Sesame Street Family Play
Quick offline games for parents and kids to play together.
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Sesame Street Family Play
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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 they can discover real-world games to play with their kids by using Sesame Street Family Play. The app includes instructions for 150 simple games categorized by location of play. The games are designed to be led by parents or caregivers and played with common, everyday items. Game options include At Home (in the living room, kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom), Away from Home (outdoors, in a restaurant, shopping, or waiting), or Traveling (in a car, plane, or train/bus or on a walk). In addition to location, the app also suggests games based on number of kids playing. Once parents read the ideas and items needed for these simple games, they can play them as many times as desired without a mobile device.
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What’s It About?
Open the app and read, "Where are you?" Then choose from At Home (in the living room, kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom), Away from Home (outdoors, in a restaurant, shopping, or waiting), or Traveling (in a car, plane, or train/bus or on a walk). Tap on the number of kids playing (from one to four or more). Read the name of the game, the object of the game, and what you need to play. Tap "Play this game" or "Show me another game" to view more relevant choices.
Is It Any Good?
For parents who are looking for an alternative to screen time to keep their kids occupied and learning at home, in the car, or when traveling long distances, this app is simple, old-fashioned fun with a modern tech twist. The games all include a Sesame Street character's endorsement ("Hey, buddy! Ernie has a game for you!"). Kids can learn important skills as they have lots of fun with a mom, dad, or caregiver.
The lists of instructions for the offline games are organized in a very pragmatic way, according to where parents may find themselves with kids in need of something fun to fill time or of bringing some fun to a mundane activity -- bath time, car rides, dinner prep time, and more. The items needed to play games are typical around-the-house stuff, such as cups, balls, stuffed animals, or a bag. SESAME STREET FAMILY PLAY offers lots of ideas for playing real-world games and discovering new ways to interact with your kids to promote learning and banish everyday doldrums anywhere, anytime.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Daily transition times in the car, kitchen, or bathtub can be great opportunities for fun activities, such as the games on this app. Try a new one each day to mix things up, or play a favorite one at the same time to create a routine.
Many of the games suggested by Sesame Street Family Play borrow ideas from classic childhood games. What are some other games you remember from your childhood you can introduce to your kids?
Check out the "New on the Street" kid-protected area to read the parent tip of the week, videos, recipes, and more.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Subjects: Language & Reading: following directions, letter or word recognition, Math: numbers
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: decision-making, thinking critically, Communication: listening
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: May 5, 2014
- Category: Family Games
- Topics: Friendship, Music and Sing-Along, Numbers and Letters
- Publisher: Sesame Street
- Version: 1.1.3
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 6.0 or later; Android 4.4 and up
- Last updated: May 14, 2020
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