Recent research shows children in lower income households have less access to computers, smartphones and tablets, therefore, they have less access to educational media. PBS, CPB and Head Start have started a new program to help fill this “app gap”. By targeting community organizations that serve low income families and are already equipped with mobile and tablet devices, this program aims to increase access to educational mobile content.
The two new apps featured in this program come from The Jim Henson Company series Dinosaur Train and are designed to help children, ages 3 – 5, build critical math skills.
All Aboard the Dinosaur Train! (for iPad)
The Dinosaur Train is getting ready to leave and needs passengers! Children need to match the passengers with the right train cars, challenging them to problem-solve by estimating dinosaur sizes and comparing them with the train cars’ capacity.
Dinosaur Train Camera Catch! (for iPhone)This app challenges players to snap photos of flying dinosaurs by moving their iPhone around. Kids “catch” the dinosaurs with their camera in a designated pattern, building patterning skills.
WGBY is a participating station in this great new program and anticipates distributing apps to over 500 local parents and children. In addition to this special distribution in underserved communities, both apps are available to everyone in the App Store.
Learn more about these apps plus more Dinosaur Train educational games with PBS’ Ready to Learn site.