Kids' Dental Health by Applicable2U

Kids’ Dental Health

by Alexandr Stacanov  © 2012 TwoTea Applications

How do you introduce the importance of dental hygiene to your children?  Do you sing songs?  How many families out there sing to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” theToothBrushing Song?  Families will jump through all kind of hoops to instill good dental hygiene habits at an early age.  If singing songs or just telling your child(ren) like it is, isn’t working, then maybe a new approach is needed.  Recently launched at the end of March, illustrator, Alexandr Stacanov and TwoTea Applications created Kids’ Dental Health for your iPad device running iOS 4.0 or later. With very few educational and interactive books in the App Store centered around health topics, like dental hygiene, Kids’ Dental Health is very user friendly and well worth the $1.99 download. Turn part of your morning and evening routine into something more entertaining as your child attempts to find hidden sounds on each page. Take on a new persona; Sam, Lily, Daniel or Mia and become a ‘dental defender’.  In doing so, you and your child will read about the importance of flossing, applying tooth paste, ridding your mouth of bacteria and eating healthy foods.

Open wide and smile to show off your pearly whites as Kids’ Dental Health can be read to you by a professional teen narrator or read by you. Which toothbrush will make sense for your child(ren)?  Regardless of which is chosen, this informational and interactive book can be implemented in a number of ways at home and school.  Scroll through the four ‘dental defenders’ by simply tapping their smiling faces.  Once selected, click the directional in the lower right hand corner and let the adventure begin.

As the Toothbrush Song states,

Brush, brush, brush your teeth
Brush them everyday.
We put toothpaste on our brush
To help stop tooth decay

Floss, floss, floss your teeth.
Floss them every day!
Using the string to clean between
Keeps the plaque away!

Clean, clean, clean your teeth.
Clean them every day!
Your teeth will sparkle for years to come
In the most beautiful way!

Brush, brush, brush your teeth.
Brush them every day!
Happy, healthy teeth you’ll have
If it’s done this way.

In reviewing this song and this application we noticed a connection, each stanza of this song coordinates with a page within the book.  To rid your mouth of tooth decay, Kids’ Dental Health not only shares factual information in a story like format, but it also introduces new vocabulary.  To reinforce vocabulary, zoom in on your mouth as you play the Bacteria game.  As quickly as possible, use your fine motor skills to tap away all forms of bacteria built up in your mouth.  Notice that some forms of bacteria are more difficult to vanish than others and that toothbrushing needs to be done efficiently.  A note to the developers – while playing the Bacteria game might it be possible to have an inside look of a scrolling mouth, indicating where possible bacteria will land. By brushing away the bacteria, you become a knight or magical fairy equipped with a toothbrush sword or wand.

Just as the song indicates, our story also continues as it shares the significance of flossing.  Flossing for some children and yes, even adults, can be challenging.  To guide our readers, developers have included a narrated graphic of techniques or strategies for best flossing, however, Applicable2U thinks a video presentation would be even more effective.  Now that your ‘dental defender’ is equipped with a toothbrush and some floss, they have been protected for the day.  Motivate your child towards a healthy, shiny smile in just 10 short pages.  If your toothbrush and floss are not at your disposal during the day, don’t panic.  Be sure to eat healthy and make regular visits to the dentist twice a year.  If you don’t have time to read the whole story, simply click the page icon from your main menu screen and let the reinforcement continue.

Kids’ Dental Health could not have come at a more appropriate time as my own ‘dental defender’ tends to argue over having to brush his teeth.  By making this interactive, informational book a part of our bedtime routine, teeth brushing hassles will become a thing of the past.  At this time, there is only one interactive gaming feature, however, 3 additional games are coming in a future update for free.  If your child’s doctor has indicated that it is time to start brushing their teeth, then downloading Kids’ Dental Health to your iPad device is an excellent addition to your iTunes library.  Are you a family whose children have been brushing their teeth for few years, but put up a fight, then it’s time to learn and play towards a healthier mouth.  Even an early elementary classroom teacher can benefit from downloadingKids’ Dental Health as it meets curriculum requirements for those in preschool-1st grade.

Applicable2U would most certainly give Kids’ Dental Health two thumbs up!!  We are looking forward to continuing our mouth journey in future updates.  If you would like to learn more about TwoTea Applications, please visit their website here.  To add Kids’ Dental Health to your iTunes library today, simply click here.

Reviewers website: www.applicable2u.wordpress.com

Elfishki and the Giant Cake by Applicable2U

  Elfishki and the Giant Cake

By kidsiphoneapps.net

There are a number of states in the US that have been following the Common Core Standards for a number of years, while others are just coming on board.  For those new to the Common Core Standards many are questioning what it might mean for how material is presented or how it compares to previous standards.  Common Core Standards are designed “to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young audience needs in order to be successful.”  This level of success can come in any format and Kids iPhone Apps is making that possible via your iPad device running iOS 4.3 or later.  Recently launched in February of this year is a wonderful interactive book called Elfishki and the Giant Cake.  Whether you are an educator in a school or home setting or you are a parent trying to teach your child(ren) conscious reading skills, then this needs to be your next educational app download!

What Applicable2U loves about this development company is that their goal is to create not only captivating stories, but to apply their stories and illustrations as teaching tools.  As an educator just delving into the Common Core and how technology fits in, this review could not have come at a more appropriate time.  In order for our children to fully participate in today’s global community, we need to keep in mind the 4 C’s of 21st century skills (Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Communication).  Elfishki and the Giant Cake is designed for children ages 6-9 and is supporting those 21st century skills just mentioned, exposes children to a familiar genre; fairy tales, myths and legends, and it integrates several Common Core Standards for English Language Arts along the way.

Come journey to Rainbow Island which is in the middle of Sparkling Sea and meet the adorable fairy tale creatures called Elfishkis.  Hear a wonderful story of how our main creatures or characters, Elfizz and Maggie are able to put their two worlds together and become friends, regardless of their differences.  As you enter this interactive, educational book app users will immediately notice the brilliant and crisp colors which makes the story images pop off the screen.  This original story can be experienced in English or in Russian as it is either read to you by a professional narrator or is read by the reader themselves.  Regardless of which is chosen, some young readers may even feel like they are apart of the board game Candy Land, with its magical feel, scrumptious candy and food all around.  With one or more simple taps, certain parts of each page will come to life as an animation.  Not only will objects and characters move, but each page has the reader stop and answer three questions before moving on with the story.  By implementing this feature, educators and parents will have opportunities to build a variety of academic skills such as:  comprehension check-ins, predictions, vocabulary building, discussion of story elements, points of view and to recall prior knowledge related to the information and events in the text.  A note to the developers- might it be possible to also offer new and more fluent readers the option to highlight words as it is read.

Elfishki and the Giant Cake can be implemented in a number of ways.  At times, reading for some is a challenge and not seen as fun.  When reading is differentiated for all learners, children’s academic attitudes will miraculously change.  If chosen to use in a classroom or home school environment, connect your iPad device to a large screen or projector and experience the wonderful world of the Elfishkis as a whole group.   As you navigate through your fairy tale genre unit, use Elfishki and the Giant Cake to support and reinforce what makes up a fairy tale.  Along the way stop and discuss connections, while implementing each pages guiding questions.  To enhance a readers creativity, have children create drawings or visions of what might happen next in the story or even an alternative choice that our main creatures could have taken.  In addition, Elfishki and the Giant Cake could also be used individually or in small groups.  If you walk into any classroom, children are usually in reading groups based on one’s reading level.  Some groups are larger than others and some are much smaller, this interactive book would be a wonderful addition to the school’s library.  Use Elfishki and the Giant Cake to spark communication, critical thinking and collaboration as they answer guided questions provided by the application. As the apps questions are shared, students might find that they have their own questions to share as well.

Applicable2U is pleased to have this interactive book apart of our iPad library.  There are so many books out their in hardcover, softcover and now as an app for your mobile device.  To know that while reading Elfishki and the Giant Cake your child(ren) or students will be building their love of reading, incorporating a number of academic needs and celebrating each others differences is well worth the $2.99 download.  To learn more about this and the other books that Kids iPhone Apps has to offer, please visit their website here.  Which character will you gravitate more towards, Elfizz or Maggie?  Download Elfishki and the Giant Cake to find out by simply clicking here.

Reviewers website: www.applicable2u.wordpress.com

Review of Bartleby's Book of Buttons Vol. 1 by Kathy Burdick

Name of App: Bartleby’s Book of Buttons Vol. 1: The Far Away Island

Free or Fee: Free when reviewed

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Bartleby’s Book of Buttons is an excellent interactive story. It is a story about a gentleman named Bartleby who travels and collects buttons to put into his book. Children can read the story silently, out loud or have it narrated for them. The story is cute, but what makes this book outstanding is the interactivity. Each page has buttons, levers, knobs and handles to move, push and slide. Each button causes something to happen in the story. Once you have the correct button combination selected a big button turns green allowing the page to be turned. It is fun figuring out what each button does, however, it can take some time to figure out if something should be pushed, moved or turned. There is no indication as to what needs to happen so it is all about exploring and could test the patience of some children. It is an excellent book to encourage children to explore and is sure to keep children engaged. It is a great way to help children learn to problem solve since each page is like solving a puzzle. Bartleby’s Book of Buttons Volume 2 is also available and looks to have even more bells and whistles! 

For more reviews visit Mobile iEducator!

iLearn With Little Pim by Applicable2U

  iLearn With Little Pim
     by Tribal Nova

  It always amazes me how young children are able to soak up another language so quickly.  No matter where you in the world, more and more homes are integrating multiple languages being spoken at home.  Whether you are a one or multiple language family, Tribal Nova recently launched iLearn With Little Pim.  With the support of Pim, a fluffy and adorable panda, your little one will be on their way to learning the basics of spanish.  If you are familiar with Tribal Nova educational apps, then you are aware that Little Pim is designed for children ranging in ages from 3-6 years of age.   An educational app compatible with an iPad device, users will play along in three areas: wake up smiling, eating and drinking and playtime.  Each area has been broken down further into 3 sections:  Level 1 – Nouns, Level 2 – Verbs and Level 3 – Phrases.  In building their educational apps, Tribal Nova’s main objective is to give each user a chance to learn at their level of learning. With that in mind, along the way users will be provided a great deal of repetition, as well as verbal and pictorial reinforcements. Learning a language couldn’t be more fun.  You will be amazed at what your little one will soak up in a short period of time.  

Upon entering the application, users will see Pim standing in the lower right hand corner wearing a yellow satchel.  This satchel is for collecting those things the user finds or learns.  Pim is a growing panda who loves bamboo.  With each correct answer more bamboo is added to Pim’s satchel. Regardless of which area of learning your child would like to explore, they may not skip levels.  Learning is progressional with simple nouns learned first which is then added with an action and then put into a sentence.  As a way to reward your child, your soon to be spanish speaking child will know how they are doing based on a visual bamboo like graphing chart.  It is important to note that within each level users will be expanding their spanish dictionary by 6 or 7 words/phrases. Even after each word/phrase is introduced, repetition and further exploration can certainly be had.  Level 1 activities are designed to show individual objects.  Once word(s) are introduced, repetition and learning occurs as a matching game. Additional objects are placed on Pim’s table as a way to challenge your little one.  A note to the developers – might it be possible when introducing the word and picture that there could be an option to record the child saying that word.  In addition, might it be possible to click on the image which would say the word in english in case they are unable to recognize and make a connection with the spanish speaking word.  If there were an options button, this english speaking component could be turned on/off based on the users needs.  Level 2 activities incorporate an action word which might be associated with those words learned in level 1.  Here Pim is acting out the action for further reinforcement.  It is the users job to match the spanish speaking action with a coordinating picture.  If further support is needed, Pim will repeat the action needing to be found.  With the sound of magical chimes, users will know that they are correct.  However, if an incorrect answer is chosen, Pim will just repeat the desired action with no negative reinforcement incorporated.  Within level 3, activities are developed even further.  Users will now be re-introduced to words/actions taught in levels 1 and 2 as it is put into a sentence.  Like in the other levels, a matching game is incorporated, however, with a users success an extension activity is now added.  The opportunities for continued learning just keep coming with iLearn With Little Pim.

With very age appropriate activities that are well progressed, graphics that are appealing, an adorable friend to play with and lots of reinforcement, Applicable2U can’t wait for the next foreign language app that Tribal Nova has to offer.  It is an educational app that will appeal to many.  Soon you will be amazed to see what happens the next time you are on the playground or in the kitchen what new words/phrases your little will connect.  If you would like to learn more about Tribal Nova and their other applications, please visit theirwebsite here.  To begin downloading iLearn With Little Pim today, please click here to add to your iTunes library.

Reviewers website:  www.applicable2u.wordpress.com

Bob Books Series 2 by Applicable2U

Bob Books Reading Magic Set 2
 by Learning Touch

 Learning Touch development group has added once again to their collection of reading applications set 2 of the infamous Bob Books. If you are familiar with the hardcover version of this series, then you know that enjoyment and learning will be extended for your little one(s) anytime or anywhere you may be. But now, in the format of an app on your Apple device.  The Bob Books collection was designed to guide children through the early stages of reading.  When reading your little one(s) will be provided a great deal of  repetition and consistency as they read short stories and learn new letter sounds.   Amazingly, Bob Books Series 2 has twelve new scenes for those advancing beginner readers looking to build their confidence and to become independent readers. It is an educational and interactive book that will appeal to all through the use of adorable graphics, sounds and animations. With four levels of play, users will not want to put down their device of choice as they will be entertained while learning to read!

Upon entering Bob Books Set 2, it is evident that viewer feedback was taken into consideration as the format organization has slightly changed from the first app collection of Bob Books.  Similar to the previous series, depending on the academic reading level or age of the user, parents and/or teachers can change various options within the book.  For example, spelling can be set as phonics based or by letter name.  This is a very useful option as it guides children to make connections between the letter and its sound.  In addition, music and sound effects can be set to: never, sometimes or always. Again another useful option as this age group tends to have a short attention span and can be easily distracted by outside things.  One of the newest additions to this application series is the "Where would you like to start" page.  It is here that each level is explained.  Level 1 - has users dragging and dropping letters into place as it is matched.  Level 2 -  builds upon level 1, however, letters now need to be placed in the correct order from left to right.  Level 3 - it is here that the user will no longer be provided any visual hints.  Level 4 - has users spelling those words seen in levels 1-3.  To extend the challenge further within this level, users will be provided extra letters as a possible distractor.    

Initially pages start out as black and white with a short sentence at the bottom.  To begin the "magic," readers will see several objects on each page shaking and rattling.  This motion indicates which words need to be spelled.  Once spelled, objects will magically be filled with color and that word within the sentence will appear in bold.  It is important to note that each part of the sentence is not spelled out, such words as "and" or "the" for example are not a part of the repetition.  Such sight words and many others can be reinforced with support from a parent and/or teacher in another format. A nice added feature that this series of apps has is that the user is in control of movement from one page to the next. This allows those just learning to read the ability to show off their reading skills to others near by.   A note to the developers - for a future update, might it be possible to highlight in a different color, say bright yellow, each part of the sentence as the narrator is reading it in full.  By adding this feature it would provide the reader one more visual representation or form of repetition of each word.  

Overall, Applicable2u loves what Learning Touch has done with this series of books.  Do you have young ones just learning to read in your classroom or at home?  Then we feel that it is a MUST have within your iTunes account.  If you would like to learn more about Learning Touch, please visit theirwebsite here.  Interested in the first series of the Bob Books app, then please click here to add to your library of applications.   If you are already a fan and want to add Series 2, then please click here.  

Reviewers website: www.applicable2u.wordpress.com

iLearn with Poko: Addition by Applicable2U

   iLearn With Poko: Addition
           by Tribal Nova 

      It’s time to go on a mathematical journey with Poko and his two adorable friends, Bibi and Minus.  Poko is no stranger to the Apple Store.  You may be familiar with the iLearnWith series Seasons and Animals, however today’s recent cross curricular application launch directly pertains to math.  As an educator and parent, Poko and the gang are always welcome back to our house for a mobile learning play date.  Tribal Nova’s development of apps are directly correlated to the National Standards and spread across a wide array of developmental necessities like language development, creativity and reinforcement of various academic areas.  iLearn With Poko: Addition is appropriately designed for children ages 3-7 as it builds upon the concept of addition with three interactive and playful activities.

This series of applications was designed to encourage all types of learning styles.  With clear and concise directions, progress trackers, repetition and verbal and visual reinforcements, users can work at their own pace as they learn and have fun.  As you watch your child play, you will notice the outstanding graphics and animation that have been included.  Within this educational app, users will be able to make personal connections with the activities that Poko wants to play through such things as: bowling, building with blocks and a toy chest.  Each game or level, builds upon each other as they learn to add up to 6, 10, and 15.  It is important to note that within each game, levels of difficulty will be adapted based on your child’s progress.

Level 1 – Add up to 6 is the introductory piece of the application as it encourages children to count and recognize numbers.  Poko and Minus will throw their bowling ball down the lane. It is your goal to tap/count each pin that was knocked over and to match its corresponding number at the bottom.  While learning to recognize numbers and count, users will also be reinforcing the concept of one to one correspondence which will be further developed in level 2.  Once a player succeeds in level 1, their treasure chest will be filled with Poko’s bowling shoes.

Level 2 – Add up to 10 is an extension to level 1.  Here the players need to build and combine blocks.  To challenge those in level 2, blocks are not moveable like the bowling pins, instead users will see numbers as a group.  Simply tap on the two piles, sometimes more, add them together and match its number at the bottom.  When that number is selected, the two or more piles will organize in a neat arrangement or mathematical array. With a players success, users will add to their treasure chest by collecting the horse and knight.

Level 3 – Add up to 15 introduces the user to a variety of mathematical vocabulary (language development) and symbols as it is used in a number sentence.  Poko needs to find Minus’ ball under the rug.  To do that, players need to move the toys that Poko is thinking about.  As those toys are tapped, numbers will appear on either side of the plus symbol and it your goal to find the sum. Mathematical reinforcement does not stop there, as an added bonus, the developers visually and orally explain each part of the number sentence through flash animation. Again, with success comes another object to add to your treasure chest.  

Even as the treasure chest is filled with the bowling shoes, horse and knight and the beach ball, learning can continue. Randomly, numbers are selected or mathematical sentences are built which can change, reinforce and extend the learning and yes even more fun for your little to have.  If you have preschool or kindergarten aged children or students, then iLearn With Poko: Addition is applicable to you!  For children just learning to add, iLearn With Poko: Addition will take them through all the mathematical phases of this concept. This educational app not only “covers” those necessary standards but it is then truly comprehended.  If you would like to learn more about Tribal Nova, please visit their website here.  If Poko is just what you need for your home or school setting, then begin downloading iLearn With Poko: Addition from your iTunes library here. 

Reviewers website: www.applicable2u.wordpress.com

Snuggle Mountain by Applicable2U

  Snuggle Mountain
     by PicPocket Books

PicPocket Books has been at it once again with another winning interactive story application.  Added to their  collection, a print form book turned mobile, Snuggle Mountain for the iPad device is definitely one  you won’t want to miss.  Snuggle Mountain would be a wonderful addition to any home library as well as a classroom environment.  Designed to meet the needs of those just learning to read as it builds ones imagination.   There are a number of app development groups that specifically design a variety of children’s books for the mobile learning market, but PicPocket Books adds a piece unlike any other.  Their book apps include questioning and connections to both home and school for purposes of extended communication.  Through these extension activities, readers will be meeting the necessary goals for early elementary students as they practice reading and developing upon key vocabulary such as: characters, setting, and beginning/middle/end.  Snuggle Mountain is just one of the many interactive books that PicPocket Books has to offer which will spark a readers higher order thinking skills.  For these simple reasons, Snuggle Mountain is applicable to you.

Upon entering Snuggle Mountain, readers are immediately interacting with the story as they touch the main character, Emma, her dog and cat from page to page.  Although the cat and dog may not have something new to say, Emma certainly does.  This was a pleasant surprise on our part!  With a great deal of details and various forms of figurative language, author Lindsey Lane has written a story which you can truly picture in your mind without even seeing with the help of what appears to be a young narrator. It’s a story app that opens ones creativity and imagination.  Come climb Snuggle Mountain and envision enormous giants as they are trapped in a sleeping spell.  Illustrated by Melissa Iwai, she has encompassed in her drawings things of the real world as it plays on your eyes and what is not real.   Young readers will be asking such questions as: Will Emma get to the top?  What will she find? What will break ones sleeping spell?  As you read as a family, individually, or in a classroom, make a connection to your own morning routine as you go on an amazing adventure.  Leave with not only a story having been told, but also a special surprise at the end!

Applicable2U definitely gives Snuggle Mountain a thumbs up!  Through this developmental collaboration of people, a wonderful story is told  and can be enjoyed no matter where you happen to be. If you would like to learn more about PicPocket Books, please click here to visit their website.  If you have a young child, boy or girl, around the ages of 4 – 6, then it’s time to snuggle up and read. You can click here to begin downloading Snuggle Mountain to your iTunes library today!

Reviewers website: www.applicable2u.wordpress.com