Say what you want, but I am pro-technology for kids. Of course, I think there should be limits placed on the amount of time a kid spends with a smartphone in their hands, but in general, I’d much prefer to see a child playing with n iPad (and actually interacting with it) than just passively watching TV. Everything in moderation, right?
Anyway, if you don’t mind sharing your smartphone or tablet with your kid, you might want to try some of these apps out:
There’s a Monster at the End of This Book is an interactive story app based on the Sesame Street book of the same name. My nephews (aged 3 and 6) can’t get enough of this one.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Run This App features a make-your-own story and drawing tool, all based on Mo Willem’s hilarious “Pigeon” books. We’ve played this with our 9 month old daughter, but mostly Ian and I just like to play with it ourselves. That pigeon is a riot.
Elmo Loves ABCs for iPad. Seriously, what kid doesn’t go nuts for Elmo?
I haven’t tried it, but Swiss Miss recommends Count the Animals, an app for toddlers and pre-schoolers learning to count. It comes in 16 languages!
For more kids’ app recommendations, check out this article that the NY Times just ran in their travel section. And of course, check out BestKidsApps.com where you can search for the best apps for kids of different ages, search by different prices, different types of apps, etc.
Oh, and PS – if you’re going to let your kid play with your iPad, you better get a really good case for it so they don’t break it. I have my eye on the iGuy by Speck Products. Isn’t it adorable?
[image above by Flickr user speedye]