We do try to limit screen time, especially when on vacation, but every now and again there’s an exception to be made. Before we add new apps to our devices, we consider several things:
Age Appropriateness
Ideally the perfect app to download is something that all the kids can use. This isn’t an easy requirement that’s often met but every now and again we find one that works for all the kids. Peter and the Wolf is loved by all three of my kids – ages 11, 9, and 4 – for all different reasons and is appropriate for each of them.
Ease of Use
Before the kids use any new apps, I check them out myself. If it’s too hard for me to figure out, I worry about if the kids will be able to figure it out without a lot of assistance, especially during the beginning when they’re still becoming familiar with the app. After downloading the app, it was up and running with no problems in seconds which made me feel confident the kids would be able to use it without any problems navigating to the different areas within the app.
Interesting
Keeping their attention can be a challenge at times. Other story apps we’ve downloaded have wound up getting old quickly because it’s just simply a story to listen to. Thankfully in addition to the story with interactive pages, there are also several other features that keep the kid’s attention when they need a break from listening to the story.
Education
I’m always looking for another way to sneak in a little bit of learning throughout the day. Along with the lesson of Peter and the Wolf, learning about the music and making of the app add a good bit of educational value to the app.
You can get a peek at the app in our video too:
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