I grew up using electronics all the time. I had handheld video games, went to Computers class to play Oregon Trail & KidPix once a week at school, and logged onto AOL after school. Since I’ve always been around electronics, I can’t imagine life without them- and I know the value of them as well.
Electronic toys can be very educational, so long as you get the right ones. My handheld Ms. Pacman game? Fun, but not particularly educational. My “laptop” that taught me everything from synonyms to phonics to algebra? Much more educational. Allowing your children to “plug in” and use electronics is definitely not a bad thing- so long as you choose them wisely.
In the 20 years since I was Shane’s age, things have come a long, long, long way. Not only has technology come a long way, but toys are so much more educational now. Entire teams come together to develop, research and create each item &the top professionals are consulted to ensure that the educational component is up to standards. So while I don’t let Shane substitute real life, education or play time with electronics, I do let electronics enhance those things.
I recently had the chance to interview Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos, a child development and learning expert, on how to give your kids the best apps & e-games. It’s easy to waste your money on something that your kid just has to have because it has their favorite character or a cute animal- but how do you make sure you only pick games that are worth both your money & your child’s time? In this interview, Dr. LeVos answers:
1. How do I find the best educational content, games & apps for children?
2. How can parents ensure their children are having a “balanced e-diet”?
3. What are the best apps & devices for children?
Be sure to check out the interview below!
You all know how much I already love LeapFrog products, and I want to share them with all of you, so be sure to check out this great LeapPad2 Power Prize Pack giveaway going on now until November 6th!
Note: I was provided with a sample product to thank me for my time on this campaign. All opinions are my own.
It’s really important to find the best apps for your kids. Not every app is great for each child.
These are great tips. I love the idea of children having a balanced e-diet.
It’s a good idea to choose apps that are right for your child, just like you said! I love that there are so many educational fun ways for our kids to learn.
Ah! Now that you mentioned it, I totally remember playing Oregon Trail as a kid.
love hearing tips from the experts and we love leapfrog too
Great tips from a great and well-respected brand!
These are some excellent tips and finding the best educational apps, content and games is extremely important, especially when it comes to child development.
Leap Frog has great products.
I try my best to only download educational apps for B. He loves them!
How great thanks for the tips! I love LeapFrog products, they really are amazing!!! I always buy them for my niece and nephew’s!
Finding educational apps in the sea of apps out there is hard! I love Leap Frog products because you know you’re getting the best of both worlds
Technology really has made it easier for kids to learn and have fun at the same time. I love that there are so many educational apps available on my phone, let alone hundreds of fun learning toys too!
It makes total sense that some apps would be perfect for a child, some not so much. I like that with LeapFrog you can pick and choose the activities that are best suited and most interesting to the kids!
M loves her apps ! I don’t have a leapfrog device but we do have lots of apps for her on another device.
There are some I really love for our kids and they love playing.