This is my car - Mechanics for kids
By Amanda Bindel,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Hands-on, info-packed app with only a couple of flaws.
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This is my car - Mechanics for kids
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What’s It About?
In THIS IS MY CAR - MECHANICS FOR KIDS, kids start by choosing their favorite car from a sports car, sedan, hatchback, and SUV. Then they paint and decorate it; learn how the engine, steering, and wheels work; fill it with gasoline, oil, and washer fluid; wash it; change and air the tires; and learn about safety. The information is presented through interactive features and hands-on activities. After kids complete activities, they earn a picture that's saved to their gallery. Once they've earned 20 pictures, they get their driver's license.
Is It Any Good?
There's enough information included that even some adults may learn a bit about how cars work. The material is presented in a fun, hands-on way that doesn't talk down to kids, but a few hiccups prevent it from being a top performer. First, kids have to earn 20 pictures to get their driver's license. That means they have to go through all the material included twice before earning their license. Although the activities are fun and the material is interesting, it'd be nice if kids got that reward after one time through the content.
Second, the cartoon illustration and car topic will appeal to preschoolers, but some text is only written and not read aloud. Most preschoolers would need the material read aloud to them. Some of the gestures and controls are awkward, especially for little hands. Successfully changing a tire can take several attempts (though perhaps that's intentional preparation for the real activity). Even with the flaws, This is my car - Mechanics for kids is drive-able without a recall, especially for kids interested in cars and mechanics.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what they do to maintain their vehicles and let kids help out washing the car, checking tire pressure, or checking oil.
If you're planning a road trip, spend some time using the app with your kid and talking about the real-life things you're doing to get your car ready before you hit the road.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Subjects: Language & Reading: vocabulary, Science: engineering
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: collecting data, thinking critically, Self-Direction: personal growth, Responsibility & Ethics: making wise decisions
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Release date: August 22, 2014
- Category: Education
- Topics: Cars and Trucks
- Publisher: urbn; pockets
- Version: 1.0.12
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 7.1 or later
- Last updated: August 15, 2016
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