Our kids are growing up in a totally different time than we did. When I was a kid we played with marbles, Lego’s and read “Choose Your Own Adventure” books. But now things are so different. When my son was four he knew how to stream videos through the Wii before I did. Last week I told you about an app for the ipad that my daughter enjoyed…well this week I have one that my son likes. And no…it’s not Minecraft (though he does play that…I totally don’t get the appeal).
When we got our kids tablets for Christmas, the rule was that they had to utilize the educational apps on there at any time we told them to (while they were playing with the tablets) or they would not be allowed to play the game apps. I just recently was asked to review the News-O-Matic app by Press4Kids (in return for an honest review, I was sent a bag, water bottle and given a 3 month subscription to News-O-Matic). News-O-Matic is an educational app that brings breaking news stories about sports, science, etc.
Once you are on the home screen of the app, simply tap the picture that interests you and read all about it! I showed this app to Zack and while not all of the stories interested him, he really got into it! This app is geared for kids ages 7 to 10. I like this app because they are learning something while having fun! But my most favorite feature is the interaction you can have with the editor, Russ.
To interact with Russ, click on the computer screen and leave a message, share your opinion or interact with other people using this app. You can also draw a picture and send it to Russ!
Created by a skilled team—including child experts, designers and entrepreneurs—News-O-Matic aims to transform the news experience for children in a safe, interactive environment while encouraging them to become knowledgeable, productive members of society.
After your free three issue trial is over, you can subscribe to News-O-Matic. A new issue is published every Monday through Friday. The rates are as follows:
- Monthly $6.99
- Weekly $1.99
- Yearly $49.99
If, after our three month subscription is over and my son is still enjoying this app and wants to continue it, I definitely will subscribe for him. Check it out for yourself at the itunes store!
Very cool! Thanks for sharing 🙂
My kids (8 and 11) have been reading News-O-Matic for about two weeks and they love it! They both love reading stories aloud to me and taking it on their own to play with the maps and games. I almost didn’t buy the subscription (price is a little high) but after the 3-day trial, they already knew so much more about the world and were asking real questions. I could see the wheels spinning and the ideas forming in their young minds and I was so proud. I recommend this to any parent for their kids!
They actually wrote an article about Minecraft last week and my son loved it! So I bought a monthly subscription and discovered that they also offer a FREE teacher guide with each issue. I was so excited. Daniel is learning so much. To get the PDF simply email info@press4kids!
It sounds really cool
Looks cool! I need to try this myself an d play a bit on it then let my oldest decide.
That looks really cool! I can say that my daughter is far more interested in things on the ipad than almost anything but now that you mentioned choose your own adventure i want to do it
trisha
Ugh, seriously wish I had an Iphone. My boyfriend is getting one so I’ll be sure to tell him about this!!
I am so glad it is on iTunes too! My girls would love this! Great price point too!
I like the way it lays it out…cool.
I bet my almost 11 year old would like this. He loves things that ‘just for him’ and that the baby doesnt understand 🙂
That looks awesome! My niece would love that.
This looks really fun! My 7yr old knows how to run our ipad better than me and would love this. 😉
Very cool app! I’ve been wanting an ipad for a while. Thanks for the review.
This does look really neat! I bet my boys would love it
This looks an awesome app that Shaun would enjoy. Thanks for sharing and also I agree with Mindcraft. I am not sure what the appeal is. LOL.
I like that they have a yearly option! I have to get M an iPad – she loves my smart phone!
It’s nice that an app can offer so much including educational content
This sounds like a great app! Thanks for sharing