Draw Something - Kids Edition: Simple Shapes - A Review
Tags: #KidsDrawing #EducationalGames #CreativePlay #Parenting #ArtForKids
Introduction
In today’s digital age, finding engaging and educational activities for children can be challenging. Draw Something - Kids Edition: Simple Shapes is an interactive drawing game designed to introduce young children to the world of art through basic shapes and fun exercises. This review explores the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this creative app, helping parents decide if it’s the right fit for their little artists.
What is Draw Something - Kids Edition: Simple Shapes?
Draw Something - Kids Edition: Simple Shapes is a child-friendly version of the popular drawing game Draw Something. Unlike the original game, which focuses on multiplayer drawing challenges, this edition is tailored for young children (ages 3-8) and emphasizes learning through simple shapes, colors, and guided drawing exercises.
The app encourages creativity while teaching foundational drawing skills, making it both entertaining and educational.
Key Features
1. Simple & Intuitive Interface
The app features a clean, colorful design with large buttons and minimal text, making it easy for young children to navigate independently. Parents don’t need to supervise constantly, as the app is designed to be child-safe with no ads or in-app purchases.
2. Step-by-Step Drawing Lessons
Instead of freehand drawing, the app breaks down images into basic shapes (circles, squares, triangles) and guides kids through assembling them into recognizable objects like animals, vehicles, and everyday items. This method helps children understand how complex drawings are built from simple components.
3. Interactive Coloring Pages
Beyond drawing, the app includes coloring activities where kids can fill in pre-drawn outlines with vibrant colors. The color palette is extensive, encouraging experimentation with shades and combinations.
4. Voice-Guided Instructions
For children who can’t read yet, the app provides friendly voice instructions, making it accessible even for preschoolers. The voiceovers are cheerful and encouraging, boosting kids' confidence as they draw.
5. Progress Tracking & Rewards
Parents can track their child’s progress through a simple dashboard that shows completed drawings and skill improvements. The app also offers digital stickers and badges as rewards, motivating kids to keep practicing.
Educational Benefits
1. Enhances Fine Motor Skills
Drawing with fingers or a stylus helps develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor control, which are essential for writing and other precision-based tasks.
2. Encourages Creativity & Problem-Solving
By learning how shapes form objects, children begin to think creatively about how to represent their ideas visually. This fosters problem-solving skills and spatial awareness.
3. Builds Confidence in Art
Many kids hesitate to draw because they fear making mistakes. This app’s step-by-step approach reduces frustration, allowing children to feel proud of their creations.
4. Introduces Basic Geometry
The focus on shapes subtly introduces early math concepts, helping kids recognize geometric forms in real-world objects.
Potential Drawbacks
While Draw Something - Kids Edition: Simple Shapes has many strengths, there are a few limitations:
- Limited Free Content: Some advanced lessons may require a premium version.
- No Multiplayer Mode: Unlike the original Draw Something, this version lacks social features, which may disappoint older kids.
- Device Dependency: Requires a tablet or touchscreen device, which may not be ideal for all families.
Parental Feedback & Recommendations
Parents who have used the app praise its ability to keep children engaged while learning. Many note that their kids show improved drawing skills after consistent use. However, some suggest that adding more free content or offline activities would enhance the experience.
Recommended for:
- Parents looking for a screen-time activity that combines fun and learning.
- Children ages 3-8 who enjoy drawing or need encouragement in art.
- Educators seeking supplementary tools for early art education.
Final Verdict
Draw Something - Kids Edition: Simple Shapes is a well-designed, educational app that makes drawing accessible and enjoyable for young children. Its focus on basic shapes, interactive lessons, and child-friendly interface makes it a great choice for budding artists. While it could benefit from more free content, its overall value as a creative learning tool is undeniable.
Rating: 4.5/5
Would you try this app with your child? Let us know in the comments!
Tags: #KidsDrawing #EducationalGames #CreativePlay #Parenting #ArtForKids
