David Wiesner’s Spot

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Overview

David Wiesner’s Spot is a visual marvel that will lead users through fantastical wordless worlds that encourage exploration, story-telling, and curiosity. It’s much more than a digitalized wordless picture book; it harnesses the unique capabilities of the iPad to offer an experience all its own.

• Gorgeous and unique artwork
• Vivid scenes that will elicit language
• Creative use of pinch function on the device
• Suitable for all ages and developmental abilities
• Detailed parents’/teachers’ guide with dozens of activity ideas

Quality

David Wiesner’s Spot is a high-quality app that will delight and intrigue users of all ages. It represents a quantum leap forward from digitalized wordless picture books because the user can take countless paths through the worlds. It does take some initial experimentation to figure out how to best move around, but once you have the basics figured out, you are literally equipped to travel between the five worlds at will.

Education

This app is incredibly open-ended and will be just as educational as the users wish it to be. The developers claim it will develop executive function, creative expression, language and literacy, and more, and they have underestimated its power. One of the app’s best attributes is that it is only limited by the user’s imagination. Not many devices or systems can make that claim.

To get an idea of the possibilities, be sure to download the companion guide, available for free in iBooks. The link is in the Parents’ Section of the app. It would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the app and with the guide before you introduce it to young users, because it might be a bit easy to get “stuck,” not knowing what is expected. A more structured introduction will benefit most children, but once they realize the possibilities, they will take off running with it.

The app invites interaction by showing hot spots where users employ the outward pinch motion generally used on the iPad to zoom in to see a larger image. Make this motion where you see the hot spots, and you can keep zooming in closer and closer until an entirely new world appears, complete with scenes, characters, and even some interactive fun. Each world contains at least portal to another world, so it is possible to move smoothly between them. The worlds have commonalities, as well as vast differences. There are a group of traveling aliens that seem to be sightseeing, lady bugs galore, and many more things to find. Children will be especially intrigued with the Cat World, the real-life Dust Bunnies that live under the furniture, and the undersea world that includes a diligent effort to pull the plug on the ocean floor.

Each place is designed to elicit language and encourage narration, so all the adults will need to do is facilitate, and perhaps take notes or make a recording. The companion iBook guide will start you off with a selection of games, activities, conversation starters, and story ideas, but there are certainly far more possibilities than are listed. Let your imagination go!

Entertainment

Because of its unique design, it will be difficult to take the same path through the worlds twice. It seems like there are always new corners to explore, new scenes to see, and new characters to discover. Any child with an ounce of curiosity will remain entranced with David Miesner’s Spot and will return to it again and again. The best use, perhaps, is just to play together with your child and let the story take you where it will. An awful lot of learning happens in informal conversations like the ones encouraged by this app.

Value

David Miesner’s Spot is a good value. For a few dollars’ investment, it’s quite likely you will get an app that the entire family will enjoy on several levels. It provides not only opportunities for learning, but also for communication, sharing, and even a measure of closeness that most people crave, no matter what their ages.

Child Friendliness

This app is child friendly. There is a protected Parents’ Area that is accessed by swiping two fingers in the random direction stated on the instructions, and the instructions appear and disappear so rapidly that it would be difficult for young users to read them in time to access the area.

• Protected parent area (contains external links and access to social media)
• Companion parent/educator guide available for free
• NO external links
• NO social media
• NO in-app purchase
• NO 3rd party ads

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World Racers: Family Board Game

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Overview

Grab your keys and your passport — it’s time to head off on a trip around the world! World Racers: Family Board Game will take kids to different cities and countries as they race to be the first car to cross the finish line. While there’s not much else to the game, it’s a great way to get kids used to taking turns and gives you a way to get your youngest family members involved in Family Game Night.

• Choose from four cars
• Select the Number of Laps
• Play with up to four players
• Play against the computer
• Spin the spinner

Quality

It’s easy to get started playing World Racers. Simply tap on the main screen, and then choose the cars you want to play with. Each game can be played with up to four different cars, which are either controlled by humans or the computer. You can also select the number of laps (up to 5) to determine how long the game lasts. Once the game starts, you move by spinning the spinner, just like you would in a real board game. The numbered triangles are pretty self-explanatory – simply tap the circle to move the correct number of spaces. However, a couple of the other triangles are more confusing. For example, if you land on the ?, the game chooses a destination or other action for your car to complete, but since the game advances your car to the destination for you on this option, it’s hard to keep track of where you’re going. There is a board view option that allows players to see their position in relation to the other cars on the road after a play is made.

Education

You would think with a name like World Racers, education and geography in particular would be a focus of the game. There’s little geography in the game aside from a few international flags and pictures of national landmarks. Kids will barely notice them. They will, however, learn some basic counting skills as they move their cars the correct number of spaces. They’ll also learn about turn-taking as they wait patiently for their turn to arise again.

Entertainment

Spin and move is the basis of the board game. There isn’t a lot of other actions. Little kids who love cars will enjoy seeing their cars race around the board and will want to continually check the position of their car to see what place they’re in. Most of the entertainment, however, will come from sitting around your device and playing a game together.

Value

World Racers: Family Board Game is reasonably priced. However, its lack of entertainment value makes its price seem a bit high for what it offers. Those looking for a board game appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers, particularly those who love cars, may find it worth a download though.

Child Friendliness

It’s easy for kids to play this game. All they have to do is spin the spinner and move the correct number of spaces. Aside from a privacy policy on the main screen, there’s nothing else to distract kids and keep them from focusing on the game.

• NO external links
• NO social media
• NO in-app purchase
• NO 3rd party ads

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Top 5 in Travel News: Week of February 4, 2015 Read more: http://www.johnnyjet.com/2015/02/top-10-travel-news-week-february-4-2015/#ixzz3SinzLbhS

1.British Airways Realigns Its Program to Make Big Spenders With Large Point Balances Happier (And the Rest, Not So Happy)

2.Singapore Airlines’ New Premium Economy

3.Hawaiian Airlines opens first of 6 new Premier Club lounges at Honolulu airport

4.Marriott Abandons FCC Petition for Hotel Wi-Fi Blocking

5.First SAS aircraft to feature its new-look interior will enter service next month

The Land of Venn – Geometric Defense

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Overview

Geometry to the rescue! The Land of Venn has come under attack and kids must use their knowledge of geometry to help save it. Of course, they need to learn some geometry in order to make that happen. Starting with points and lines, kids gradually build their geometry skills to help them fight back against the Evil Bookkenriders. To keep the monsters from drinking from the pools, kids must draw lines, triangles, and other geometric shapes to destroy them. At the end of each level is a new skill to learn and a new group of Evil Bookkenriders to defeat.

• Aligns with Common Core Math Standards
• Builds geometry skills from the ground up
• Continually increases level of difficulty
• Offers engaging challenges

Quality

While the initial screens look a bit busy, kids will find that The Land of Venn is easy to navigate. A narrator guides them through each level, providing an explanation of and a chance to practice each new skill, before sending kids off to fight. In most cases, the game responds quickly as kids draw their new shapes, allowing them to quickly eliminate the Evil Bookkenriders, but occasionally the creatures can come so fast it’s hard for kids to keep up.

Education

Developers have worked to align the app to the Common Core Math Standards for first through fifth grade. While the alignment isn’t 100% evident, it is done on purpose. The math lessons are built-in to the game so kids aren’t put off by the learning. Starting with basic points, kids learn geometric concepts one by one. They then immediately put those skills to use as they try to eliminate the Evil Bookenriders. As they make each shape while playing the game, the narrator calls out the name of the shape, helping to reinforce the skills kids are learning.

Entertainment

The game is fast-paced and somewhat addictive. As kids play, they are introduced to new evil creatures and gain new tricks to help keep those creatures from drinking from the pools. Kids can earn up to three stars for each level and also earn badges as they play the game. A store allows kids to purchase potions and other aids using points they’ve earned in the game, which helps make it look even more interesting.

Value

There’s a lot going on in The Land of Venn but the game is still priced fairly high compared to similar apps. However, the number of levels and the level of learning that go into play make it worth a download, particularly if kids need help building their vocabulary skills. The app may be even more worth the value if developers added in the ability to set up multiple user accounts to track progress for different kids.

Child Friendliness

The game is designed to help kids learn geometry. From the subtle lessons to the encouraging narrator that guides them through, it is successful in its mission.

• NO external links
• NO social media
• NO in-app purchase
• NO 3rd party ads

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Fashion Doll Hair SPA

Which of these girls is ready for a complete beauty makeover, complete with new fashions, a hot hairstyle, and the most amazing dresses in the world? All of them are, of course! Fashion Doll Hair Salon is an amazing beauty spa app that lets girls design hairstyles, outfits and fashions for tons of gorgeous doll models. Cut, style and dress, then strut your stuff out on the runway!

Good fashion design starts with a cute outfit. Dresses, skirts, hats, shoes, jewelry and accessories, take your pick, they're all there in your spa's amazing fashion closet! Dress these girls for success, then sit them down to design an amazing new hair style. Trim, color, dye and shape until it's perfect! Makeup puts the finishing touches on these fashion beauties. Let these girls walk out of your spa with the most amazing hairstyles in the world!

Features:
- Dress-up girls to look like beautiful fashion models!
- Add makeup, accessories and jewelry to each doll.
- Design new hairstyles, trim, cut and shape each one.
- Complete beauty makeovers at your fingertips!

How to Play:
- Use the touch screen to choose a girl to give a makeover to.
- Dress up each model by choosing dresses, shoes and outfits.
- Apply makeup and create a beautiful hairstyle!

We've made a video just for you! Come see it here: YouTube for more fun games http://youtu.be/TjDe7SbU_oY

Having problems? Any suggestions? We would love to hear from you!

You can find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bear-Hug-Media/1503518223226912

Or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bear_hug_media

For more information about Bear Hug Media please visit http://www.bearhugmedia.com

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Winky Think Logic Puzzles

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Overview

Winky Think Logic Puzzles offer a ton of fun that is so engaging that users won’t even realize just how important the skills are to learning. Each puzzle provides a mental challenge that requires problem solving, logic, memory, eye-hand coordination and other skills that form foundations for learning.

• 180 puzzles in three levels
• Puzzles gradually become more difficult
• Foundational to Common Core Math Standards for Kindergarten
• No reading or language skills required
• Develops logic and reasoning skills

Quality

Winky Think Logic Puzzles is a high quality app. Every feature is intuitive, and even the very young will quickly understand how to play. Every puzzle adds a level of complexity that makes the game challenging for a wide array of age groups, yet it builds so gradually that young children will enjoy playing as well. The app developers do recommend users turn off iPad’s Multitasking Gestures in the settings before playing, as these could disrupt game play.

Education

Winky Think does an outstanding job of providing practice for important skills that are often difficult to sharpen with most apps. It’s easy to design an app that presents math problems or reading passages that are directly tied to academic success. Winky Think has tackled more abstract skills that are challenging to assess and even more challenging to build, yet the developers have done an admirable job.

The puzzles are nonverbal challenges that require users to drag colored shapes to the matching drop targets. The first few levels are simple matching tasks, then each adds more layers of complexity until it takes some adults multiple attempts to figure out how to solve each challenge. In between, Winky Think throws up physical barriers to the matching tasks, such as bars that the user cannot cross in the drag and drop action. There are mazes, puzzles that require multiple fingers be used to hold objects in place, and obstacles that change the shapes’ colors when hit. Sometimes necessary items are hidden under other items, and there are still more problems to be solved. In short, this app provides hours of fun that will build problem solving skills, coordination, basic readiness skills, logic and memory.

As with many apps, though, developers could improve it by adding a multi-user mode where each person could return to where they left off after stopping a session. As it stands right now, users will need to remember where they were, replay levels they’ve already solved, or risk starting a level that is too difficult.

Entertainment

The puzzles in Winky Think could actually be called addicting! It’s easy to get caught up in the app because the challenges build so gradually. I found myself saying “Just one more…” as I played through the levels and before I knew it, I was past level 100. The clock said nearly an hour had gone by! Young children, with their curiosity and love of exploration, will be fascinated with this app. Older kids will be challenged and everyone will build vital skills as they play.

Value

This app is a good value. It will provide hours of play for most people, including older users, yet is friendly to non-readers and younger users. The skills addressed are important to all ages, even though developers focus on the connection to kindergarten Common Core Math Standards.

Child Friendliness

This app is child-friendly. Background music can be turned on or off by anyone. There is a link on the puzzle selection page to other apps by the same developers, where any user can see a sales page and a promotional video explaining the other apps. The Download link is protected by a parent gate for nonreaders: printed instructions tell readers to swipe right to proceed. This sort of control does not work well for any child with minimal reading skills, some of whom are at an age where parents might not want them accessing the App Store on their own. Developers should consider including a stronger parent gate and also hiding the promotional information so young children are not likely to find it.

• NO external links
• NO social media
• NO in-app purchase
• NO 3rd party ads
• YES “more apps” (protected, but visible)
• YES mildly-effective parent gate will only stop non-readers

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Nail Makeover - Girls Games

Do you want to get remarkable nails? Makeover now! Make your nails much more beautiful!
It's a kids games for girls!

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