Tech Mom Time: learning apps for a busy toddler

[frame src=”http://www.homeonderanged.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/tech-mom-time.jpg” link=”” target=”_self” width=”235″ height=”217″ alt=”Tech Mom Time logo” align=”right”]Welcome to the first installment of Tech Mom Time, a post I do in conjunction with my latest segment on The Broadcast, a local talk show that airs on Dallas station KTXD. I have been privileged to be added to their rotating roster of guests who provide useful information for viewers. Below is the video of the segment that originally aired on May 20th, along with extra notes on the topic profiled. If you have any tech questions you’d like addressed – whether for moms, dads, kids, grandparents – feel free to email me at ourhomeonderanged@gmail.com. Enjoy!

In this installment, Tech Mom Melissa covers 3 learning apps designed for busy toddlers. Remember, only 1 hour a day is recommended for kids at this age!
[youtube url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7upswNb2sco&feature=share&list=PLMs9ZHI-Ey5ypkzyUMc-RVv6STlMOS0zd” width=”560″ height=”350″]

In summary:

1. [frame src=”http://www.homeonderanged.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/old-macdonald.jpg” link=”” target=”_self” width=”150″ height=”125″ alt=”Old MacDonald” align=”right”]Old MacDonald by Duck Duck Moose – Rated for ages 2-6. 12 fully interactive pages and 35+ activities; encourages cognitive, language, motor development. PROS: Fun and entertaining for little ones as they learn their animals. You can have the music only or off completely. It can be played in several different languages. You can rearrange the slides as necessary. CONS: The song can get to be a bit annoying for the adults in the room. The music button in the bottom right corner can easily be pushed by little hands, which changes the language as well as the music style. BOTTOM LINE: This app is a great twist on an old favorite and is priced reasonably at $1.99. It is available on iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch as well as Android.
2. [frame src=”http://www.homeonderanged.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/wheels-on-the-bus.jpg” link=”” target=”_self” width=”150″ height=”121″ alt=”Wheels on the Bus” align=”right”]The Wheels on the Bus All-in-One Educational Activity Center and Sing Along by Kids Games Club By Tab Tale – Rated for ages 5 & under. 11 verses of the classic “The Wheels on the Bus” song, along with fun interactions as the bus moves through town; 10 games, including coloring book, puzzles, car race, happy bus math; encourages memory, logic and fine motor development. PROS: colorful and fun, with plenty of activities. First 2 song pages and first 2 screens of all games are free. You can decide which pack upgrades you want, or buy the full version and get them all. Some activities are easier, others are harder, and it levels up as kids progress. CONS: Some of the pronunciation seems a tad incorrect on the song. The more advanced game areas require adult assistance. BOTTOM LINE: This app can keep your toddler entertained for hours, especially since most kids love the song portion. The full version is $3.99, but considering the amount of activities that you get, it’s worth the price. It is available on iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.
3. [frame src=”http://www.homeonderanged.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/endless-alphabet.jpg” link=”” target=”_self” width=”110″ height=”124″ alt=”Endless Alphabet” align=”right”]Endless Alphabet by Originator Inc. – Rated for ages 5 and under. 50 words to learn and play with, and new ones added regularly; interactive puzzle games with talking letters; word definitions. PROS: The app pronounces the letter sounds. Children don’t have to place the letters in order. Children can interact at their own pace with no failures, limits or stress. The first 7 word puzzles are free. CONS: Some of the pronunciations don’t adhere to all standards. Words are done in all caps, with no distinction for lowercase letters. The app is a bit pricey at $6.99, even with words added. It is a large app and requires an online connection to run past the first 7 words. BOTTOM LINE: This app is one of the most popular of its kind, especially due to its whimsical nature and stress-free learning environment. As said before, it is a bit pricey, at $6.99 for the full version on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, and $2.99 in the Google Play Store for Android.

Thanks for joining us for Tech Mom Time! Feel free to share your experiences with these apps in the comments section below, or let us know about other apps that we should include in a review!