As my kids get bigger, their educational needs are growing
and changing. The cute PBS and Nick Jr. apps that used to entertain them (and
teach them annoying-but-adorable songs such as “Adults come back”) no longer
engage them. So I’ve been on the lookout for educational apps and websites for
my oldest especially that encourages her to think and expand her horizons.
So when Pearachute approached me about trying out JAM, I was
excited. I had never heard of JAM before, nor have I seen anything like it!
JAM is a series of online courses for bigger kids, ages 8-16.
JAM includes short videos in a sequence that teaches kids about drawing,
science, Legos and more!
My oldest (who is 8.5) couldn’t wait to try ALL the lessons
on JAM. Because building Legos and Rube Goldberg Machines, learning to
illustrate your drawings and learning about how to improve your singing from
pros are all things that speak to her soul and challenge her mind. Plus, these
are all lessons that I, myself, would struggle to teach her (have I mentioned
lately what a terrible singer and drawer I am?!) and she wouldn’t necessarily
learn in school. JAM to the rescue here!
One of my favorite things about JAM was how it’s more than
just an app or a Website, it’s a community. My oldest picked a nickname for her
account and then makes videos after each lesson that other users in the
community can view. She can view others’ videos, also, which gives her
confidence in her own abilities after viewing others. When she sees their
drawings or hears them singing, she realizes that she is growing and improving
her skills, just like they are! She loves making videos to upload to JAM- it
might even be her favorite feature!
The videos are also short and easy to follow. And it is
super easy to go at your own pace. Because the videos are quick and can be
accessed from the phone, iPad or laptop, my oldest is always able to watch a
quick tutorial or two and work on the skills provided in the lesson. (It is
easiest to do the singing lessons on the go because there is nothing else
needed) She literally gets home from school and asks if she can do a “quick
video or two please Mom?” She has finally found something that is both fun and
educational!
JAM has so many cool offerings that if your kiddo isn’t into
singing like mine is, surely you can find something for him or her! JAM offers
cooking instruction, drawing instruction, mad science tutorials, Lego build
tutorials and more. (They even have Minecraft lessons!)
You can subscribe to one course at a time- or all the
courses if you wish! You can get a free two-week trial (You will love it, I
swear!)- and, the best part?!- you can get 20% off courses with my link:
or type STEPHANIE20 into the promo field (must use all caps
for code to work)
Happy JAMming!
Note: I am doing this review on behalf of Pearachute. All thoughts and comments are my own.
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