Tallying use on iPads is a little tricky. While you can see what apps have been used by double tapping the home button, each app only shows up once. Let’s say a child opens Rocket Reads. It puts itself in the “opened apps” cue. If that child opens up other apps and then returns back to Rocket Reads, then Rocket Reads jumps to the front of the cue–it does not duplicate itself. You probably just skimmed that last sentence, so let’s not get bogged down in technical detail.
With this in mind, I chose to tally use as often as I could (about 3 times per day for one week), while closing the apps every time I took a tally. Sure, it’s not the most scientific way but I did see certain apps being used more than others.
Variables included:
- Storytimes were in session (guaranteeing more young children in the library)
- The iPads are geared to ages 2-8
- These results don’t show how long the apps were used, just if the child was intrigued enough to open the app.
Without further delay, here are the results!
Used 12 times in 1 week
Press Here
Bugs & Buttons
Used 10 times in 1 week
Cinderella (by Nosy Crow)
Dr. Panda’s Hospital
Peekaboo Barn
Used 9 times in 1 week
Don’t Let the Pigeon Run This App!
Animal Snapp Farm
Dr. Seuss’ Band
Pigeon Presents: Mo on the Go
Peek-a-Zoo
Runner’s up included:
- The Monster at the End of this Book…Starring Grover
- Photo Booth
- The Cat & The Hat Color and Create
- Shapes and Puzzles by Pirate Trio
- Miss Spider’s Tea Party
Finally, if you’re curious, I used Fotor to create these free photo collages. What are your most popular apps either with your kids or at your workplace?
Library Bonanza 