I love my e-babysitter. It’s also an e-teacher, but I’m willing to admit that part is purely coincidental.

While writing this I hear three kids on the couch, all very ‘appy. Weasel has the iPad, Bubba has my old iPhone, and my sister (19yo, but still a kid, shhh) has her iPhone with some sort of lame dragon game. Hush, we’re a completely normal family, and not remotely gadget obsessed.

Ah the sweet sounds of neglectful parenting.

The plus side of all this ‘appiness is that we know apps.  Weasel’s newest game is ‘First Words Deluxe’ from Learning Touch. She is 5, and starting to really get in to the whole reading thing, what letters or groups of letters make what sound, why they go in which order etc

She is also super chuffed whenever she gets a game ‘right’. Weasel is obviously the smartest child in the universe, and if you believe otherwise, it’s only because she hasn’t badgered and harrassed you until you agree yet.

No places to accidentally click and accidentally spend real money on accidental smurfberries. All the kids notice is pure game. Even better, there is no wrong answer. Everyone’s a winner, step right up!

I’ve set the game to phonics, because that’s where we’re at right now, but you can also have it on letter names. Kids touch the picture, it says what it is, and then kids drag the letters into place, matching up the shadow letter shape. Each letter says its phonic or name when touched. Letters can only go into the correct place, and if your child has trouble aiming, they sort of slide on in by themselves once close enough.

Tee hee, this game is funny!

Once all the letters are in, the game repeats the word, then it spins or otherwise animates itself away, ta-da!

Cat too easy? How about a longer word?

This app is a girl's best friend

When you’re ready you can add another language or more word sets,  a sweet and easy in-app purchase. Don’t worry, they’ve designed it so kids aren’t likely to go shopping, but you should still have in-app purchases disabled with restrictions, just in case. Settings>general>restrictions>in-app purchases set to OFF. You turn them on again when you (the bill paying adult) wants to.

Weasel obviously luffs the game, what does Blundermummy think? It’s neato and facilitates the learning in a fun way. I’m an adult who is easily distrated though, and who likes to click things to see what they do, so I would have liked the pictures to meow, or make hammer noises, or wave…or something. Not just say the word. For kids this is probably a good thing though, they aren’t distracted from the core learning experience.

First Words Deluxe is available from the appstore for $4.99, and actually contains Learning Touch’s first 4 games, plus 2 more word sets – a bulk buy bargain. Rated 4+

Thanks to Learning Touch, I also have 5 copies of the game to give away, hooray, even better! Baby sitters Education all round!

All you have to do to win a redemption code is:

a) have a device that can play it, or know someone who does. It really does help your enjoyment level.

b) Leave a comment telling me your kids favourite app. Click I DID THIS in rafflecopter so I know to count you.

c) Additional entries are available for facebook, tweeting etc. Rafflecopter will help you out.

Winner will be chosen by random.org

Disclaimer: I received a free code to download and review the app, all views are my own.
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