The Angel Forever

Techy Kid Time – Letter Buddies Alphabet Discovery

Posted on November 25, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

It should not be a surprise that I am a huge fan of educational technology. When I had a classroom of my own, I encouraged my students to utilize computers. These days not only do we have computers, but we have iPads with a wide variety of apps for children of all ages.

In the past, I reviewed an app from Cavallo Media called Letter Buddies Alpha Books. JSL was really young and we used the app to help him with speech therapy. It was a wonderful tool and I was instantly a fan of their educational resources. As time went by, they started to spend more time creating apps for the iPad, along with book and other items to go along with the Letter Buddies. When they heard that we had an iPad, we were asked to check out their Letter Buddies Alphabet Discovery app.

Here is a great video that they have to give you the highlights of the app:

Letter Buddies Alphabet Discovery for the iPad is now available on iTunes for $2.99.

What we thought:

JSL helped me to explore the new app after we entered the review code. He immediately recognized the Letter Buddies from the past and wanted to take control of the iPad.

JSL is five years old and in kindergarten. Within a few short weeks, he was a bit beyond the target group for this app. Still, he had fun meeting the letters, listening to the songs, finding animations, and checking out what each letter would reveal. He immediately said he thought that his little cousin (almost three) would probably love this app and I bet he is right.

As a parent and teacher, I really appreciate the attention to educational details that Cavallo Media place in their work. Letter Buddies Alphabet Discoveries is a great way for young children to get to meet the letters of the alphabet in a non-threatening way. They become friends and are cute characters that welcome you into their world. Pushing on the iPad to launch a hidden animation and words create way to introduce new vocabulary and letter/sound recognition (hello phonemic awareness). The pages with each group of letters are not cluttered and are easy for little fingers to explore.

I would recommend this to others looking for an interactive early literacy application for the preschool set just starting to explore their alphabet and corresponding sounds.

Disclosure: Cavallo Media supplied me with a complimentary code for my honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are 100% mine.

Categories:
Product review Technology Techy Kid Time

Black Friday at Home

Posted on November 24, 2012 9:28 am by TheAngelForever

Dear NHL and JSL,

Friday, we had a relaxing day at home together. We were all tired and just happy doing our own things. We played some games, did some crafts, watched Roku, and both of you fought to use the iPad.

The two of you also helped me to do a little online shopping. When I was looking at Kohl’s, I needed your assistance with some purchases. Chanukah may not be a complete surprise, but I figured it would be best to have your thoughts. You both helped me to pick out Angry Birds Star Wars shirts. You approved on the one that I selected for Daddy as well. I think the one for Daddy is similar to a Chanukah present I already put away for him.

JSL you also got to pick out a pair of flannel sheets. Last winter you used the ones from you NHL, but it was time for him to have a set for his own new bed. It was not a surprise when you picked blue since it is your favorite color.

It was especially sweet when you both tucked me into bed for a nap since you knew I was not feeling well. Of course, I allowed you to do this right before Daddy came home from work. Thank you both for a low key day.

Love,

Categories:
Dear Kid Saturday

Looking Back at Thanksgiving

Posted on November 23, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

November seems to be going really quickly. There are days that I am glad about that, but others where I want to slow things down and enjoy them more. Thanksgiving was certainly one of them. While TechyDad opted to work for another day off, the boys and I relaxed and did some crafts.

Then, in the evening, we went to my Aunt S and Uncle M’s house for the amazing meal that Cousin J planned out. It was a very nice time with extended family. We were able to chat, enjoy, and watch the kids play.

So my question to you this week:

What was your family part of Thanksgiving if you celebrated? If you did not, what are you looking forward to in the month ahead of us?

Categories:
Aloha Friday holidays

2012 Thanksgiving Wishes

Posted on November 22, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

A day with family, making memories, and eating delicious items. That is how we will be spending this Thanksgiving. Wishing everyone a beautiful day to reflect on all of the items you are thankful for. Now, I leave you with a JibJab video that my aunt made and I had to share.

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Categories:
holidays

Mickey Mouse All Around

Posted on November 21, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Mickey Mouse is featured all over Walt Disney World, other Disney Parks, and throughout the world. Of course, there are also lots of Hidden Mickey’s around. This time around the theme of the Disney Wordless Wednesday is Mickey Mouse. As you will see, I had a wide variety of Mickey Mouse sightings from some recent visits to Walt Disney World.