LeapFrog My Robot Friend is Everyone's Friend!

Chances are, you have some type of iOS device.  You know, an iPhone, iPad, iPod.... Throw some kids into that mix and I have an app for you!

LeapFrog, a name synonymous with educational toys, has come out with a new app for iOS systems.  It's called LeapFrog My Robot Friend.  

This great critical thinking app helps the child work through mazes using problem solving skills.  The child needs to count the steps that their robot should take in order to make it to the treasure chest.  Sometimes they are backed into a corner and need to use varied direction cards with positive and negative numbers to help their robot.  It's almost as if they are mini computer programers giving simple step directions to their robot.  

With each completed level, the mazes become more complex and the child needs to be sure their direction cards are in the correct order.  As a teacher, I like to play games before handing it over to kids.  I like to fail to see what happens when a child fails.  My Robot Friend gives your child unlimited chances to make the correct moves.  


The rewards?  Each time the robot makes it to the treasure chest, the child gets to choose ways to customize their robot as well as fun mini games to take the robot to like my kids' favorite The Dance Party.
 

Before downloading the app, I knew I could count on my 6 year old to want to play and be my "guinnea pig" to test out the app.  I wasn't sure if my 8 year old would be willing to play since he didn't know if it was "cool" enough.  He sat right down next to his brother and was soon telling him what to do and taking the iPad away.  And now thanks to the all powerful cloud, my boys have it on their iTouches and I find them playing it all the time.




Check out how LeapFrog My Robot Friend is played:

Here are some app details: 

Teaches:

• Problem-solving
• Logic and reasoning
• Programming skills
• Sequencing
• Mathematics
• Spelling

Features:

• 80 levels of story-driven gameplay
• 3 mini games including: Dance Party, Spelling Bee and Save the Monkey
• Unlock secret content
• Earn coins, ribbons and rewards
• Customize your robot with OVER 180 PIECES OF CONTENT like crazy clothes, wacky wigs and more!
• Earn over 30 game achievements

This app is so worth the $3.99 price tag.  I'm not ashamed to say that I'm a bit addicted to it as well!  Visit iTunes to download your own copy...you won't regret it!



I was selected for this opportunity by Clever Girls Collective but content and opinions expressed here are all my own. To learn more about the app, visit here #CleverRobotFriend #spon


Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Martha Stewart Cocktails App

The "Queen Bee" of all things crafty and entertaining has an AMAZING app...The Martha Stewart Cocktails App!!  (I'm not sure why I'm so surprised!)

Mix, stir, blend, and muddle with this refreshing, perfectly portable, and beautifully designed guide to Martha’s favorite cocktails.  

The app comes with 3 recipe packs: Martha’s Classics, Cutting-Edge Cocktails, and alcohol-free Mocktails. Within the app you can choose to purchase additional recipe packs—Summer Coolers, Holiday Recipes, and Regional Favorites—to build your own Martha mixology library.

The app has inventive ZipList technology that allows you to create personalized shopping lists.  It also has search functionality, how-to videos and photos, a unit converter, Facebook and email sharing options, space to add your own notes, barware recommendations, plus a place to collect your favorites.

 
The Classic Cocktails bundle (only $0.99 on iTunes) includes recipes for 20 cocktails and 5 bar snacks, with options to buy additional themed packages including regional favorites, cutting-edge drinks, summer coolers, and mocktails

This App for iPhone and iPad is sooo cool!!  It's a one stop place for all things cocktail...even the snacks.  It's perfect for your next get together.  I'm really excited to try the Frozen Bloody Mary paired with the Roasted Spiced Chickpeas.  Yummy for a day by the pool!

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Martha Stewart Cocktails App for iPad and iPhone

(And by the way, I was not paid or given anything for this....I truly LOVE Martha Stewart and everything she does!!)


Alexis

Marble Jar ~ A Sane Way to Reinforce Positive Behaviors

As a teacher, I am used to positive reinforcement in the classroom.  How can I get the kids to show respect?  How can I help them to follow directions?  In the past, I have used a marble jar as a reinforcer for the entire class.  After filling up the jar, the class would get a reward of their choosing.

Now as a mom, I'm always searching for ways to use positive ways when dealing with my boys' behaviors.  Thanks to WinWinApps, there is now a virtual Marble Jar app for iPhone and iPad!  What a life saver!  Not only do my boys love playing with my iPhone and iPad, but now I won't have glass marbles rolling all over the house!

As I have mentioned before, "Little Ricky" has a tendency to talk back and he thinks that he "knows it all!"  As much as I want to scream and send him to his room, I know that this is not the way I should react when he does this, so I've been looking for alternatives.  We started with a behavior chart and it was effective.  Now that I have found Marble Jar, we are on the road to positive reinforcement!

"Little Ricky" and I sat down to create his goals for his jar.  We wanted to work on the words he chooses when expressing his feelings, both happy and upset.  Oh yeah, and we even personalized his jar with his picture.

Our next step is to decide what appropriate reward should come out of "filling" his marble jar.  Maybe a special "Mommy/Son date" to test out our manners!







Over the next few weeks, I will monitor "Little Ricky's" choices with his words and manners and he can put marbles in his "jar."  I will share our journey.

Hmm....maybe I will create a "Mommy Jar" to help with household chores!  My reward?  DESSERT!!

Now it's your turn...go to iTunes and download Marble Jar for FREE!  I look forward to hearing your ideas on how you plan to use Marble Jar.



Disclosure: This is part of a compensated post series sponsored by Marble Jar.  All opinions are unbiased and my own. 

Alexis