The Kurio XTreme is a great option when it comes to introducing technology in preschool. This Android tablet is a great, age-appropriate, and educational tool to include into any of your preschool themes.
Technology in preschool with the Kurio Xtreme Tablet
My students, like many preschoolers, love the building center. They plan, create, and demolish every day. Our building area doubles as our circle time and meeting area. This means that the students can’t keep their structures up past center time, which can be a little upsetting. For the past few years, I’ve taken to snapping photos of structures and displaying them near the building center. The children love this, and they tend to ask me to take pictures when they’ve worked hard building. Since I can’t always be at the kids’ beck-and-call for photos, I brought the Kurio XTreme in. The tablet is made for children, so it’s durable and it comes with a protective bumper (we chose the blue one, since my son’s favorite color is blue and he’ll be using it at home). I showed the children how to work the Kurio’s camera, explained how to take care of it, and off we went! Let’s just say it was a hit with the preschoolers! I’m glad I established some ground rules for using the tablet so there weren’t too many problems taking turns with it. The boys and girls were so excited to capture their buildings using the camera!
Of course, the kids spread out beyond the building center to snap photos! They took pictures of friends reading, friends sorting and exploring in the science center, their buds swinging outside, and even of younger siblings in the toddler room window. I had to laugh as I went through the hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of photos that were taken – there were photos of teachers making funny faces, special books, and even of their feet. In case you’re wondering, many of the pictures were indeed blurry – but a surprising number weren’t!
Literacy and technology in preschool
At the end of the day, I loaded the photos onto my computer and chose a variety to use for a book entitled “Our Structures”. I love creating books with my students, as it makes literacy even more meaningful to them. Each photo was paired with a simple sentence – for example, “Isaac made a tower.” I’m going to mount each page on construction paper, laminate them, and turn them into a book for our reading center!
I plan on getting the kiddos to help choose more photos to use in creating more books about our preschool day. I’m excited to see how the children build upon this over the course of the year! My son has already decided he’s going to use the Kurio’s camera, too. So far, he’s planning to create a LEGO structure book for the house. He’s also talking about using it to make a video of his artwork and structures. I may need to learn more about video editing in the near future!
More about the Kurio XTtreme Android Tablet
In addition to a front and rear camera, the Kurio comes with close to a hundred kid-appropriate e-books, apps, and games. My son and I were most interested in the motion games, as we’ve never seen that in a tablet before! The motion games seem like a great way to keep moving when stuck inside on rainy or snowy days. I also really like the parental controls – I can set them up to stop the Kurio after a certain amount of time, block apps and websites, turn off wifi access, etc. The tablet also has an internet filtering system that ensures kiddos don’t happen upon inappropriate content in apps or online. For more information about the Kurio XTreme, pop on over to the Kurio XTreme site and explore to your heart’s content!
Would you like your own Kurio Xtreme tablet? Just leave me a comment telling me your favorite feature of the Kurio Xtreme and you will be automatically entered for a chance to win!
Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 11/12/2014 – 12/8/2014.
Be sure to visit the Kurio’s brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
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Chelsey @buggyandbuddy says
I love the idea of letting kids take their own pictures of things they’ve created! This looks like such a cool gift idea for my kids!
Mary Catherine says
Thanks so much for the kind words, Chelsey! My students have looooooved it, and I have a feeling we’ll be using it for age-appropriate learning games AND more kid-made books in the near future! 🙂
Liska says
Once in a while my son likes taking videos with our old ipod – he is only turning 2 next month, so he is not very conscious of how it works, but he is very excited to see everything around him on the small screen. Even though I am all for limiting screen time for kids, I also think that teaching kids to use electronic devices creatively is very important, so Kurio Xtreme seems like a fun idea.
Mary Catherine says
Liska, I think you have a great point about using technology creatively – thank you! 🙂
Clarissa H says
What a fantastic idea! My son would love that activity! I love that the tablet comes with so many books and games preloaded and ready to go!
Mary Catherine says
The preschoolers still seem to enjoy the process, Clarissa! I have more photos to download, print, and laminate tomorrow! Thanks for the kind words. 🙂
katepickle says
Love the idea of the kids making their own photo books! What a fabulous way to extend learning!
Mary Catherine says
Kate, you’re so sweet – thank you! I’m excited the kiddos are so engaged with the process. I’m also very proud of how well they’re taking care of the Kurio XTreme in the process.
heather says
My favorite feature of this tablet is the camera we would have a blast with that.
Mary Catherine says
Based on how my students are responding, I would have to agree! Thanks, Heather! 🙂
Lavenda jones says
I have been looking for something like this for my pre k class. Thanks
Mary Catherine says
I’m glad you like it Lavenda! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Nicole Dz says
My favorite feature of the Kurio Xtreme is the body motion gaming where you can play 10 Kurio Motion Games, like Swim, Race, Run, Play Soccer, Ski and More! Very interactive.
Mary Catherine says
I think that feature is going to be SO HANDY when crazy winter weather hits! Thanks, Nicole.
Nicole Dz says
Posted to my twitter page here: https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/532997061478596608
Mary Catherine says
Yay, thank you!! 🙂
Kimmy Ripley says
My daughter is in preschool and I think that this tablet would be so wonderful for her! The app selection is perfect for a 4 year-old!
Mary Catherine says
The selection is very age-appropriate, and I like how the apps can appeal to different age groups. Since you can also link up to the Google Play store, there are many possibilities. My son’s having fun creating his own profile on the Kurio XTreme – I like that I can have it set up for my preschoolers on one profile and my son on a different one.
Melissa says
Looks like the kids had a great experience with the Kurio!
Mary Catherine says
Thanks, Melissa – they’ve really been enjoying it!! 🙂
Rachael @ Nothing if Not Intentional says
You had me at “durable”! Pick me! Pick me! 🙂
Rachael @ Nothing if Not Intentional says
Shared via twitter! https://twitter.com/Nateandrachael/status/533096985633374208
Meloney robles says
One of my favorite features is the camera kids love taking pictures on my phone this would be a great alternative to my phone. Plus all the great games!
Meloney robles says
https://mobile.twitter.com/melnoregon23/status/533111375145353216 My tweet! Thank you for the chance!
Katie says
My class would absolutely love this!!! They are so enthralled with taking pictures in our classroom of their creations or with their friends.
BusyWorkingMama says
It is pretty impressive that it comes pre-loaded with over 90 games. I think my daughter would enjoy this. Honestly, I’ve never heard of Kurio before!
Anna Pry says
i like the profiles and the parental controls pryfamily5@gmail.com
Anna Pry says
i tweeted https://twitter.com/dapryz5/status/533740527783407616 pryfamily5@gmail.com
Erika says
Content filtering and screen time limits- they should be on adult’s technology, too! 🙂
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
D Schmidt says
My favorite feature is definitely the Kurio Genius Filtering System. Filters 450+ Million sites daily to block inappropriate content and keep kids safe online!
D Schmidt says
tweeted https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/534060673592860672
OFG says
I like the parental controls.
OFG says
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/534100944049696768
Rebecca Graham says
I like the parental controls feature and the camera.
latanya says
That my son can safely be on the internet
latanya says
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/534503539402219520
Melissa M says
I love the parental control.
Melissa M says
https://twitter.com/618mom23boys/status/534508502698303490
Janice Cooper says
I love that it has over 90 preloaded apps along with educational apps
Janice Cooper says
https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/536697478205026304
ashley kirchner says
I LOVE THE PARENTAL CONTROLS
Eva Biggs says
the body motion controls, now thats pretty cool and a good way to by active while learning.
ANGEL JACKLYN says
THE FACT THAT THE KIDS FEEL LIKE THEY ARE IN CONTROL =) LOL.
ANGEL JACKLYN says
https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/538206294750949377
Katherine says
The parental controls and the preloaded apps
Katherine says
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/538408850081083392
Shannon Baas says
I like the parental controls.
Denise S says
I like the content filtering feature.
Shannon says
I love that kids can play motion games!! That’s great!
Shannon says
https://mobile.twitter.com/shiebs24b/status/538894376051552256
Debbie B says
i like that it has an internet filtering system!
Debbie B says
i posted a tweet:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/538911426446770178
Gina M says
I love that up to 8 profiles can be created on the device!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
Gina M says
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/538948805253926913
Dwayne Berry says
I’d love to win this for my daughter so she’d leave my iPad alone!
nickie says
I like the parental controls.
sherri crawford says
im glad it has a camera and i like the timer too
Anastasia Falling says
I really love the motion feature 🙂 It’s so cool that they have apps and games kids can play WHILE adding movement into it! Very cool how far kids tech has come 🙂
Anastasia Falling says
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/539214808797569024
mickeyfan says
The combo of parental controls plus all the pre-loaded apps makes this very attractive.
Emily R. says
I like the internet filtering system.
Sarah Yu says
What a fantastic idea. Love that it’s durable and easy to use. for small fingers.
Denise B. says
I like that it already comes with all of those games and apps.
Ashley H says
I like the body motion feature.
Sonya Morris says
I love the parental controls! I would hate to explain to my daughter something questionable she saw on the internet! I would NEVER hear the end of it!!
Sonya Morris says
Link to tweet:
https://twitter.com/catholicfanatic/status/539973217905938432
Thank you! 🙂
Leela says
The apps and games.
jennifer says
I love all the apps and durability for my kids and I love the parental controls!
sandra says
they would use it all the time
Ashley S. says
I love the parental control features
Ashley S. says
Tweeted https://twitter.com/smash906/status/540346421040660480
Ashley says
Everything about this tablet is really cool! My favorite features are the parental controls and the motion sensor games.
Lindsay D. says
I love that this tablet comes with body motion games! My kids would love to have this tablet.
Kerry says
I like the Body Motion Gaming!
Kerry says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/540680591646019584
Kimberley Meier says
I love the extra strict parental controls this has!
Kimberley Meier says
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/MRSMEIER5627/status/540729495649402880
Mary Hampton says
I like the parental controls. I can set it up for my kids and then give them some independence in using it on their own rather than monitoring every app or all of their internet time. I think they’d have fun with the body motion games.
devin m says
I’m excited because this would be a great way for my kids to have fun on long, snowy days, long trips in the car, or waiting at the dreaded doctors office! 🙂
Susan Chester says
I like that it takes videos. What fun!
smchester at gmail dot com
Kathy Pease says
I love that it takes photos and video..It sounds like a great tablet 🙂
Kathy Pease says
https://twitter.com/klp1965/status/541344664867983360
Daniel M says
My favorite feature is the camera
erica best says
it so hard to get boys to read i love the e-books
erica best says
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/541423615372451841
Erica B. says
I like that you can make different profiles.
cris says
Oh, how I miss teaching preschool. Thanks for this wonderful post explaining a brilliant and completely appropriate use of technology in pre k. It is such a heated topic but I believe strongly that it is a great addition to learning when used responsibly. Again thank you for your great example.
Lisa V. says
I like that is has parental controls.
Ed says
I like the safety features.
kim h says
My favorite part is the body motion! The kids would love this!! ky_gradnma40@yahoo.com
Stephanie Larison says
I love the parental controls and security on it.
tracey johnson says
I like that you can make photo books
Alison L. says
My favorite feature is the parental controls.
Theresa Woehrman says
My son goes to a co-op preschool and we love it. This pre-school is a play based one and is working out great. I love the parental controls this offers. I also love how creative the kids can be. I am imagining all the things my son and daughter can do.
Wanda McHenry says
My favorite feature is that your child can create their own profile.
Wanda McHenry says
https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/541888907281825792
Betty C says
I like the body motion games that will get them up and moving. I wouldn’t be happy to see them stuck in one spot just watching the screen.
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/541894082901970944
Karen Drake says
My favorite feature is the parental controls.
tina reynolds says
I like the preloaded apps and parental controls would be a huge hit with my kiddos
tina reynolds says
https://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/541972711119921152
melissa Resnick says
love the parental controls
Richard Hicks says
I love the parental controls and it comes with a built in camera
Richard Hicks says
https://twitter.com/ardy22/status/541989201982394369
Amanda Sakovitz says
I love the parental controls
Amanda Sakovitz says
tweet
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/542014618533908480
Thomas Murphy says
I like the front and rear facing camera.
Thomas Murphy says
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/542021885655932929
Tabathia B says
I like that it comes with preloaded apps and kid safe web browsing
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/542104351473291264
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
steve weber says
My favorite feature is the parental controls.