This post originally appeared on my new company blog: Mediaegg.
The other morning, my 4-year-old was playing quietly with her iPod Touch, wearing her headset. Suddenly, she spoke, and what she said surprised me.
“Chapeau!” she exclaimed.
“What did you say, honey?”
“Chapeau.” she repeated and continued playing.
“That’s French,” I told her, and she just smiled as she dexterously traced her finger over the iPod’s screen.
Curious, I went to look over her shoulder to see what she was playing as I know I hadn’t yet downloaded any language games for her.
Turns out she was playing a paper doll app, Esme in Paris by AppsNMinded. From the description:
Bonjour! Learn French words and phrases while you dress-up Esme for the beach, school, playtime, bedtime, party time and so much more! Find out what Esme likes to do for fun and who her best friend is! You’ll be speaking french in no time! Oui?
While a little “old” for a 4-year-old in terms of sexy clothing styles, clearly it had a major appeal to my Pre-K, and the illustrations are lovely, albeit mature in outfit choices. Just the fact that the paper doll is wearing a bra presents the ever-interesting “When am I going to wear a bra, mommy?” question.
The company also has a Chinese version, Li in Beijing and Lil Dressup
that combines both a French and Chinese game.
These apps are rated 4+ which means they contain no objectionable material. I find it challenging to sift out the apps that, while not containing objectionable material, are still a bit mature for a 4-year-old. Still, I’m excited to hear her speaking another language. Now she wants to learn Spanish!
How do you feel about apps rated as appropriate for Pre-K but are a bit more mature?
that's so cute ! you got a lovely daughter. And continue to teach her french it's a wonderful language and it may help her in the future who knows :)
Posted by: Janie | November 01, 2010 at 12:54 AM
maybe she just repeated that word , she heard it from someone, anyway that's cute
Posted by: Donna | November 29, 2010 at 07:32 AM
A 4-year old speaking French, you’re daughter’s adorable! However, Esme in Paris for me is kinda mature for a 4-year old and I guess it’s us parents that should know what games or apps our children must play with since they have no control in what they’re doing. Do you agree on this?
Posted by: Mrs. Life | December 16, 2010 at 08:25 PM
I think the first time she told you je t'aime your heart exploded ! :)
Posted by: Michelle | February 24, 2011 at 07:47 AM