Cell phones have come a long way; no more are they simply for making phone calls. They keep track of our lives, where we need to be and entertain us. It is the entertaining aspect of the phone that keeps us coming back; it is convenient and gives us something to do when waiting in line. In addition, your phone can help your children. More and more companies are releasing iPhone games for toddlers, and grownups alike, but it is the younger set that seems to be benefiting the most.
To look at all the available games on iTunes could take a long time, to narrow your search think of what you child likes to play with, the toys they are most fond of or books they like to read. TV shows are also a good place to start, for many Sesame Street is a popular show and to reinforce the lessons they see there, many apps have been created using the characters to further teach reading, shapes and colors. While they may all look like fun, be sure they are age appropriate and that they will hold a childs interest.
Everyone loves animals; children are especially fond of the noises they make. Animal games are a good choice for the animal lover. Farm friends teach about animals and the sounds they make. Similar titles feature a barn where when the barn door is tapped, the animal is shown and makes a sound. For older toddlers, some show several different animals and the child is asked to find a specific one is good for teaching them recognition and understanding the difference between different animals.
It is never too early to start your child reading, to help there are hundreds of apps available to guide your child as they begin to recognize words and sounds, then eventually read on their own. A popular choice uses a train to help toddlers learn early words and match words with pictures. To reinforce what they see on your phone, many of the books used in these applications can be found in books, introducing the child to paper as well and electronics.
Math and reading are always popular choices, but other aspects of growing up are just as important and popular. Young children are fiercely independent and want to do things on their own whenever possible, there are games that help teach them to dress themselves, put toys away and show them how to treat people. Using a game that will encourage them to share by passing the phone to another person is also a big help, as sharing is often a tough lesson for them to learn.
There are questions as to whether letting toddlers and young children spend time on the iPhone is good for them, but if used correctly they can benefit. When traveling in the car or at the store, allowing your child to play on the phone helps them learn and while they think they are simply playing and they are occupied during what may often be a long period of time where they are not able to run and play.
It is not only the games that are helpful, but other functions of the phone as well. Allowing older toddlers and young children use the phone to call a parent or use the camera while you are out teaches them about responsibility and the even evolving technology. It is this technology that they will need to know about when they begin school.
Whether you download reading apps, animal sounds or simply let them use the camera, letting your toddler use your iPhone as a learning tool does have its advantages. It is important to know that if you do let them use it, be aware of the time they spend with the phone and playing the games. If they should become upset when it is taken from them, it may be time to teach about limits and introduce them to other games and books outside of technology.
This is a wonderful blog to read up on the top iPad applications and be the first to know about all the newest iPod touch games.
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