I can’t stop raving about my new favorite digital game play studio: Toca Boca. These guys are bringing true innovation to the world of digital play for kids. Particularly with this genre-bending concept: digital toys versus digital games. We all have examples of games and educational apps for kids (abcs, colors, etc.) But Toca Boca wants to give you digital toys – changing your iphones and ipads from educational “desktops” to take-along toys full of imagination, pretend play, and more real-time interaction than anything I’ve seen. There are five apps to choose from (one is iPad only), and we’ve already got all of them.
My standout favorites are Toca Doctor, Toca Tea Party, and Helicopter Taxi. Toca Doctor has totally captured Birdie’s interest (for 10 – 2o minutes, can you bellieve that?). For a two and half year old, that alone is high praise (it’s also good for older kids too). It’s a quirky combo of playing doctor and very short puzzles to solve (put 3 bones of the ear back together, help the Lego through the intestines, etc!) It’s quirky and fun without being gross, but also offers lots of moments to talk a little bit about the insides of our bodies. I really think this app is good for Birdie, I can see her problem-solving skills growing. Plus, it has the best graphics of the bunch, designer-love.
The true digital toy is definitely Helicopter Taxi. Turn your iphone into a roving helicopter – using the iPhone’s video camera to create the backdrop as you go. The app reminds you to stop and pick up passengers – which you do by laying the iPhone on it’s back, then your off again to take that helicopter – er, iPhone – vrooooming around the house. Love this idea. It’s super simple, but literally turns your phone into a toy. You may have a hard time getting it back?
If you have an iPad, you’ve got to fiddle with Toca Tea Party! Set the iPad down on the floor or tabel (or sofa, etc!) choose your tabelcloth, plates, drinks, sweet treats, and gather your pals (you’ll have 3 place settings!). Then turn on the little old radio, and drink and eat with your tea party guests. You can clean up your spills, pour more drinks – lots of interactive fun. When all your food is gone, the app pops up a sudsy sink of water, and everyone drags their dishes away. Wish it was that easy at home!
Also, check out the hilarious Toca Hair Salon – I love making their hair go crazy with the hair dryer. But you can cut, color, grow, comb, shave to your hearts’ content – and watch the “clients” react in horror. Hilarious fun!
And Paint My Wings may be the most traditional, but it’s still a beautiful app. Paint in the butterfly’s wings – it automatically mirrors every stroke onto each wing. The little giggles from the butterflies are adorable too.
Read more about Toca Boca on their website – they’ve got great things to say. They’ve launched these five apps since March – I’m hoping there are many more to come! And er, if you’re ever looking for another designer … I’ve got the design chops, you know, just sayin’. Wink Wink. Nudge.
Big big thanks to Lil’ Magoolie for sharing this – so happy I’ve found Toca Boca!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, neat-o! these are the first apps I’ve seen that make me want to get an iPad. Very fun graphics!
Yes! So many kids apps are kind of ugly to look at.
its so cool
Hey there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be
okay. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
@smallforbig – thanks!
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very
well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to read
more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
I’ll definitely comeback.
Meredith’s selection started with a Twitter post
by Shane Defreest regarding Ken Meyer, Jr’s search for models.
fulhams fullams fullers fullery fullest fulling fulmars
fulmine. resend resent resets resewn resews reshes reship reshod.
ve ever had, or of someone goofing off on Facetime, you.
Activating this function, even when you’re not sharing space with Mr.
There are those who do manage to keep a regular job while satisfying scratch off urges on the side.
Bringing many new features, we are happy to present to you the new and updated
clash of clans hack! You will be in a position to do many diverse
items to a certain extent.
With this hack, you will be capable to get as several Gems,
Resources and Poins that you need for the sport! Does
it sound way too difficult? Properly its not! This new
and current Clash Of clans hack will do it immediately, with out you possessing to do any a lot
more perform than a simply click of a button!
Greatest component about this hack, is that you dont require a Jailbroken unit!
It really is as straightforward as connecting the device and clicking a button!
There is no better service than ours online!
We have the quickest and most secute servers.
Unique Characteristics:
-Acquire all gems
-Supports any gadget
-No jailbroken system required
-Undetected
one. Down load the Clash of Clans Hack from the link over
two. Extract the ZIP dile to your desktop (Basically click and drag
the files to your desktop)
three. Run the “Clash of Clans Hack v6.9.exe”
4. Link your unit to your computer
5. Choose your platform (IOS, Android, etc..) and choose “Scan” for Gadget
six.After it completes, enter the ammount of Gems,
Factors and Sources you would like
7. Strike “Start” and take pleasure in your totally free things!
This is my first time go to seе at Һere and і am actually impressed
to read all at alone place.
{ 1 trackback }