Educational iPad App Review: Your Fantastic Elastic Brain

By Marnie Craycroft, Founder of Carrots Are Orange

I was thrilled when Little Pickle Press gave me the opportunity to review an educational iPad App that follows one of my new favorite children's books, Your Fantastic Elastic Brain. In short, as a parent, educator and avid user of iPad educational apps, I was blown away. Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak Ph.D. is a phenomenal concept. I highly recommend viewing this short interview with Dr. Deak. I was sold when I saw her speak at the American Montessori conference a few months ago.

 

Geared towards 6 to 10 year olds, the book and the app introduce ideas and information that gives children the knowledge and therefore the power to control their development, which, as it turns out children become more interested in doing the things that will serve them, their bodies, their families and their communities best.

Dr. Deak tackles and successfully breaks down a complex subject with enjoyable characters and illustrations that draw in both children and adults. The approach is brilliant in breaking down difficult pieces of information in a way that enables people of all ages to learn. I particularly appreciated the content emphasizing that making mistakes is a great thing for your brain! That is a sentiment worth repeating ten times!

 

The content explaining the parts of the brain, their purpose and what we can do to bend and stretch those parts is rich and could stand alone. We're in luck though because at the end Dr. Deak offers numerous brain workouts ranging from suggestions on volunteering to memory games with sight and sound to reflecting on seeing art or hearing music. These brain workouts will truly give your child an opportunity to bend and stretch his brain. The best part? The workouts are fun and engage children. What I love about the App requires more than one post but here is a brief list to start:

1. The app, like the book, is wonderfully illustrated by Sarah Ackerley.
2. The Read Aloud option helps all of us pronounce challenging words and is easy for younger children to follow along
3. The brain workouts are extraordinary {even for adults}!

What I hope for in next versions of the App:

1. More interactive to engage younger kids
2. More sound effects in the workouts
3. An option for younger kids, ages 3-6

Do yourself a favor and check out the trailer on the book when you have a moment. It is short and I think it will draw you into the concept. Then stop by iTunes and buy this App for your iPad. You will not regret spending the few dollars. Thanks for choosing to read this post. I hope that we inspired you.


Disclosure: Little Pickle Press gave me a free copy of this App to review.

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Marnie is founder and writer of Carrots Are Orange, a blog focused on Montessori inspired ideas and activities, teaching kids about money and musings on parenting. She is a big proponent of positive discipline and nurturing creativity in our children. After nearly a decade in the investment management industry, this MBA turned Mama is currently pursuing her Early Childhood Montessori certification. Marnie graduated with a BA in Economics from Wesleyan University in Connecticut and earned her MBA from the University of Washington Foster School of Business. Hailing from Maine, she now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their two young sons. You can connect with Marnie on her blog, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. She looks forward to getting to know you.