My house has been taken over with Angry Bird fever (the app, that is). I have it on my iPod, my husband has it on his iPad and his smartphone. It was bound to happen that my son caught the fever, as well. He has many educational apps on my iPod that he plays, but he wondered over to Angry Birds and got stuck.
So I decided to make it come to life, sort of. I grabbed various manipulatives that we have at our house.
I also grabbed some farm animal toys (to take the place of the green pigs).
Then I grabbed a toy to use in place of the Angry Birds (Mr. Potato Head Spuds worked great).
We created a scene constructed of different building materials.
I talked with my son about the differences between them. We discussed “flimsy” and “sturdy”. We also talked about chain reactions.
My son let the birds potatoes fly. The target was annihilated.
He made his own structure all by himself. He told me all about why he put animals in certain places. Some got their spots to protect themselves, while others were put there to use a throw (to get only one animal, instead of multiples). He talked about spots he wanted to hit that could cause a chain reaction, too.
I was so happy! He was listening. He was learning. He used his logic to make a video game come to life. He now asks to play his real life version more often than the app version.
I have to admit, the app version is a lot easier to clean up. 😉
Do you let your kids play on your iPod/iPad/smartphone?
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Kim is a contributing writer for No Time For Flash Cards, a mom to a toddler, a preschooler, and a foster parent, too. She juggles her day by trying out fun activities and crafts with the kids. After all, she is just a big kid herself. See what she has been up to over at Mom Tried It.
Kristen @ Adventures in Mommyhood says
We will definitely be trying this out! My daughter likes playing Angry Birds, too, but I think she’ll have more fun with the “real life” version.
Lynda says
This is brilliant!
Daisy says
This is such a great idea! Perfect for being stuck inside.
Tish says
What a great way to explore logic and Physics!
Kate B says
Just saw this and what a blessing for a Snow Day! The boys are loving it!!! I think we’ll be doing this off and on all day. Thanks for sharing!!!
Will be linking this to my Facebook page to share the idea.
Amber says
We’re all Angry Birds fans here, even my 2-year-old.
I love this idea, thanks for sharing it!
MamaGames says
My son (8 1/2) plays a similar app called “Crash the Castle” – and yes, he too has used blocks and things to build castles for his toy knights that he knocks down with soft balls! 🙂
Rebecca says
Hahahaha- cute!
Jamie (Mama.Mommy.Mom) says
So far, I have avoided downloading Angry Birds. Instead, I’ve been sucked into Pocket Frogs. It’s starting to loose it’s luster though, so Angry Birds may be on the horizon! My daughter thinks my iPhone is hers 🙂
Joyce says
Don’t play much of this game (anymore) but this is too fun and funny! =) Love it!
Brandy says
That is an awesome idea! My five year old loves this game and we like the geometry (angles) aspect of it so we let him play. I’m absolutely going to try this with him. Thanks for the idea!
Kim says
It really is nice to know that I am not the only mom that lets her child play Angry Birds. The response to this activity has been so encouraging.
Christina says
Someone had the same idea as you and is marketing it: http://www.electricpig.co.uk/2011/01/07/play-angry-birds-for-real/
Of course, your way is more creative and cheaper!
Erica says
My son taught me to play Angry Birds – on MY phone! I do let him play on it.. I even have a page devoted to kid apps.
Love your site! Checked it out on the recommendation of my son’s teacher.
Suz says
I love this!! My three-year-old son is playing Angry Birds as I type this. He’s better than I am!! I’m definitely going to try this with him!
Ashlyn Brunson says
My son loves this game on my iPhone called “Monkey Preschool Lunchbox.” It is all about matching, colors, and counting. In addition, you get to pick out reward stickers at the end of the game. It’s 99 cents, but definitely worth it to have your son or daughter so engaged in a fun and educational activity!