Mom, can I use your computer today?
Mom, can I play a game on your phone while we wait?
Mom, can you put new batteries in the Leapster?
Mom, can we play Wii since it’s raining today?
While most of my kids’ free time is spent running themselves ragged outside, the truth of the matter is no day goes by without them engaging in some form of screen time. I like to think we keep it at a minimum, but at the same time, I want to teach my kids to be tech savvy and make good choices about the media they consume.
And, as a blogger, I get pitches almost every day from app developers/marketers asking me to review and/or highlight apps on my blog — most of them for kids. But I’ll be honest with you, I’m no kids’ media expert. (Now, if you want to know how to be an over-eager baseball/basketball mom, I may have a tip or two…)
What I can tell you is that when it comes to doctors’ waiting rooms, Little can’t get enough of Temple Run: Brave. Big would love to spend more time exploring the world of Puffles and dance parties in Club Penguin. And Pink thinks Monkey Preschool Lunchbox is hilarious.
Other than the awesome insights I have about Club Penguin after a visit there last year, I really don’t have an in-depth knowledge of where apps and games sit on the scale of age appropriateness, educational value, quality, etc. As a mom with kids eager to explore digital life, that’s kind of scary and overwhelming.
But the good news is, Common Sense Media not only does the work rating app by app, site by site, game by game, they’ve also created an amazing list of 2014 ON for Learning Award Winners. Yes, they’ve found the best of the best technology — which includes the highest rating for learning, organized the list by age appropriateness, and given parents everywhere the ability to score major points with the kids while feeling good about themselves in the process. Seriously, is there a parent out there who couldn’t use a shortcut (and a win) now and then?
What I love about the list they’ve created is that it’s all encompassing. So whether you’re an iPad/Apple devotee, Leapster aficionado, Nintendo fan, Kindle lover, PC enthusiast — or all of the above — you can find something that’s right for your little tech superstar.
*Giveaway*– I’m thrilled to be able to give each of you the chance to win one of three featured 2014 On for Learning Award Winners. Each one sounds like a great way to engage kids with educational entertainment. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post (not Facebook, Twitter, etc) by 11:59pm PDT on Monday, May 5, 2014. Please indicate which giveaway you’re entering (1, 2, or 3), and who would benefit from it. You may enter each giveaway once, but each entry requires a separate comment. One winner will be chosen at random for each of the giveaways.
Giveaway 1: Download code for Faces iMake – Right Brain Creativity (a $2.99 value)
Description: Kids make fanciful facial art using everyday objects.
Platform: iPad
Great for kids: 5+
Rating: 5/5 stars for quality, 5/5 dots for learning
Common Sense Media Review
Giveaway 2: A 1-year subscription to Herotopia (a $70+ value)
Description: Online world where kids become heroes by combating bullying.
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Great for kids: 7+
Rating: 5/5 stars for quality, 5/5 dots for learning
Common Sense Media Review
Giveaway 3: A download code for Sketchbook Pro (a $4.99 value)
Description: Impressive creation tool for teens serious about art.
Platforms: iPad, Android
Great for kids: 13+
Rating: 5/5 stars for quality, 5/5 dots for learning
Common Sense Media Review
This post is my first in a new monthly series I’ll be writing as a Common Sense Media Learn ON Ambassador. As a parent, I can’t get enough of their site and app. As a blogger, I’m honored that I get the chance to share Common Sense Media’s great work. This non-partisan, not-for-profit company is helping parents everywhere navigate the new digital landscape, and even the most tech savvy people I know turn to them for help. I hope you will too.
Disclosure: I am not compensated for my work as a Learn ON Ambassador, and all opinions are my own.
Images courtesy of Common Sense Media.
Lately, my guys have been very in to “Dragon City” — both of them love it, and I admit I don’t understand the draw. I really should check out common sense media about that game. 🙂 Thanks for the great advice.
I just looked and don’t see Dragon City on Common Sense Media. I’ll pass this info along and hopefully they’ll review it!
Congratulations, Julia. You’re the winner of Giveaway #1. I’ll be in touch via email with details.
Love using Common Sense Media, having you break down the information is even more helpful. We could really use Giveaway #2. In the last two years we have started some great anti-bullying programs in our Urban K-8 school: Peer mentoring program lead my Middle School, having MI state anti-bullying presentations, and a school wide Musical play (created and presented by our own students). This subscription to Herotopia would be an excellent addition for keeping the momentum going in our anti-bullying efforts!
That’s awesome, Amanda. Congratulations! You’re the winner of Giveaway #2. I’ll be in touch via email with details.