Eli Explorer
Delightful, open-ended journey helps teach words.
Parents say
Based on 1 review
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Eli Explorer
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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 Eli Explorer is an open-play exploration tool that teaches kids how to pronounce important words and phrases. Kids can hear words spoken in a variety of languages, such as Spanish, Chinese, and Russian. Kids swipe the screen or tap to move Eli, the friendly rabbit "tour guide," to move from place to place and hear words and phrases. Kids are empowered to explore and can go back and forth to different places as they wish, with some limited variation in results. There's mild potty humor when Eli drinks water and burps or dives in to a bush to relieve herself and some angry lizards emerge, throwing what appears to be Eli's poo.
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What’s It About?
ELI EXPLORER begins with a sleeping bunny named Eli who wakes up when kids tap the shaking clock. With adorable propeller ears, Eli flies through a colorful world filled with everyday objects, a variety of plants and animals, and much more. There are over 20 interactive elements, and kids tap on an animation or a static graphic to hear the pronunciation of a word or phrase, such as "broccoli" or "horse." The open-play platform allows kids to freely explore and return to any animation or graphic they wish. Floating stars help direct kids to interactive elements they might otherwise miss, such as a singing spider or camouflaged chameleon. Parents can choose from 10 languages.
Is It Any Good?
Filled with irresistible graphics and fun surprises, Eli Explorer encourages toddlers to play and learn. The words and phrases are age-appropriate, and the open-play platform is ideal for young learners. Moving Eli around isn't entirely intuitive at first, as tapping or dragging directs her. There's quite a bit to explore, and some of the cause-and-effect relationships offer variety, such as the kitchen where an adult rabbit offers Eli different foods. Ultimately, the exploration is finite, though kids likely will revisit their favorite parts of the world many times. Some parents may not like the mild potty humor and the somewhat confusing form it takes: Eli squints, and tears form around her eyes before she dives into a bush. After she emerges, angry lizards pop out, throw her poo, and laugh. Most kids will find it hilarious, but some might wonder what's happening. Ultimately, there are many fun elements to explore, and the ability to choose from many languages is a huge plus.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about words and phrases that kids learn. Which words did they learn? Encourage kids to use some of the words in a new sentence and explore the language options.
Work together to make flash cards of the words that kids learn. Draw a picture on the front and write the word on the back. Show kids the picture and test whether they can tell you the word.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Subjects: Language & Reading: phonics, speaking, vocabulary
- Skills: Self-Direction: academic development, Communication: listening, speaking
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Release date: February 10, 2015
- Category: Education
- Publisher: Colto
- Version: 1.1
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 6.0 or later
- Last updated: July 29, 2016
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For kids who love open-ended games and learning words
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