Shape the Village is a new application from WiseKids that aims to teach toddlers about circles, triangles and squares. The app is incredibly intuitive and well-designed for kids 5 and younger. It costs $2.99, but the team also has a Lite version available for those who want to check it out before they buy. It's a great learning resource, so, let's check it out!
Like usual, let's start out with a video introduction from the WiseKids team to give you a quick understanding of the application.
Basically, the app presents a series of mini-games that help students learn about triangles, squares, and circles. There are a huge variety of games, and they are all easy to figure out. One of the features I like best about the application is that there are no instructions or tutorials, because none are needed. Most four or five-year-olds would be able to figure this app out, just from tapping around a little bit.
When you first open up the application, you'll see a short animation of a mad scientist mixing some shapes together, creating some sort of crazy concoction, and then things go wrong (or right?) and all the shapes get blasted out into the village. Your goal is to put the village back together (by completing various mini-games) while learning about shapes.
Help The Village Get Back Together
Simply tap on one of the levels that has a pile of rubble around it and you'll be taken into a mini-game that will teach you about a shape. There are a variety of games, and if you have your audio on, you'll also be able to hear children talking about squares, circles, and triangles while you're playing.
Circles!
All in all, there are about 20 different levels that students can complete. However, once a student finishes a level, they can always go back because the levels actually change after each completion, which is another excellent feature. And, if students play at night, they'll discover that things look a little different under the moonlight!
Squares!
The app also comes with a "Workbook" section which offers an excellent collection of printout activities that parents can work on with their children. They offer step-by-step instructions on how to complete each activity, and it's set up to be incredibly easy to print off the worksheets.
The Workbook Section
It's Easy to Print Out the Workbook Activities
Finally, since the app is geared towards children, the WiseKids team has done an excellent job ensuring child safety. The app doesn't collect personally identifiable info from users, it doesn't offer or endorse in-app purchases, it doesn't contain third-party advertisements, and it doesn't offer external links.
My only complaint/suggestion is that it only teaches three shapes. The team has created such an excellent world, with such an easy-to-use interface, and a ton of fun games, they should expand it to include more shapes! And, after talking to the team, turns out they'll be adding this in for future updates!
So, in conclusion, that's the app! It's a great way to learn about circles, triangles, and squares. Plus, the application is very well designed, age-appropriate, and a lot of fun! And, if the $2.99 price tag scares you off, check out the Lite Version first and see if it's right for you! Overall...
The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I was not compensated for reviewing this application; however, I was given a free copy for review purposes.
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