Amber MacArthur, Elmo & Apps for Kids

Amber MacArthur, mom, my former YummyMummyClub.ca teammate (tech blogger) and co-host of TV's App Central was interviewed by Parent Cub about age-appropriate apps for kids...

What makes a kid app-ready?

Each child is really different, so there is no one age when a young one is comfortable playing with apps. However, for many young toddlers the iPad is a really easy device to use to get started. My two-year-old son started using this family gadget just shy of his second birthday. Today, he flips through applications like he's a grown-up! The one thing that is important is to make sure that you protect your tech toys. In other words, try a great skin or case to ensure that your kids don't break anything. For the iPhone, if you want to get extreme, there is an awesome case called the Griffin Survivor that I've been using for a while. It will withstand a throw or a toss on pretty much any surface - http://www.griffintechnology.com/armored.


How long should kids be on devices?

The younger the kid, the less the attention span. I don't worry too much about my toddler on the iPad because he will only sit still for about 10 minutes max (which, I will say, is enough time to unload the dishwasher!). I would recommend that you set time limits for technology. Whether it's half an hour to an hour a day total, find a time that will ensure that you kid is also getting lots of play time outdoors and away from "the screen."


Last time I flew with my kids to Europe (and I was pregnant then) - I loaded my ipod touch with game apps like angry birds, spongebob and make me a princess. Do you have some favourite kid travel apps?

My son loves to play Angry Birds on road trips. We often use Bluetooth to run the audio through the car system, so he gets a kick out of the great sound (it's annoying, but again, it keeps him happy). I'm also a big fan of the company Duck Duck Moose, they've made some award-winning educational apps for younger kids that will keep them entertained.

Amber recommends:

Pre-School Kids


Elmo's Monster Maker - $3.99
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/elmos-monster-maker/id350361202?mt=8
Choose a monster body and touch its face to give it eyes, nose and a hat—there are lots and lots and lots to choose from. When you’re done, Elmo will dance and play with your monster
Wheels on the Bus - $1.99


http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wheels-on-the-bus/id303076295?mt=8


Wheels on the Bus is a fun, interactive musical iPhone book, based on the popular children’s song. An original production by Duck Duck Moose, Wheels on the Bus includes fresh illustrations, creative interactions, and live music. Designed for children of all ages, starting as young as 18 months.


School-Aged Kids


LeafSnap - FREE

http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/leafsnap/id430649829?mt=8
Leafsnap is the first in a series of electronic field guides being developed by researchers from Columbia University, the University of Maryland, and the Smithsonian Institution. This free mobile app uses visual recognition software to help identify tree species from photographs of their leaves.


Solar System - $13.99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/solar-system-for-ipad/id406795422?mt=8


A breakthrough electronic book about the Solar System, offering hours of interactive exploration and presenting a treasure trove of visual information.

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Amber MacArthur has an exclusive interview with Sesame Street's Elmo about what it's like living on Sesame Street, where he gets his sense of humour, if he uses the Internet, and his new app - Elmo's Monster Maker. This App Central interview airs on BNN, Tuesday, May 31 at 8 p.m. ET on and on CP24 Sunday, June 5 at 10:30 a.m. ET.