I’m not a huge fan of lots of electronic stuff, but I do allow the kids to play on their electronic toys they own. We have Nintendo DS’s, laptops, Wii game system, and ipod touches. As much as possible, I try to make the things that they do on their electronics be things that are educational. Hard to do with the DS and Wii, but there are so many online sites for the laptop/computer and lots of great apps for the ipod too.
I had the opportunity to review an app for their ipods recently (actually, Olivia had the opportunity to review it). The app is called Storybuilder. I LOVE Olivia playing on this one! Such a great opportunity to use her imagination and make up a story!
You can easily search for it in the app store. Look for the picture above. :)
So, here’s how the app works:
It will show your child a picture and then ask questions about the picture. Using the example in the picture below… a voice will ask your child, “Where will the boat go when the storm ends?” Then, it gives the child a prompt, “After the storm ends, the boat…”.
The child will then touch the ‘record’ button and will say something like, “After the storm ends, the boat will be safe.”
Then it moves on to the next question.
The picture above is just another example of the type of thing the app will give your child as a prompt. As you can see, it really helps your child to think about cause and effect and use their imagination.
Your child is literally telling a story. Once the app has gone through all the questions for one picture or set of pictures, you can click to play the story. This is where you get to hear the story your child just told! The app pieces together all the things your child recorded into a story. Super cool!
Part of the beauty of the app is that they can change the story each time they tell it too!
One of my favorite aspects of this app is that after you hear the story, you also have the option to share it with others by emailing it. Hello grandma and grandpa! What grandparents (or aunts and uncles) wouldn’t love getting an email like that!?
My little Olivia gets a kick out of this app. When I asked her to tell me if she likes it or not and what she liked about it, she said, “I like it cause I get to talk.” I think she likes that it asks her questions and she gets to hear her own answer. Then at the end, she gets to hear herself tell the story.
Now, if you have 2 1/2 minutes to spare… here are my sweet kids helping Olivia with the app. :)
Information at a glance
What is it? Storybuilder – an app specifically for use on the iPhone or 4th generation iTouch ( the ones with a camera).
Who can use it? Kids age 4 and up (to upper elementary)
Are there different levels? Why, yes, there are… I’m so glad you asked! :) There are 3 levels to choose from, so your 4 year old can play and then your 8 year old can too.
How much are we talkin’? Only $5.99! Not too shabby…
Where can I buy it? In your iTunes app store… easy peasy…
If you have any questions/comments about it, feel free to ask away in the comments. :)
