Where Advocacy, Special Needs Parenting, & Life Collide
Not-so-Wordless Wednesday – Kids and their Toys, or … iPad
The Minis Play with their Toy…er…iPad
WARNING – This is a Picture-Heavy Post full of Cute Kids!
If you didn’t already know, the Minis got an iPad last week. I was horribly negligent in loading my thank you to A4CWSN and private site donors but finally did (Go, me!). In that post I promised a few pictures of the kids playing with their new toy … er … iPad.
We’re only just starting to download Apps because I decided I wanted them to play with it so they would become used to the way it works before we started working on learning Apps.
The boys, it seems, are quite happy with that plan.
One of the first things they discovered was the built in camera, and while Bobby was busy patting himself on the back for that one, Andy discovered the photo booth. Two little boys, in bright neon colors. What will we do?
First up, the pre-requisite shot of the two little guys Daddy found first when he found the photo setting:
Daddy then went on a Logan hunt and found him hiding on the couch in the front room trying to get his shoe off. Logan loves finding sensory things, but he hates that shoe! Notice the blur on the bottom of the picture? That’s his hand trying to yank that shoe off fast as you please!
Next, the promised neon pictures from the photo booth feature that was preloaded … with kudos to Andy for the discovery (my eyes!)
The older two boys have been thoroughly entertained as they discovered all the neat features of their newest toy (well, to them it is!). We just started downloading some free Apps a couple days ago and they are both already fine hagglers in determining who gets a turn first!
In all things, though, I am considering what they are learning from this, and I have to say, Bobby’s focus? Out of this world! He figured out how to use the map feature before we ever found it, and was cruising down the streets of Indianapolis before asking to have help typing in Disney World. Then he was off to find Mickey and pals. 
And Andy, unsurprisingly, is ready for the ‘real’ Apps … you know, the ones you can do a lot more with. I showed him the free (Free!!!) Spelling List App and he wasn’t impressed. Kids.
One of the minis hasn’t really played with this new toy very much yet, though. Logan is tiptoeing around the world of the iPad when his brother play with it, for the most part. He is starting to get brave, though. Why, I caught him pointing out something to Bobby just yesterday!
Notice the very helpful hand up there reaching in to tap on the screen? Logan! He’s interested in this, just enough to occasionally demand a chance to see it up close. I have high hopes that he will be interested in engaging with new Apps I want to get just for him to help with his speech!
Do you have an iPad or similar device for your special needs child? I’d love to hear your best tips and warnings, and your favorite Apps! (If they are free, all the better!)
I wanted to invite you back on Friday (by all means every day!) as I roll out Facebook Friday at Kat’s Cafe … where I’ll highlight one Facebook Page that’s making a difference for the special needs community. This Friday I plan to highlight the A4CWSN Facebook Page, which will be the scene of lots of fun this weekend with an App party!
Katrina Moody
Graphic Designer, Wordpress Addict, Blogger at Kat's Media & More
I'm a special needs parent before just about everything else in life, but also a passionate advocate for my three boys and husband, who all have a bit of awesomeness about them. Awesomeness = Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome, Autism, Epilepsy, Dyslexia, Cerebral Palsy, and more. It all adds up to some awesome kids and an amazing family.
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Katrina, What a beautiful and loving family! This is so wonderful to have an insite into your gang. I am thinking of getting and I-Pad and now I know when I do perhaps your boys could teach me a thing or two. Thanks for sharing and blessings to your all!!! <3
Thanks so much Jo Ann! I kind of think they rock too!. I imagine the boys would be able to teach you a thing or two, as they have me! I appreciate you coming to say hey and look forward to chatting with you again real soon!
Looks like they are having so much fun! That is exciting.. Your right FULL of CUTE!
Thanks so much Danica. You’re so right – they had a blast! And they continue to have a blast!
Hi Kat, good apps are Sentence Builder, Question Builder, Conversation Builder, Language Builder… there are more of them by the same company. They are not free, but not too expensive, great for improving language skills. iPads are great and easy to bring out for entertainment while waiting at doctors offices, restaurants, car rides.
Caroline – Thanks for your suggestions – I wondered about those (I did see them.) I am looking forward to having them to use in those types of situations as well! Please feel free to share any other nuggets of wisdom – I’m trying to learn all I can!
Excellent article! I’ve been working hard to make a tablet specifically for kids… i enjoyed reading your article! keep it up kat.
Jarod recently posted..Junior Tablet | Best Kids Tablet | Tablet for Kids
Oh Jarod … you make a tablet specifically for kids and we should chat. Honestly, though – the apps make it amazing! Have an amazing weekend!