Best iPad/case/educational games for a 4 year old

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nofam

1094 posts

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#254368 9-Aug-2019 11:15

Hey All,

I'm keen to get our 4 year-old into some (educational) computer use in preparation for her starting school next year, so was wondering what iPad, hard case, and educational games you'd recommend? I'm fully expecting that we'll all use the iPad for a variety of things, so was probably leaning towards the 11" iPad Pro for the Face ID and A12X SoC, but conscious that this may not have the same option of ruggedised (kid-proof) cases? And is now a good time to buy? Or will there be a release of new-gen iPads later this year?

In terms of games, I've had a look at the App Store, and most require in-app purchases to buy the content, which I'm happy to do but would rather do it based on recommendations of what kids/parents have enjoyed than just making a stab in the dark.

Cheers!

Handsomedan

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#2292829 9-Aug-2019 11:20

I'd go the new iPad Air and a Lifeproof case.

There's a few good apps available but it largely depends on what it is you/your child want to indulge in.

Personally, I love the astronomy and paleontology apps, but a few of those are quite spendy.

Freemium sees to be the new norm, so in-app purchases are likely to be a catch...

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jonathan18

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#2292857 9-Aug-2019 12:02

If the iPad is for your child to use, and not as a 'family' device you'll also use, I'd say that, unless you're the kind of guy who is happy to burn money for the pleasure of it, then something lower down the foodchain than an iPad Pro would be more than acceptable. My youngest son's still using our first iPad (the original Air) at school daily (and at home for games), and that remains totally adequate for these purposes. Buying one now I'd go for the standard iPad, which is personally what I use (and should be fine to use for many years to come).

Paying a premium for FaceID for a child also seems overkill to me; when our kids were that age we managed their access to the device anyway, to avoid them using it whenever they wanted. (I guess screen time management can now help with this, but still...)

Cases - I've been impressed with the substantial soft 'rubber-like' bumper case we bought off eBay for a few dollars; it's one of the ones with a big handles (which folds back and can operate as a stand), and was perfect for our kid who's mightily clumsy. My experience (and also the advice of the school) is with young kids you're best to avoid the flip cases that cover the screen, as that seems to increase the chances of a child dropping the device. (To provide protection to the screen we have a glass screen protector on it). My point is you don't need to go overkill to get a case that will provide decent protection, plus consider whether the case helps or hinders your kid's ability to carry/use the iPad.

vexxxboy

4244 posts

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#2292858 9-Aug-2019 12:07

have a look at the humongus games , they are popular with kids for a reason . My 2 sons grew up on freddie fish, pyjama sam and Putt putt.

Common sense is not as common as you think.

k14

629 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2292886 9-Aug-2019 13:07

Kahn academy kids. No ads or in app purchases as it is from Kahn academy which is a non for profit. We let our 5 year old do it occasionally (limit screen time to 1-2 hours a week). I just used my old phone and that works fine. She figured it out pretty quick.