MarcoPolo Weather app is the 2nd app in the MarcoPolo Discovery series. The first one is MarcoPolo Ocean, and I liked the first one very much. I am delighted to find out that the 2nd app is even better. MarcoPolo Weather is free with 5 weather conditions come with the free download. Some content such as 4 extreme weather conditions are available via In App Purchase. When kids open the app, they will see 4 animal friends at the bottom of… Read more

Last week we posted a round-up of 20 ways to create monsters as ways to help kids ease monster fears. Today we are sharing monster apps. We have monster apps for kids to read about monsters, create monsters, play with monsters, and learn with monsters. They are fun apps for kids of any ages. 25 Monster Apps for Kids of All Ages If you want to know more about each app, please click on the app title. You will open up… Read more

I recently discovered a great free documentary app that streams documentary films. It is called Docurama, and it is free. I like the wide subject selection and the high quality of the films. The app provides easy on-demand access to over 600 films, a number expected to increase to over 1,000 by the end of 2014. With so many good educational movies for kids, it is a great resource for family, homeschool and classroom learning projects. The Docurama app currently has 16… Read more

Many kids like to play jigsaw puzzles. Playing puzzles has many developmental benefits for kids. While playing puzzles, kids develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills; learn to understand surrounding environment, recognize shapes, improve memory and problem solving skills; Kids also learn to set goals, and be patient. There are many puzzle apps for kids on the App Store. I recently found one that really stands out, as it also adds word recognition into the play. 101 Animal Puzzles for Kids… Read more

Starfall is a wonderful website with many great learning materials for kids in PreK to Grade2. However it uses flash, and flash doesn’t work on iPad and iPhone, so for very long time, people can’t access Starfall from their iPhone and iPad. Last year I shared how to access Starfall website on iPad via a free app Rover. Rover is an app that transforms flash files instantly and makes them functional on Apple devices. At the time I posted the… Read more

McGrow Hills has a series of math apps based on Everyday Mathematics. Today two of them are free for limited time: Monster Squeeze and Addition Top It. Both apps are designed to be played by two children, but can also be played by one child. Monster Squeeze is to compare the numbers, Addition Top It is simple addition. Both are available on iPhone and iPad, Monster Squeeze is also available on Google Play. Monster Squeeze is designed to help kids… Read more

Last year we had opportunity to visit Germany. While doing research about the country, I was quite surprised to learn that German is the most widely spoken native language in the European Union. Because not only Germany speak German, it is also an official language of many other countries, like Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein. It is also the native language of many other countries, such as Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, France, Poland, to just name a few. So understanding German can be… Read more

Plants is an interactive diorama about plants in different biomes. Via open ended play, kids learn the eco systems and how plants grow and live in the real world. It is designed by Tinybop, whose first app Human Body was a great success. I love the guided exploratory approach of teaching. There is no lessons to go through and there is no talking in the app. Opening the app is like walking into this amazing world of nature, and it is… Read more

I always believe math is a tool for kids to learn how to think, besides doing number calculations. The skill of thinking includes asking the right questions and exploring possible solutions. That is why I like Singapore math. I especially like the model drawing process that helping kids learn how to think when they are asked a number question. I am extremely happy to find 4 free apps that using Singapore math model method to teach kids math. They are… Read more

I always wanted to check out Duolingo. I have read about their free language learning programs and apps, but I have not got a chance to actually use it till recently. After I used it for a while, I really like it, not just because it is free, but also how good it is at helping you learn. If you are considering picking up a new language, I highly recommend Duolingo. At least you should give it a try. Currently… Read more

We love Toca Boca apps. Although the apps are designed for young children in toddler and preschool age, my older child and myself have always enjoyed playing with Toca apps. I like the design concepts behind their apps – they want their apps be kids’ toys, not games. The difference is playing toys doesn’t follow rules, kids can play anyway they want to. This is how we feel about Toca Robot Lab. It is a fun toy for anyone who… Read more

Drawing with Carl is a fun drawing app for kids. With so many drawing apps out there on app store, this one still stands out as a good one worth checking out. I like the simple interface, many drawing tool options, especially the mirror drawing and pattern drawing. The first surprise for me of the app is the capability to choose color from the color wheel yourself. Some drawing app for adults allow users to customize the colors this way… Read more

Geography is hard for many kids, as it takes a lot memorizing work, which is boring. We have Top 10 Geography Apps for Kids to help them learn. Today we have another fun game app that will motivate kids to learn and memorize those geography facts. It is called Tiny Countries. Dr. Emil and his henchmen have an evil plan to move the continents and realign the world into a rooster shape. Tiny is enlisted by General McIntyre to catch… Read more

Middle School Confidential is a series of books that help middle school age kids deal with sticky social issues, such as friends, families, and self confidence. They are available as books as well as apps. We reviewed the first two apps and the third book What’s Up with My Family was released recently. I like the series very much. It is so practical that all the situations in the story are from real life. Kids can easily relate to the… Read more