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How we use PBS Kids Apps and Games to Educate and Entertain our Kids

 

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As I get ready for our next baby to arrive in June, I ‘m trying to line up activities to keep my older two children happy. This includes camp, beach time and playmates. But what about those days when we stay home? If we can’t enjoy some of our favorite free outdoor activities, that’s when I look to apps and computer games for something new. I know when I’m nursing I won’t be able to be hands on for a craft project. The iPad and iPhone will provide me a few peaceful moments to take care of the new baby. My go to games are all from the PBS Kids family of education apps and games.

I recently attended an event where I learned more about “It All Adds Up.” It’s a collaborative effort to improve the development of early math and literacy skills, focusing on children ages 2-8 from low-income families. I know even in our house we could use more math skill building opportunities. We read aloud as a family every day, but don’t often incorporate any math practice beyond counting. (Don’t miss the new PBS show Peg and Cat coming in the fall focusing on math problem solving skills.)

PBS Kids Lab Preschool Games

PBS Kids Lab is the place to start to find many games, apps and offline activities to help supplement what you are doing at home and in schools. My kids tested out a number of apps and games featuring characters from their favorite PBS Kids shows. I let Madison use the computer for the first time at the event. It opened up a whole new world of games for her. In the spirit of “It all adds up” I had her focus on math based activities, which was easy to find in the Curious George section. Bubble Pop was her favorite. My favorite is the Monkey Jump game that incorporates physical activity with the use of your webcam.

PBS Kids Games Apps

The little guy, at two years old, used the iPad with the PBS Parent Play and Learn App.  This is geared towards children ages 0-4. I liked that it is more than just games. There are activity ideas to foster learning offline in a variety of environments, like a restaurant or grocery store. JJ is still mastering the art of the “hold and drag” concept on the iPad, but it’s so fun watching him try this new skill.

For older kids, Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman offers the chance to build your own mini golf course. The demo I watched was very cool, but definitely for the older kids ages 6-8.

I want to note that while we are a digital family, it’s important to monitor your child’s screen time. Screen time includes both TV, computer, iPad and smart phone time. In my past children app reviews, I’ve mentioned the guideline is no more than one hour of screen time for children ages 2-5. That hour goes fast, especially when they want to watch both Curious George and Cat and the Hat in the morning. The best thing you can do is offer your children educational programming to fill that hour instead of mindless TV or computer games.

Curious George makes her day

Check out the PBS Kids Lab programs and let me know in the comments which are your kid’s favorites. 

Disclosure: I am a PBS Kids VIP (Very Important Parent) Ambassador and attended a special media event to test out the kids apps and games. I enjoy sharing my experiences with PBS Kids since my kids are such big fans. All opinions shared here are my own.

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Green Power at the New England International Auto Show

Ford Energi presentation

Today I got to check out some of the latest and greatest updates in the car industry.  The most exciting thing is all the advances happening in the world of fuel efficiency. At this year’s New England International Auto Show happening in Boston this weekend, there are 20 cars that get 30-40+ miles per gallon. As car companies prepare for the strict standards of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) in the future, they are making great strides now offering hybrids, electric vehicles and more efficient power train technology. Since we are in the market for a new car, it was a fun opportunity for me to see a bunch of brands in one place to do some comparison shopping. I will say it was amazing how many funny looks I got from all the men in attendance as I arrived with my toddler in tow to listen to the green presentation by Ford. Don’t they know the ladies care about what they drive??

It's amazing to see 47 mpg on the Ford Fusion Energi

It’s amazing to see 47 mpg on the Ford Fusion Energi

I went specifically to the Auto Show in Boston today to hear from Dr. Mazen Hammoud, Ford’s chief engineer of electrified powertrain systems. He is the guy who can talk green. The new Ford highlighted was the Fusion Energi, a plug-in hybrid. For customers interested in buying a hybrid, fuel economy and mileage are the #1 decision makers. In a recent report, JD Power ranked Ford ahead of Toyota in fuel economy. I love that an American car company is making such an impact in the market, and is able to offer an electric vehicle in a mid-sized sedan. No tiny little electric vehicle here, you wouldn’t even realize it’s electric except for the glowing plug-in spot on the driver’s side. Also, the new Ford Energi charges faster and holds the charge longer than the Prius.

All new Ford Fusion Energi Plug In Hybrid

All new Ford Fusion Energi Plug In Hybrid

Dr. Hammoud also taught the audience that in order to maximize your charge, you need to be mindful of your driving habits. Driving over 80 mph is not efficient, but we all know that right? Also, heavy braking also decreases the charge of the car as well. Even if you don’t have an electric vehicle, these are good reminders anyway to maximize your mpg in your car.

The New England Auto Show is taking place now at the Boston Convention and Exhibit Center, located down in the Seaport district.

Here are the hours:

Thursday, January 17, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday, January 18, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday, January 19, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday, January 20, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Monday, January 21, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

While you are there, there are a number of companies offering you a chance to drive some of the models. If you are in the market for a new car, this could be a great opportunity to do some test drives hassle free.

We are trying to pick our next car and having lots of debates about SUV versus a minivan…anyone have a favorite with a third row? I want something with fuel efficiency but some SUVs  now have comparable mpg. Would love to hear what car you are loving right now!

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Stay Alert in the Ford Fusion

Ford Fusion Alert Driving

Raise your hand if you ever have fallen asleep driving?  Even one of those nanosecond naps counts as falling asleep. It’s estimated that more than 250,000 people fall asleep behind the wheel a day.  As many of you travel in the coming week, I wanted to highlight some initiatives to keep you safe. I went to an event recently to test drive the new Ford Fusion. Part of the new design are a few bells and whistles to help keep you alert and safe on the road. The idea is that the advancement of technology in cars can act as preventative measures, instead of reactive.

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I also got to hear from John Paul, the “Car Doctor” from AAA at the Ford Driving event.  He shared some scary stats about how dangerous the “micro nap” can be. Maybe you don’t fall asleep behind the wheel, but the driver next to you might. He suggests taking a 15-20 minute nap if you are doing long distance driving. The other factors are getting a little exercise and caffeine. A large Starbucks is the most caffeinated coffee you can buy.

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Michael Kane, a Ford Vehicle Engineering Supervisor, shared with us the latest in technology in the Fusion. (also available in some other Ford models)

  • Lane keeping system.
  • BLIS (Blind Spot Information System)
  • Active Park Assist (I did this in the Escape driving event, loved it!)
  • Auto Start Stop (no more idling!)
  • Cross Traffic Alert (gives you a heads up when backing out of a parking lot space if a vehicle is in your way.)

This video about the Lane Keeping System explains it in this short video.

Ford Fusion Lane Keeping System Animation

Ford Fusion Lane Keeping System Animation

Driving the Fusion was a pleasant, and quiet, experience.  Besides the fact that my kids were not in the car, I noticed how extremely quiet the car drove. I love that feature. The drive was great, pick up top notch and it has all the cool Sync technology built in. Plus, I love the commitment to new safety features in an affordable car.

Love the eco friendly options in the Ford fleet!

Love the eco friendly options in the Ford fleet!

I helped coordinate this event and wanted to give a huge thank you to L’Aroma Cafe in West Newton. The scones and coffee were delicious! Urban Sitter kept the kids occupied so we could focus on learning about the Fusion. Thank you to all the participants who brought in donations for the local food pantry as well!

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NetZero 4G HotSpot Review and Giveaway

NetZero MB Logo - colorAs a mom and a blogger, I like being connected. I like to know what’s going on with my friends, my family, current events and my Google calendar. Being able to connect to the internet whenever I want to is a key part of this.  Usually my iPhone is enough, but other times I would like to read through emails and such on my iPad or laptop with a larger screen. I tested out the NetZero 4G HotSpot and now I can get connected whenever and wherever I may be. To some it may be a curse, to me it’s a blessing.

Here is my favorite part about the Hotspot.  I can take it anywhere to get work done.  In addition to this blog, I co-manage a second blog, cover social media for our local farmers market and get way too many emails a day.  I try not to spend too much time at the computer, but it’s kind of a job requirement.  My most productive time with the computer is spent at a coffee shop where I can work undisturbed.  With my NetZero HotSpot, I can go to any coffee shop.  Happily I can go to the small, local shop instead of a big chain coffee shop. It’s quieter and I’m even more productive without the distraction of major people watching.

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You can take the NetZero HotSpot to your favorite coffee shop, big or small.

One important factor in using a HotSpot is maintaining privacy.  The NetZero offers a private, protected internet connection. You can however, let a small team use the HotSpot. Up to 8 people can log in and use it. This offers great flexibility for people who work in small groups. Or, use it in a car that allows you to amplify a HotSpot for all passengers. Everyone can tune in to their own mobile devices while on the go.

Want to try it out?  Check out the NetZero website for details on all the many options available.  The hardware is on sale now for the holidays, plus the value-priced monthly data plans cover a wide range of needs. For any blogger than attends a conference, having your own wireless is a lifesaver.

NetZero is also offering a $300 value giveaway for one lucky reader. This will include 3 months of their Platinum Plan. Just think, you could be getting some work down while you sit in a waiting room, enjoy some fresh coffee or while your kids are busy at after-school lessons. The contest is open to US residents only, it ends December 20th at midnight. Please enter using the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided a sample from NetZero to facilitate my review. All opinions shared here are my own. This is part of a Mom It Forward campaign. 

 

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Cypher Kids Club Reality Cards Review

As you work through your holiday shopping list, here is something for the tech savvy kids in your house to check out.  My tech savvy kids are little, but they do love playing around with my iPhone and iPad.  We use it as a treat but careful to make sure what they are doing is educational in some way. When I got the chance to review the new Cypher Kids Club Augmented Reality Cards, I was curious to see if my (nearly) four year old would enjoy them.

Cypher Kids Augmented Reality Cards

My daughter is learning how to identify her numbers so we started off with the interactive Numbers learning cards.  We downloaded the app from the iTunes store quickly and got started. (The app is free.) It’s easy to find if you have a QR scanner on your phone. The front of the box has a code that will direct you to the right app in the Apple App Store.

QR code to scan for the app

I played with the program first, which I always recommend when you are going to let your kids use a computer program. Also, I turn the phone to the airplane setting.  This reduces any possible radiation exposure to the kids using a phone.

She had fun testing out the numbers cards.

The flashcards themselves are bright and colorful. The application allows you to scroll through and pick the numbers you want to find. I mixed up the cards 10 and under for Madison to work on. Once we matched the number on the screen to the number on the flashcard we flipped it over so my phone’s camera could identify it. It’s like a kid’s version of a QR code on the back. Then the fun starts with an animated 3D-like experience where you can count the number of items from the card and watch them in action.

Screen shot from Numbers

It took me a few tries to get the hang of seeing the 3D images.  The trick is to hold the card a little further away until the entire image fills the screen.  When Madison tried it, she often held the card too close so we worked together on it so she could see the “reward” image once she was able to match her numbers.

She figured it out pretty fast.

The other cards we have are the Wild Animal Adventures and Letters. My little guy had some fun flipping through all the flash cards of the animal set without using the phone. Making the animal sounds is all he needs to practice!

Cypher Kids Augmented Reality Cards

The cards are available at Target and Best Buy. They would make a unique present for kids ages 3 and up. You can learn more about the Cypher Kids Club by visiting their Facebook or Twitter pages. Remember, any time kids are on a phone or tablet, this counts towards their daily screen time.  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children 2 years old and younger be exposed to no screen time. For older children, the AAP suggests limiting screen time — including TV, video games and computer use — to one to two hours a day of active viewing time. (source)

Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and  Cypher Kids Club #CypherKidsClub #CBias #SocialFabric  All opinions shared here are my own.

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