

ABC Animals is a clever application because it can be used by children across a large age range. I’m not sure if the developers at Critical Matter intended this. But, I’ve found it can be used by children as young as 18 months, up to as old as seven – depending on their level of development. And, given the rate at which children grow and develop during the first 7 years of their life this a decent achievement.

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The application supports children to learn their ABCs. A child is able to flick through iPhone cards from A-Z. Each card has the letter in upper and lowercase and a cartoon picture of an animal that begins with that letter. (Geek sensibilities are catered for a “D” is sometimes represented by a dragon).

Young children can simply flick through look at the pictures and repeat the letters and words. While older children, by double tapping the screen can flip the card over to examples of how the letters are written. Then, using their finger or a iPhone pen they can trace the letter, just like they do in school learning to write.



This second aspect of the application has a lot of potential; my only qualm is that the double tap feature is not offered in any form of instructions in the application. I discovered it by accident. I love the fact the letters are sitting on “lined paper” graphics and the clear directives on how to write letters had me imagining school classrooms full of children with iPhones (a high tech return to the "chalk and slate" that our grandparents used).

ABC Animals could do with some options and instructions. Still, it offers ABC activities for young children right through their development.

Though, the developer’s images are poorly targeted at kids. I think the images suit children aged 8+. The eyes of the animals look like they belong on Bratz dolls and to better engage younger children they could use much simpler graphics

Still, another fine app, once a few refinements are made. Worth the $2.99 price at iTunes because it can be used by children of different ages and stages.

Wired: An iPhone App that supports child literacy from 18 months to 7 years.

Tired: Need instructions and the images aren’t the best for younger children.

Seen any good iPhone Apps for young children recently? Let us know in the comments below.