Top-Quality Apps for Young Children -- from a Children's Librarian
by Anne Hicks
One of my passions as a children’s librarian is using technology to promote literacy. Apps and iPads can be used to develop your preschooler’s early literacy skills. However, not all apps are created equal. There are over 1 million apps in the app store and finding the good ones can seem daunting.
Here are a few top quality apps I recommend for you and your little one to use together:
Trucks Byron Barton
(Developer: Oceanhouse Media)
As a children’s librarian I get requests for truck books on a daily basis. Byron Barton’s books are go-to choices for toddlers and the apps based on his books have maintained that level of quality. The bold, colorful illustrations are paired with simple animations. As is key with all book apps, the animations enhance the story rather than distract from it. Download this app and others by Barton for your little one as soon as possible.
Toca Tea Party
(Developer: Toca Boca)
The classic imaginative game now in digital form. The developers behind this app wanted to create and open-ended toy that promotes playing TOGETHER! Users can choose the table cloth, dishes, cups, and even the desserts they will be serving. It’s not a problem if you spill tea at this tea party, in fact that’s what makes it so fun. Having a digital tea party with your child would be a wonderful way to spend time in a doctor’s waiting room. Then go home and play tea party the old school way!
Felt Board – Mother Goose on the Loose 
(Developer: Software Smoothie)
This app is based on the award winning Mother Goose on the Loose early literacy program. Parents and children can sing along to their favorite nursery rhymes as they move the characters around the screen. The rhyming and rhythm of nursery rhymes help develop your child’s early literacy skills. The felt board in my library is one of the most popular toys we have. This digital version allows you and your child to play and sing together wherever you are.
It is important to help your children find a balance between digital media and real world play but it is also important to choose high quality media to share with him or her. Children learn best through active engagement with a caregiver. Rather than use the iPad as a babysitter, use it as a catalyst for child and adult interaction and look for apps that get you reading, singing, and talking together!
Anne Hicks is a children's librarian at the Henrietta Public Library, Henrietta, NY.