Molly of Denali: Learning App
Explore Alaska Native culture and more with TV character.
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Molly of Denali: Learning App
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Molly of Denali: Learning App is a companion app to the PBS Kids TV series of the same name. Kids explore the Alaskan village, Qyah, with Molly and her friends, playing games that touch on Alaska Native life and culture as well as information gathering skills. Instructions for games can always be read aloud, which makes Molly of Denali: Learning App accessible for pre-readers. Kids don't need any familiarity with the TV series to play the app, though if they have fun with Molly, they may be inspired to start watching her show. Read the developer's privacy policy for details on how your (or your kids') information is collected, used, and shared and any choices you may have in the matter, and note that privacy policies and terms of service frequently change.
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What’s It About?
Explore Qyah, an Alaska Native village with MOLLY OF DENALI: LEARNING APP. Tap the arrows to walk around and find games and activities, or open the map to go directly to a specific location. Each of six games touch on different aspects of Alaska Native life. For example, in Sled Dog Dash, kids race across the tundra and make several stops to tend to the sled and dogs. Or in Beading Art, kids create a simple beadwork pattern. The games also incorporate basic information gathering skills such as reading a diagram, or finding specific information in a text. Additional activities, such as a snowball fight, are sprinkled throughout.
Is It Any Good?
This collection of games nicely combines a diverse range of critical thinking skill practice and cultural exploration. Molly is a fun, friendly guide and a great role model for young kids who will enjoy drive her around an Alaskan village and interacting with her friends and family. The best games are wonderfully layered with interesting information and learning challenges. For example, in the Sled Dog Dash, kids navigate text resources to find answers to specific questions as they learn about working with and caring for sled dogs. Molly of Denali: Learning App has good accessible features and is just right for the preschool set. All the instructions can be text and audio based and there's nice gentle feedback when kids make the wrong choice. Overall, this is a great app both for kids who watch the TV series and those who don't.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the connection between Molly of Denali: Learning App and the companion TV series. Is it different watching Molly on the TV versus interacting with her in the app? How? Does knowing Molly make the app more interesting or appealing?
Ask kids what they've learned about Alaska Native communities. Is there an aspect that particularly interested them? Help them find out more through books, internet searches, or kid friendly documentaries.
Help kids develop their information gathering skills. When they ask questions, guide them through exploring where they can find the answers.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
- Subjects: Language & Reading: following directions, using supporting evidence, Science: animals, Social Studies: cultural understanding, exploration, global awareness
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: collecting data, thinking critically
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: July 28, 2020
- Category: Education
- Topics: Great Girl Role Models, Science and Nature
- Publisher: PBS KIDS
- Version: 1.1.0
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 10.0 or later; Android 5.0 and up
- Last updated: January 25, 2021
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