One Woman’s Opinion Of the Best Games for iPad and Android

With the summer fast upon us, it is always good to find out what the critics are saying are some of the best games for our smartphones and tablets. If you are in the mood for something new, and are willing to shell out a little bit, take a look at this list from Kim Komando in her column on USA Today. She has about 8 games that can help wile away the hours.

Homework As An Excuse

Most kids like to spend time online, and many parents and teachers worry about the time students spend at the keyboard. As teachers move to assigning homework that may require use of the Internet to access and complete assignments, kids have a perfect excuse for staying online. All they have to do is to tell you is, “I’m doing my homework,” when perhaps they’ve finished what was required an hour or so ago. This is just another way kids are finding to circumvent what we want them to do. The answer is parent and teacher communication so parents will be aware of assignments and teachers will be aware of how long students are taking to “do assignments” at home. Parents need to learn how to monitor their children’s online activities and how to find out what’s actually assigned.

Fun Kids' Activities for iPhone & iPod Touch

For $2.99, you can download to iPhones and iPod Touch interactive "children's books" packed with activities young children will enjoy. They can "rub" the screen to uncover pictures, listen to stories, color pictures, read aloud, and create paintings—right on an iPhone or iPod Touch. The first book is available at the Apple Apps Store, and new ones should be coming out about once a month. The reviews look very positive for this new type of book for preschool and primary level students. You can link to the Apple Apps Store from ikidsplay.com or from your iPhone or iPod Touch. Print versions of the books are available online and at bookstores according to CoolestGadgets.com.