I recently discovered "Alphabet Aquarium School Vol 1" app and could not be more pleased. My youngest just turned three this past May, and he is at the perfect stage to begin learning the sounds and shapes of the alphabet letters. There are so many available apps for kids, and we have quite a few downloaded on our iPod; however, I am happy to say that this app is probably my favorite, and I'll tell you why: The repetitive nature used throughout the app (in regards to teaching the alphabet) is a perfect educational tool. You are asked to build the letters as well as match pictures that begin with a certain letter with the shape of the picture. Each time, either the name of the letter is stated or the names of the corresponding pictures are stated. Children are given a great visual and auditory experience while also manipulating where the objects belong by using their fingers to move them. Little ones need repetition as well as exciting images and bold/bright colors. This app has all of those, not to mention the background music is very relaxing and soothing (ocean waves). As I'm sure many parents will agree, there are a lot of kids apps that have annoying music. This app does not. I highly recommend giving it a try! Your little one/ones will love it, and you will too!

The Toys Train app, by 22learn, LLC, rewards children with stickers. Need I say more? Preschoolers will love this app! Children love positive reinforcement when it comes to learning, and this app allows children to select a sticker to place in the provided "virtual sticker album" when objects are correctly identified and each level is completed. Not only does the app provide incentives for correct toy identification, the word of each object is also identified and spoken, so that children can see the object, as well as see and hear the actual word. Also, as the child progress through the app, the level of difficulty increases, allowing the child to be constantly challenged. This app is a wonderful tool for early-aged preschoolers. Many toddlers are exposed to technology, and this app provides both learning and fun! I highly recommend this app to anyone with young children!

I am a big proponent of educational apps. I especially embrace musical educational apps. Children are never too young for music exposure, and their young brains just crave it! The Abby Musical Puzzle App is a wonderful tool for little ones. Not only are the graphics vibrant and bold, and the animal characters adorable, children are able to explore different instruments as well as specific music note sounds and corresponding letters. When I introduced by 3 year-old to this app, he was immediately sucked in to the sights, sounds and colors. He LOVED this fact that he could create and record his very own song and play it back for me. Children love to explore and they take pride in their creations, and this app encourages both creation and exploration. I highly recommend this app to parents of little ones. There are quite a few apps out there that are marketed to children, and sadly they teach nothing. However, this app is fun and educational! (FYI, my 6 year-old son also enjoyed this app as well. He also loved creating his own musical masterpieces!)