This week learn shapes, number and letters with Ruffy the Husky: On Ice, then take it a step further with letter sounds, phonics and words as you Teach You Monster to Read. Finally, is there actual life on Venus?
Garry Froehlich
Ruffy the Husky: On Ice
by Tiny Fingers
Ruffy the Husky is an animated puzzle game that uses shapes, numbers and letters as puzzle pieces. Children choose a character on the screen and the app displays a scene with numbers, letters or shapes cut out of it. The app says the name of the shape, letter or number as each is put back into the puzzle, and then the scene animates once it is complete. It includes 5 different languages for kids wanting to learn something other than English. It also randomizes the letters, numbers or shapes in the puzzle to vastly increase replay-ability. There are a handful of puzzles available for free, with an in-app purchase to unlock the rest.
Teach Your Monster to Read
by Teach Monster Games Ltd
Teach Your Monster to Read is a popular phonics and early reading app. Children create a monster and then engage in story based mini games that teach letter sounds, phonics, or whole words depending on the child’s reading level. For example, the monster (guided by the child) may have to save villagers by finding letters that make a certain sound, or navigate on an alien planet by following written instructions. It’s more engaging than many early phonics apps, although everything is pronounced with a UK accent. Definitely worth a look and free as of this writing.
Neil deGrasse Tyson Joins Young ‘Science Geeks’ Podcast
Showing how technology can be used to connect, educate, and encourage, (and that it never hurts to ask) Neil deGrasse Tyson agreed to be interviewed by two young teenagers on their local podcast.
Young Vancouver podcasters score ‘life changing’ interview with Neil deGrasse Tyson
Life on Venus?
You may have heard of the discovery of phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus, a chemical that is made by microbes on Earth. (more at https://newsforkids.net/articles/2020/09/16/does-unlikely-chemical-on-venus-suggest-life/). While it probably doesn’t mean there is life on Venus, it is a good spark for a kid’s (or anyone’s) imagination. What would life look like on another planet?
Plus, did you know that NASA has concepts for a crewed-vehicle that can explore the atmosphere of Venus? https://sacd.larc.nasa.gov/smab/havoc/
