A Jazzy Day is as educational as they get! Its fun and cute, especially if you love kittens! A must have for all families geared towards teaching jazzy music and reading interactive stories.
I purchased this interactive music book "A Jazzy Day" well over a year ago for our *special needs child who use to have trouble focusing on one task at a time. Before the iPad, our child would try to play with several toys, instruments, books, and games all at the same time. All this multitasking was creating a ruckus which was entirely too much stimulation. 2 years ago we finally bought an iPad to help with fine tuning our childs fine motor skills for occupational therapy (OT), speech therapy (ST), and any other developmental therapies needed that may come up. I found that interactive books with educational games were paving the future for special needs children. With this type of technology and interaction, our child began to successfully learn and remember things we were told would be nearly impossible. Our family loves books, music, cats, and technology. All that combined makes for a fantastic App. A Jazzy Day was one of the first of many books from this group that we purchased in the beginning. This book is fun, cute, playful, and easy to navigate. I love having the options to read it aloud or have it read for us. The book breaks down the instruments, teaching sounds and how to use them, while telling a wonderful story. Its been a great learning tool for us as well as for our child.
I noticed that there hasnt been any recent reviews. So I wanted to let others know that despite any problems the app may have had within the last year, its still one of our favorites. I also noticed that it had accidentally been deleted from our iPad, so I went to add it back (unclear how long its been missing), which is how we came to writing such a long review.
Keep in mind that Apple has also changed many of their great products over the last couple years as well. Ive heard its been challenging for the developers to keep up sometimes with each new iOS sometimes, so we just have to maintain patience when possible. Its obvious that this is still a great app or Apple wouldnt keep it as one of the top apps in the App Store. Right?
*From the top regarding our special needs child. We know its no ones business, Im just trying to create awareness. Apps that our (meaning the worlds) special needs children can utilize are very important...Our child has Sensory Integration Disorder aka SIDs (which is considered to part of the Broad Spectrum of Autism). Children or adults with SIDs are being diagnosed more these days. Always get a second or third opinion. One things is clear, each case varies on how their brain processes incoming and outgoing sensory information, therefore, its possible no two are the same.
Regarding this App, from a musical standpoint, certain sounds, tunes, or instruments, including their tone, pitch, range, melody and harmony for solo or group singing like choirs, bands, and/or musical instrument etc., that might be playing, may seem harmonious to one, but may sound car crashing to someone with SIDs or other form of Autism Spectrum Disorder. It can be worse when people are shouting during an event or singing out loud to a song like Happy Birthday or saying Happy New Year. My child used to get emotional and cry due to the overwhelming experience. Others may experience frustration, which can turn into fear, sadness, elation, and sometimes even anger. Though, there are many theories as to the cause. As a parent, I find that support from other families and finding ways to support and comfort your child is best. Nonetheless, there are times during situations when it may be difficult to enjoy an event, family or social, listening to a simple composition, a live band, being at a party, even with other children, or hearing the local DJ play at any occasion. I say all this from experience, particularly with my own child and Im a DJ. So I try to understand and try to be proactive as a parent and very particular with the Apps I choose. I believe that music is one of the best forms of therapy, it can help overcome barriers and obstacles. Any child would benefit from having this app just for the sheer fun of it.
Thats why its important to have apps like these to help us with our children to give them every chance they need for succeeding later in life and to overcome the challenges set by society. Now my child sings, dances, and his learning real instruments everyday. Its also important to remember the iPad isnt a baby sitter either, but a tool in addition to what we as parents should already be working on for our children. If we forget that, then we will inevitably fail them and this technology is for nothing, except making someone else richer. This is the time to take advantage and invest in your childs or childrens future.
These are just my thoughts. Thanks for allowing me to voice my words and thank for reading.
From a Thankful, Mom!