Stack the States

When we got home from China, I had this iPod and had heard a lot about apps for them.  So, I decided to check them out.  But since I am such a cheapskate frugal I was only interested in free apps.  Also, since I am not a big "screen time" (i.e. computer/video game/tv) fan, I figured that the apps should at least be educational.  So, I googled "free educational apps" and found a bunch. 

One of the many that I found was Stack the States.  I got it mainly for JA so he could work on some geography, but SG spotted it and started playing.  She was H-O-O-K-E-D from the beginning.  It wasn't long before she was begging for the upgrade version (yes, the nefarious business model - hook them with the free "lite" version and they'll purchase the full version).  I deferred and said no.  But then, TJ started playing.  I'm not sure how he managed to succeed at any of it with his limited English, but he was certainly having fun playing.  SG continued to beg for the upgrade version.  I finally broke down when I saw that it was only a measly  a bargain at $0.99.

So, ever since then, she and TJ nearly fight over my iPod after school to play this game!  Shhhh!  Don't tell them they are learning!  Even better, last night, TJ said to me "Help me"  (yes, in his still growing English) and I was more than happy to oblige.  I got to sit next to him with my arm around him or on his leg, read him the questions, tell him the answer and then he had to pick (out of the 4) the correct state, and praise him when he got it right.  So, he was learning geography, English, and reading all at the same time.  With a LOT of attachment/bonding work thrown in!  There is also a bit of physics learning going on as you need to pay attention how you stack the states or they will tumble over and you have to start again! 

This is the best $0.99 I've spent in a LONG time!