APPS!

Last year I acquired an iPod touch, which is basically an iPhone but without the phone. I loved the idea of being able to access the Internet without constantly being in front of my computer screen upstairs away from my family. It's a fantastic device and hopefully this year will upgrade to an actual iPhone and possibly iPad!

Being primarily an iPod you can have your own music on there as well as subscribe to podcasts and download audiobooks. I have a docking station which allows me to recharge as well as play audio. I originally planned on using it for the kids at bedtime but so far it's been all mine!

What I didn't count on was the sheer amount of fantastic apps there are (so behind the times). I thought perhaps there might be a few little games the kids could play with but I have downloaded a fair few which I have been impressed with. Most of these are universal (iphone/itouch/ipad) and were originally free but may have since changed. Check the Appstore.

Magic Coloring - I decided to try this after reading a review on appsforhomeschooling.com. There are four modes to colour in various line drawings - by freehand, by colour legend, number legend, and simple mental calculation. Loved by all my kids!

I Learn with Poko:Additions – Teaches simple adding.

Little Ears: Quizzes children the sounds of actions and objects. Sam particularly enjoys this and nice to hear an Australian accent!

ABC Pocketphonics – Teaches letter sounds and handwriting. Brilliant.

Monkey Preschool Lunchbox – Very popular app. Includes multiple games which teach kids about colour, letters, counting, shapes, sizes, matching and differences. All my kids love it.

Doodle Buddy – Finger paint with different colours and use playful stamps. Lots of creative fun.

Matching Zoo - Cool matching game with special effects and catchy music.

Shape Builder – Includes 146 puzzles with easy to move shapes that snap into place. Encourages cognitive thinking and fine motor skills. My 3 year old's current fave.

Trace – Draw platforms and navigate past obstacles to reach the goal at the end of each level. Katie can get quite engrossed with this one at times. Probably more suited for older children and adults. Clever and addictive game.

25 in 1 Free Educational Games – Speaks for itself! I have downloaded the full versions of a few of the games that Katie enjoyed. Excellent value.

Some of my own personal most-used apps include various photo editing apps like Camera+ and Instagram, apps for Twitter, blog reading, lists, menu planning, Facebook, eBay etc. By far though my most addictive favourites are Words with Friends and Hanging with Friends – biggest time wasters!!!