Technology is a part of our society and culture in a way it has never been before. Growing up, we did not have the amazing technological advances our kids do today. Many of us still remember the overwhelming amazement over the first color television, the first home computer, and the first mobile phone. These devices changed our lives forever.
All of these technological advances are now part of not only our every day lives, but the curriculum of educational upon which our children are learning. Computers are standard classroom items, as are tablets and smart boards. While we have a duty to protect our kids as they navigate these devices on the internet, we also can support and equip them with educational moments through programs and apps.
Screen time is inevitable in this day and age. But we can make even screen time into teachable moments! The learning company Tiggly wants to be sure little ones are getting the most out of their digital playtime. Tiggly creates hands-on educational tools that work together with free Tiggly apps on the iPad to create an exciting learning experience that combines physical play and digital fun for toddlers age 18 months to kids age 4 years old!
We had a chance to try out Tiggly Shapes: a set of four easy-to-grip colorful shapes that are inspired by the classic wooden block. They are truly amazing! How they work: kids place Tiggly Shapes on an iPad. Once the Tiggly shapes are on the screen, the apps make the shapes come alive!
So what do Tiggly Shapes do? Tiggly Shapes helps little ones learn about shapes and fundamental geometry concepts, improve their language skills, and develop their motor skills, spatial thinking, and creativity – all while having fun! This is a great way to make the most of screen time and getting your “learn on” outside of the classroom. The shapes include 3 Tiggly apps (designed by education experts and parent approved!):
- Tiggly Stamp: Kids explore the seasons while creating their own scenes and stories. Parents and children can use the camera and voice recorder to save the fun tales they dream up.
- Tiggly Safari: Children use Tiggly Shapes to create friendly animals from the jungle, farm, and sea.
- Tiggly Draw: Time to use your imagination! Kids use their iPad as their canvas and Tiggly Shapes as their tools to craft their own works of art.
Also? Good news parents: Each Tiggly Shape is specially designed to be safe for kids and iPad screens! They are compatible with all generations of the iPad and iPad mini. You can purchase your own set of Tiggly Shapes online at tiggly.com. They retail for $29.95.
You can connect with Tiggly online, on Facebook and Twitter.
