I often get asked by parents who are overwhelmed by the number of apps in the app store, to give them a list of apps for their child. Different apps can be used for different skills and this post will focus on early vocabulary and language. Whilst this is not a comprehensive list, these apps may give some ideas on how to  “app-dapt”   some games in order to work on early vocabulary and language skills.

 

What is important is to play together with your child in order to introduce words and concepts.

You can download these apps from the app store by clicking on the title links.

(Please note that links are for the US app store but they are available in the ZA app store)

 

 

Early Vocabulary

 

A fantastic app for developing early vocabulary and concepts is My Play Home   ($3.99) and  My Playhome Stores. ($1.99)

 

                                                                                                  

 

 

 

 

These apps use the concept of  a virtual house and a virtual shopping trip. Encourage your child to give you directions. Take turns manipulating the people in the house. You can introduce new vocabulary by simply commenting on what your character is doing. “I am sitting on the kitchen stool.”

 

Toca Hair Salon and Toca Hair Salon 2 ($2.99)  is another great app that is engaging for kids.

 

                                                          

 

 

 

 

 

Vocabulary such as rinse, dry, straighten, color, curl, frizz, spiky etc. can be introduced and I love using this to teach opposites.

Sequencing skills assist children in understanding the events in their lives by the order in which they occur.  Sequencing skills are important to help children in telling stories.

Using good key words like “first,”“next,” “then,” and “finally” within the hairdresser activity will not only build vocabulary, but facilitate the development of sequencing skills.

 

 

Toca Tailor  ($2.99)

 

 

Play dress up with different clothes and styles.  Take turns with your child to design and style clothes for four different characters.  Once you have chosen the clothes, you can tailor them by adjusting hems, lengthening sleeves and mixing and matching colors.

One person does the action and the other gives the instruction. For example: “Use the leopard print material for the top and use the plain purple material for the sleeves.”

Concepts such as longer/shorter can be addressed as I find degrees of comparison are often difficult for children to understand.

Putting incongruous items of clothing on the characters adds a fun element to the game. This is also a novel way to target following instructions.

 

 

Make A Scene – Farmyard (Free)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not only do children create farmyard scenes and learn all the animal names. I love the adjectives used in with each animal in addition to the animal sounds that each animal makes.

Make a Scene is also a great way to work on early maths concepts and vocabulary. E.g. How many black sheep are there? How many white sheep are there? How many lambs are there? Are there fewer black sheep or white sheep?  Which ones are the smallest?

 

 

 

 Stop and Go ($0.99)

 

 

 

 

 

 

This app teaches toddlers and preschoolers about different kinds of cars and trucks.  By touching the traffic light, the child can make the different vehicles stop and go.
• Make the cement truck mix cement. Talk about what cement can be used for. Discuss the shape and size of the truck
• Talking about the garbage truck is the perfect opportunity to introduce the concept of recycling.

Each vehicle has a ‘hidden’ character or animation and it is a great opportunity to ask questions like “why do you think that….the garbage is smelly/the lady is in the taxi ?”

If you have some awesome vocabulary apps, I would love to know about them.