Tickle Tap Toddler Pack, The
© 2010 zinc Roe Design
Five activities -- each previously released as separate apps -- have been combined into one $4.99 universal app. See the individual reviews of each app, with ratings. Sound Shaker is a clever sound making game that uses the accelerometer, so you move the screen to make musical patterns (see the full review). Field Flier lets children control a flying bird. They touch spots on the screen to hear activities like sleeping, resting or hiding labeled. This activity is lower in child control. Count Caddy lets children count by 1s, 2s or 3s, by dragging and dropping items into a large circle. The music pushes a bit too much (it's doubtful that educators like Montessori would've appreciated a vamping snare drum that plays in the background). Sort Slider shows two objects, and asks children "which one matches." To make a match, you can either swipe with your finger (left or right) or tilt the screen. In Pattern Painter, children are asked "which shape comes next" and are then presented with three options, multiple choice style. They are then asked to trace the shape on a template. If they have trouble, a short tutorial automatically starts. If you overlook the looping background music, this collection of well-designed apps sets a new standard for simplicity and clean design. While there is no record keeping, children quickly learn that they can easily jump out of an activity, where they see a well designed menu, leading them toward a new activity.
$4.99, iPhone, iPad
Teaches: logic, sorting, counting, music, language.
CTR Rating: 90%