Jam Toys
By Mieke VanderBorght,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Great sound, graphics, but few features = limited fun.
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Jam Toys
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What’s It About?
JAM TOYS opens to a screen asking users to turn up the volume on their device. Tap "Let's go" to reveal a list of six instruments: triangle, strings, theremin, disc, drums, and rattle. Tap your choice. Each instrument is represented in a simple graphic and kids tap, swipe, or shake the device to "play" the instrument. Tap the small icon on the bottom of the screen to return to the list and choose a different instrument.
Is It Any Good?
With simple graphics, strong colors, and great sound quality, it's fun to make sounds, but the features are limited. Kids can certainly rock it as they furiously tap the screen for a drum solo or spin the disc pretending to be a DJ. They can experiment with the different sounds they get from each side of the triangle or the different lengths of the strings. But, kids can't combine or manipulate the instruments, they can't record, they can't follow along to a backbeat or change the song on the disc, and they can't compose their own music. With such a simple app, kids may quickly get bored of shaking the rattle or tapping the theremin. A few more features would add additional value -- educational and entertainment -- to Jam Toys.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the instruments featured in Jam Toys. Have you ever seen the instruments in real life? What do they look like? What do they sound like?
Use objects you have at home to make simple musical instruments. Put beans in an old container for a rattle, or rubber bands around an open box for a string instrument. Play them together and have fun making music!
How is it different playing music on a screen versus with real life instruments? Is the sound different? How do they feel different? Which one do you prefer? Why?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
- Subjects: Arts : music
- Pricing structure: Paid ($1.99)
- Release date: September 3, 2019
- Category: Music
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- Publisher: Situated LLC
- Version: 1.0.2
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 9.0 or later
- Last updated: September 30, 2019
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