The iPad was designed for many functions…casually browsing, working on a commute, giving presentations, checking on emails, playing addictive games…but one thing Apple didn’t expect was for the gadget to be named ‘Childrens Toy Of The Year’.
Despite being designed for businessmen, the Apple interface is perfect for children – a touchscreen, no physical buttons to press, and a huge range of applications which can entertain them for hours, from games to educational apps. The iPhone was hugely popular with children, and there are hundreds of videos of youngsters successfully using them – the iPad offers more functionality, and a much bigger screen.
So if you decide to let your child use your iPad, what apps should you give them? Well, there is a whole collection of books which have been transfered onto the iPad – Spot has had an electronic make-over, and the books are funny and enthralling enough to be perfect for keeping children quiet while you are busy.
Cut The Rope is a game the whole family will love, where you need to feed an adorable green monster by cutting ropes in the right way. It encourages logic, getting harder as you go through the levels, and hand-eye co-ordination! It’s got beautiful graphics, soothing music and enough of a game for everyone to get involved. it’s almost unbeatable!
If you want to encourage creativity, check out Playtime Theater. This allows your child to make their own shoes, picking music and characters and costumes, and recording the show to play back. Even adults will find this game interesting – it really makes use of the touch-screen and it’s great fun!
Exploring the app store will reveal a wide range of apps designed for children, from the fun to the educational and everything in between! Your iPad isn’t just an adult gadget – it’s now a teacher, a pacifier and a friend, all in one.
