Share this page
By Stefan Dubowski
Six- to eight-year-olds will love Yamy, a little green guy whose purpose is to zoom through his leafy landscape eating whatever’s in his path. But should he eat it all? Players can help Yamy choose plenty of water, vegetables and fruit, a healthy dose of carbohydrates and proteins, plus the occasional sweet. If Yamy has too many sugary treats, he puts on weight and slows down. The game has three levels, none of them exceptionally hard. Yet the app reinforces what students that age are learning about nutrition — the importance of a balanced diet, exercise and getting a good night’s sleep.
DEVICE: Apple, Android
SOURCE: App Store, Google Play (free)
RATING: 4+, Everyone
Students who are looking to enhance their vocabulary or sharpen their spelling will enjoy this competitive word search. Players use onscreen letters to spell words that advance them toward their rival’s side. The first one to reach the opponent’s base wins. You can play with friends or other app users. Want to up your game? Then turn on the timer and try to beat the clock. Language is an important part of Ontario’s curriculum throughout elementary school, however; since this app requires sign-in via email, Facebook, Game Center or Google Plus, it is best for Grade 8s and up, with parental permission.
DEVICE: Apple; Android
SOURCE: App Store, Google Play (free)
RATING: 4+, Everyone
Geocaching is great for teens who love technology but still want to get out and about. This “treasure- hunting” app is all about the wayfinding activity in which players search for “caches” — boxes hidden all over the world that contain buttons, books or other items — that they can swap. That’s the treasure part. But the real fun is the hunt. Equipped with a digital compass, maps and related details, wanderers (accompanied by their teachers, if needed) are encouraged to explore both local areas and/or locations farther afield. This tool complements the geography concepts students learn at the elementary level, as well as the geographic inquiry skills they develop in Grades 11 and 12.
DEVICE: Apple; Android
SOURCE: App Store, Google Play (free)
RATING: 4+; Teen