Hooked on Phonics -- Podcast Videos

Podcasts link:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hooked-on-phonics/id318331495?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Most people have heard of Hooked on Phonics for teaching children to read. While Hooked on Phonics does not have any Apps available for download from iTunes, they do offer some wonderful free podcasts for learning. These podcasts are actually videos that can be downloaded for a preschool aged child that is learning letters, as well as other preschool aged songs. There is a podcast with a video song for each letter of the alphabet, as well as other songs like The Itsy Bitsy Spider. These podcasts are free, and our four-year-old tester LOVES them. For the parent or teacher that is looking for something to enhance lessons on the different letters, these videos can be valuable. They use song to teach the letter concept to the child, which helps increase child's ability to remember the letter and its sound. 

MusicSparkles -- App School

iPhone App

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id452584114?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

iPad App

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id452584114?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

MusicSparkles is a brilliant music exploring App for Pre-School Children. While playing MusicSparkles, children get to explore different instruments and sounds. Accompanying instruments may be selected for each instrument while playing for added variety within the App. MusicSparkles interface is easy for young children to navigate with its beautiful graphics and sounds. Young Children will be sure to be delighted when they touch the keys on each instrument within the MusicSparkles on the App.

ColorStudio HD -- App School

iPad App

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/crayola-colorstudio-hd/id420671716?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

While searching through iAccessories at the store, I came across the amazing Crayola ColorStudio HD iMarker (Stylus) for children. It is made by Crayola, and it has an iPad App to go with it (Sorry iPod/iPhone users). This crayola iMarker stylus works with the app to allow kids to color animated coloring pages! Children can choose from a crayola look, marker look, colored pencil looks, and more, including bucket fill. ColorStudio HD even gives options for whether or not the App prevents child's markings from going over the lines or not, as well as options for sharing creative artwork on Facebook. I have been playing with it, myself, and it is really fun. ColorStudio HD is an excellent app to teach children their colors, as well as art. The App is completely free, and works with a regular iPad stylus or finger.

For added features, the iMarker may be purchased to go with the app:

123 Christmas -- App School

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kids-can-count-christmas-gifts/id397347655?mt=8

123 Christmas is a fun and free app for preschoolers that allows children to help Santa stuff his bag with goodies by counting. Children tap on the objects above Santa to count, and the objects get loaded into Santa's bag. For any child learning their counting and number skills, this holiday app is sure to keep their interest.

Shapes App -- App School

iPhone App:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shapes-toddler-preschool/id303153532?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
iPad App:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shapes-toddler-preschool/id303153532?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Shapes is a simple app from the App Store that is basically a shape flashcard system for preschool aged children to use on their iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. Children can go through each flashcard on the Shapes App to learn their shapes while having fun. Each flashcard has a shape on it, as well as the written name of that shape. A voice comes up that tells your child what the shape is. Then, when child is ready, they may click on to the next shape. A great way for children to learn their shapes with technology.



- Posted from my iPad

Amazing Shape Puzzle -- App School

iPhone App:http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amazing-shape-puzzle-lite/id469339346?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4iPad App:http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amazing-shape-puzzle-lite/id469339346?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Amazing Shape Puzzle Lite is an adorable shape game for pre-school aged children. Children can choose which sort of shapes they would like to put a puzzle together for. Here is our screen shot of the Bakery Puzzles:



Puzzles are cute and not too hard for pre-school aged children.


When your child finishes a puzzle, a praise screen comes up that lets your child feel their accomplishment. This App is surprisingly cute and fun. If you love Amazing Shape Puzzle like our 4-year-old tester does, you may want to invest in the full version for only 99 cents to get more scenes!



- Posted from my iPad