Common Sense Media Review
By Christopher Healy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Build (and hear) simple stories by filling in the blanks.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
This Is My Story (And I'm Sticking To It)
What's It About?
Kids pick a story template from seven themed options, then tap and drag labeled images into the blanks of each page to create an original story. A young voice prompts kids to fill in the blanks for the story and reads the story aloud as kids create. Kids can save their original stories to read or listen to later. Additional features include a just-for-fun sticker page and a matching activity.
Is It Any Good?
The only thing that would make THIS IS MY STORY (AND I'M STICKING TO IT) better would be a little more variety. The concept is great -- as is its execution. Preschoolers get a kick out of "writing" their own books with simple tap-and-drag controls. And hearing those tales read aloud is even more entertaining. And throughout the entire exercise, those young kids are picking up subtle grammar and spelling lessons. As a just-for-fun bonus, there's a sticker book mode that lets kids create their own scenes. The only danger is in kids getting tired of using the same words and stickers over and over. Perhaps future updates will increase the app's vocabulary.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Help your kids make logical choices and build understanding of vocabulary as they create their stories. Ask questions like "Which of these can swim?"
Create your own story templates and word banks for your kids to try, or introduce them to the app Cool Mad Libs for more advanced fill-in-the blank story creation.
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
- Subjects : Language & Reading : letter or word recognition , reading , writing
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : decision-making , Creativity : making new creations
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Release date : October 28, 2013
- Genre : Educational Games
- Version : 4.1
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 4.3 or later
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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