledge in a multitude of areas related to both world geography and the geography of the United States.  It requires iOS 5.1 or later to run, and is available in sixteen different languages English, Catalan, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Slovak, Spanish, and Swedish. 













If you would like to purchase the app please do so now via this link iTunes. It is currently priced at $0.99.


When I was asked to test this app by Sprima Inc. I was delighted. Being a geography major in college made me feel over confident and I was sure I would complete all the questions with ease. Reality soon kicked in and I realised that Kids Geography can be as much of a challenge for adults as well as kids. It  has a very user friendly approach and is a fun activity for all the family to try out.




Kids Geography has two different categories to choose from , World Geography and USA Geography.  Being Irish I decided to start with the World Geography option. It tests many different areas of geography that your child will learn at school including, physical , social and cultural .  









The App teaches children to look at more broader areas of Geography than they would traditionally study in schools. It tests their knowledge of Capitals, landmarks. mountains, rivers and even currency of countries. My 10 year old son loved the challenges this app presented him with. He was pleasantly surprised at some of the answers he knew. It is amazing what the mind retains, sometimes with out us ever being aware of it's existence in our subconscious . 









One of the things I like about this App is that it keeps track on screen of how many answers you got right. It also allows the user to skip a question if they don't know the answer without loosing 'points'. It gives instant recognition of any achievements made , which is important in working with children with special needs. 






The other option available on this app is USA Geography. In this section I failed miserably as I am not that well versed in US geography. However I have to add that the challenge this posed added to my enjoyment of the app. I felt like I was learning something new , and was quite intrigued by some of the questions I came across. It looked at agriculture , State Capitals, rivers, borders etc. It proved to be a great learning tool for my son and I . 






Kids Geography is a great educational App for adults as well as children. It is one the whole family can get involved in and test each others knowledge. It is particularly suitable for children with special needs as the constant reinforcements the app gives are a huge bonus for children who look for constant feedback on their performance. Anyone who has a love of Geography or trivia questions will enjoy this app.  At $0.99 it is a bargain. 


To find out more about Sprima Inc. and their apps please visit their Facebook page or website



Saturday 24 November 2012

Starfall Snowman - review


 Review
Starfall Snowman
By Starfall Education


Children love making snowmen and listening to the charming “Ten Little Snowmen” song. Learn to count to ten and read essential vocabulary while you play. Practice has never been more fun! In this App edition, create a snowman gallery and match number sets to number symbols, and colours to colour words.


Recommended for early readers

This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad
$0.99

Category: Education

Updated: Jun 14, 2011
Version: 1.3
Size: 9.4 MB
Seller: Starfall Education, LLC
© 2010 Starfall Education
Rate


If you would like to purchase the app now please do so via this link iTunes





What the app contains

Make a Snowman
Users are asked to build a snowman step by step. After the snowman is complete, they are provided with a catchy little tune called “Ten Little Snowmen”.



 This activity works on reading skills or listening comprehension, following directions and fine motor skills while building the snowman.  Counting and number recognition are practised during the song. 




This is three levels of a traditional matching game.

Level I – number recognition and one to one correspondence for the numbers 1-6
Level II-number recognition and one to one correspondence for the numbers 1-10
Level III-colour words and colours (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple)




Snowman Gallery This contains a copy of all of the snowmen that have been built and saved on the iPad.










Make A Snowman is a small piece of the award winning starfall.com website or the paid companion morestarfall.com. Like the website it is appropriate for children from Preschool to 2nd grade. All of the activities created by Starfall are built on research proven teaching strategies that are designed to make learning fun and engaging.This app accomplishes that belief


While this app is somewhat limited in the age level it appeals to, it might just be an inexpensive way to allow children access to Starfall activities when internet access isn’t available.


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