The issue of children using tablets and smartphones is one that tends to divide opinion, with some claiming that they are the devils plaything and should never be allowed near our precious little ones and others seeing no harm at all in allowing their children some technology time each day.
Personally I believe that as parents we need to embrace modern technology as, let's face it, it is here to stay and as time goes on we are moving more and more toward these devices in our every day lives - so many schools are now using tablets for children's home and school work, and so the ability to use one has become almost as important a skill for modern life as the ability to write.
But a big concern for me is trying to ensure that the apps my children use are educational, child-friendly and aren't going to cost me an arm and a leg!
Recently, we've been introduced to a new app called Ebookadabra - a one-stop solution for children's reading aimed ages 3-7 years.
The app allows children to read from a huge range of titles from leading publishers such as Disney, Harper Collins, Parragon and many more - the app is really user friendly and allows you to select your titles from a range of themes such as Witches & Wizards, Space and so on - this is super handy when your little one has a particular interest, like mine currently does with witches and Halloween! My son was delighted to find one of his all time favourites "Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere" there as well as some new discoveries such as Mickey Mouse's Halloween Party.
Everytime your little one reads a new book, they earn a reward in the app such as a virtual sticker, or the unlocking of an educational puzzle or game. My 3 year old son gets so excited to see which new sticker has been added to his collection after each book!
You can choose to read through the book yourself if your child is a confident reader, or at the touch of a button the story will be read aloud - the child can wait for the app to turn the pages automatically or they can turn them on their own. You can even record your own voice so that YOU can read them a story, which is a perfect solution for parents who may be working late evenings or away from home for whatever reason - so that you can still read the bedtime story!
Some other great features include the use of a visual search engine designed especially for kids to be able to find the titles they want to read, and the ability to save stories to your in-app library so that you can enjoy them wherever you are (ideal for travelling!).
You might think that an app like this, which provides access to hundreds of books with more top of the range titles being added all of the time, will set you back a pretty penny in subscription fees right?
Well actually, it is available for just £5.99 per month - less than the cost of a single book! And there's even a special offer currently on allowing access for just 99p per month!
If you're still not convinced that Ebookadabra is for you, then don't worry - just try it out yourself by signing up for a 30 day Free Trial to see how you get on.
I really can't speak highly enough of it, and it's an app that we will continue to use - it certainly beats watching Spiderman chase Elsa around! (If you know, you know!)
To find out more, just visit www.ebookadabra.com
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