123 Calling, a Story of the Chinese Zodiac
ItsyBitsyStories has a new app for the iPad and iPhone for kids ages 2 and up entitled “123 Calling, a Story of the Chinese Zodiac." Asianmommy received a free app for review.
This app tells the story of the Chinese Zodiac in English with English subtitles and also teaches counting from 1 to 12 in English and Chinese (with characters, Pinyin, and audio pronunciaton). The app is available for free download this summer.
What I liked: I liked learning about the animals in the Chinese Zodiac. The app provided the English and Chinese characters for the animals, as well as accompanying sound effects for each animal, the years they were born, and an identifying characteristic of the animal. I also liked how they provided the stroke order for writing the numbers 1 to 12.
What could be improved: I wish they had also provided the Pinyin and audio pronunciation of the Chinese Zodiac animals, so we could learn how to pronounce them, as well.
Comments
iPad app
This seems like an app my 5yo son would enjoy. Thank you for reviewing this--we will get the app to try it out. I am always looking for resources for younger children as I teach a Toddler Chinese class in the burbs.
Hi Sandra,
There are so many resources now for teaching Mandarin to toddlers. I would love to hear which materials you use for your class and how you like them.
Teaching materials
Well, I've only taught for one semester so far, and everything I've done has come out of my head. We do lots of games, sing-songs, dances, some youtube videos, and crafts. That is why I am so interested in finding new materials to use. My brain can only come up with so much stuff. Because the age group is so young (ages 2 - 3), I haven't had a real need to use textbooks or any sort of curriculum. Please let me know if you recommend any materials for this young age group!
Hi Sandra,
I'll write a post, and let you know!
I don't have an iPad and
I don't have an iPad and don't want our son on iPhone too much. Nevertheless I love learning apps for kids. You know, in case of emergency
Hi lisacng,
I agree--we don't use apps all the time, but it's nice to have them when you're traveling or have some time to kill. Keep the kids occupied, and they're learning at the same time!
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