Our newly acquired iPad 2 was meant for the adults in the house, but it quickly was taken over by our two-year-old. It was quite an eye opener to see how easily he was able to figure out how to use it. We realized fast that we weren't getting it back, so we may as well seize the opportunity to use it as an educational tool. Here are some of the best iPad apps for two-year-olds:
AlphaTots
This app is bright, colourful, and easy to use. Your little one chooses a letter and the game provides the pronounciation and sound. After that, there is a fun game associated with that letter. "N" is particularly adorable... little fingers can "nibble" at a gingerbread cookie until it's all gone.
Peekaboo Barn
The sweet little farm animals are just waiting to pop out of the red bouncing barn once your child taps on the doors to let them out. The colours and illustrations are vivid and simple, and the sounds are very clear so it is a great first introduction for children to the the names of the animals.
The Monster at the End of This Book
Starring Grover of course, Sesame Street's beloved furry monster! A favourite childhood book turned app, this really is an absolutely must-have on the iPad. Grover is cute and adorable as ever, and it is easy for children to interact with the story. The sounds and animations are exceptional. The sequel, Another Monster at the End of This Book, stars Grover AND Elmo, and is just as entertaining.
Count TV
If you love the Count like I did, you may want to play along with Count TV, which is all about counting. Keep in mind this app is was designed for the iPhone, so it just stretches out for the iPad. It has some really great original Sesame Street video including classic clips such as Alistair Cookie, The Queen of Six and Five People in my Family.
Elmo Loves ABCs
Sesame Street really has some great apps. Explore the alphabet with sweet Elmo in this one, which is colourful and incredbile engaging. There are songs and videos for every letter of the alphabet, as well as plenty of games as well as colouring pages. Be prepared to have the little ditties stuck in your head as your toddler will be playing them over, and over, and over...
Thomas & Friends: Misty Island Rescue, Hero of the Rails & Day of the Diesels
I don't know what it is about this little blue engine, but little ones LOVE him and these three Thomas & Friends iPad apps are fantastic. There are lots of applications including matching games, colouring pages and lots of animations to touch and engage with during the videos. The songs are so catchy and the graphics amazing.
Start asking family and friends for iTunes gift cards for special occasions- you are going to need them.
Rosalie Scott - Rosalie Scott is a business owner who loves to write about all the awesome things to do in the city of Toronto.
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