A friend gifted us with Leapfrog's Learn to write with Mr Pencil which is a pencil looking stylus that unlocks a free to download Leapfrog ipad app. A great idea since the kids enjoy any excuse to use the ipad (the use of which we govern pretty strictly).
While the toy is pegged for the ages of 3-6, it would not be a challenge for Josiah (5+) who has moved beyond writing letters and numbers, and following dotted lines (he still wanted to have a go at the app of course). But it is a fun way to help Joanie improve her writing skills, and reinforce her letter and number recognition. I will probably transit her to a slimmer stylus soon though as Mr Pencil is a bit too fat for her to get a good grip).
While the toy is pegged for the ages of 3-6, it would not be a challenge for Josiah (5+) who has moved beyond writing letters and numbers, and following dotted lines (he still wanted to have a go at the app of course). But it is a fun way to help Joanie improve her writing skills, and reinforce her letter and number recognition. I will probably transit her to a slimmer stylus soon though as Mr Pencil is a bit too fat for her to get a good grip).
Pleased after completing a task
The app starts with 4 unlocked stages. Each stage has some letters, numbers and shapes. It is compulsory to finish all the writing activities in the 4 stages before they unlock the next few stages.
Compared to other writing apps that we've tried, like iWriteWords, the leapfrog app is tougher (and I would also say better for teaching how to write properly) for the following reasons:
1) Where a line is meant to be written continuously, the app requires that it must be done in a continuous line, even for the shapes (square, rectangle etc), which is pretty challenging for a 3 year old.
2) very strict about going beyond the letter's boundary with a small margin of error. You'll have to start all over again if you deviate by too much
It can get quite frustrating for Joanie though as she has to write and rewrite multiple times for the more challenging letters/shapes. But she also feels extra satisfaction when she succeeds.
Compared to other writing apps that we've tried, like iWriteWords, the leapfrog app is tougher (and I would also say better for teaching how to write properly) for the following reasons:
1) Where a line is meant to be written continuously, the app requires that it must be done in a continuous line, even for the shapes (square, rectangle etc), which is pretty challenging for a 3 year old.
2) very strict about going beyond the letter's boundary with a small margin of error. You'll have to start all over again if you deviate by too much
It can get quite frustrating for Joanie though as she has to write and rewrite multiple times for the more challenging letters/shapes. But she also feels extra satisfaction when she succeeds.
I like that the app teaches them the correct order of the strokes
The app keeps her engaged for a good long time, so it's a great activity to keep her occupied while Josiah is having his swimming lessons (and mummy needs to manage Joash).
Thanks for the gift, Jasmine! We love it :)
Thanks for the gift, Jasmine! We love it :)
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