Jumpstart Madgascar App Review and Giveaway

I have been a fan of Jumpstart products since my single days, when I was a teacher.  Now that I have two little ones of my own, I was excited that they are making educational gaming apps for my little ones.  Cole spent a lot of his computer time last year enjoying the Jumpstart subscription program (review will be coming soon).  Our IPad is heavily used by the kids for learning apps.  We are careful to select a variety of both fun and educational apps. When they fall into both categories then that is a real bonus.  I was given the chance to use DreamWorks’sMadagascar™ Preschool Surf N’ Slide app.

This app draws you right in by allowing you to select your favorite character and magic carpet.  With bright colors and positive response sounds the children were very enthused to play.  There is a great balance between play and learning.  Cole who is in Kindergarten was able to quickly answer the basic numbers and letter questions while Cecily started to learn how to determine which object did not belong.  I especially like that wrong answers just eliminate the choice and give the children an additional chance.  This app meets both the fun and educational criteria.  I like it best for a three or four year old, but it can be used from 2-5 years.
After returning from my daughter's preschool open house tonight, I see huge connections between what they are learning there and the goal of Madagascar Preschool Surf and Slide.  While playing this game, your child will learn about numbers, letters, critical thinking, shapes, animals and colors.  Cecily has been struggling a bit with colors lately so this will give her a chance to do a little drill and practice work in a fun, interactive and encouraging way.    The simplicity of the app means that playing can be done independently and there is not a need to call me over every five minutes to redirect the learning.  As Cecily made her way through the learning activities, she was able to earn virtual stickers to collect in her sticker book.  The choice of animal stickers thrilled her.  Now as she continues on, she can add to her collection through achievements within this application. 
 
One winner has the chance to win this app too! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway In return for my review I was provided with the application for free, but as always my opinions are my own .