A Week With The Kurio: Day Two

Following on from yesterday's post where we unboxed the Kurio, today it is fully charged and ready to go so in this post I am going to share my experience of configuring the basic settings and the parental account. 

To power on the Kurio you hold the on/off button down for five seconds after which the screen below appears.

Next you are prompted to touch inside the two circles to unlock it.

Select your language, the default is English UK.

You are now ready to set up the Kurio interface. Click Start Setup to begin.

Set the date and time using the up and down arrows to scroll through the dates and times.

Now you are ready to connect your Kurio to the Wi-Fi. Select your Wi-Fi from the list and click connect or alternatively select Stay Offline. One thing to note is that if your SSID is hidden and therefore does not appear in the list, you will need to un-hide it to connect to the Wi-fi as there is no option to set it up manually.

Next set up the Parental Account by entering email, password and security question.

Finally enter your serial number which can be found on the back of your Kurio.

.
And there you have it, in a few quick and easy steps your parental account is set up ready for you to add user accounts which I will cover in my post tomorrow.

*Disclaimer: I received a Kurio free of charge but this has in no way biased my opinion.

Day 213 of The 366 Project

Entertaining Ben and Coco the chihuahua while the estate agent is showing people around our place is never easy, usually they both want to run in different directions and I end up being pulled between the two. Today however was good, Ben happily sat outside playing with our neighbour's bike making the pedals spin around and around before he moved on to "fixing" the reflectors while Coco sniffed about exploring the area around him.

Little Digits iPad App Review

Little Digits by Cowly Owl is a unique app in the approach it takes to teaching young kids numbers and counting which not only proves to be fun, but effective too. The app makes use of the multi-touch functionality of the iPad to display a number which corresponds to the amount of fingers placed on screen at any one time. As a result children learn to associate how many fingers make up a particular number which is a basic lesson in counting and numeracy. To help build basic maths skills there are also addition and subtraction calculations which use the same multi-touch finger detection to help your child work out the answer.

When you load the app you can choose from four options:

• ? plays an instructional video
• 123 displays the number of fingers placed on screen and is great for learning how to count from one to ten.
• + presents simple addition calculations which helps kids to learn the basics of adding two amounts together.
• - presents simple subtraction calculations which helps kids to learn the basics of subtracting numbers from each other through using their fingers to work out the answers

Number 4

Simple addition calculation

Little Digits is a fantastic way to help young kids fully understand the relationship between quantities and actual numbers through presenting it in a physical way which is accessible to them - counting using their fingers. The graphics are bright and colourful with a space theme and each number is in the form of a cute little character. The fact that the whole app is based on interaction keeps it engaging and children are suddenly learning without even realising they are doing so.

3 fingers down = number 3

Ben has had a love of numbers and counting from a very young age so took to this app instantly and had a lot of fun counting out the numbers with his fingers. As a parent, I can really see the educational value of Little Digits, it almost effortlessly builds and reinforces maths skills encouraging kids to play with numbers though interacting with the iPad without it being intrusive or distracting but instead an aid.

Little Digits is available to purchase from the App Store for £1.49 and is compatible with the iPad. It is aimed at kids aged between 3 - 7 years.

*Disclaimer: I received a promo code to download this app for free but this has in no way biased my opinion.

Day 212 of The 366 Project

Ben, being the little joker he is thought he would entertain us at dinner by stuffing three tomatoes in his mouth, the result being hamster cheeks and lots of uncontrollable laughter from us all.

A Week With The Kurio: Day One

Ever since I had a play with the Kurio from InspirationWorks at the mi-comms PR Christmas Open House I have been dying to get my hands on one so I can put it to the test and explore it fully. Today I am happy to say the wait is over - our Kurio has arrived! As it is such an exciting new product I have decided to share my experience of using it in a series of posts throughout the week which will cover a range of topics starting with the fun process of unboxing it.

Ben couldn't wait to get his hands on the Kurio

A very excited boy

I love when a tech product comes packaged in a way that makes the whole process of opening and unwrapping the goods inside a special and exciting experience. This was definitely the case with the Kurio which comes beautifully packaged in it's box which flips open at the front and lifts up to reveal the fantastic new tablet inside, it's funky green bumper, the charger, USB adapter, USB lead and documents.

Opened the box to reveal the Kurio and Getting Started Guide on the lid
(yes, that is Ben's hand grabbing for it again)

Inside the lid is a quick and easy to follow Getting started with Kurio guide which covers the things you need to do to get it up and running in six steps. The first step is to charge the tablet before first use with a recommended charge time of at least three hours. The fact that you need to charge the Kurio before use is an important point to note if you are getting one as a Christmas present for your child.

Bumper to keep the Kurio safe from bumps and knocks

Inside the box you will also find a Quick Start Guide which details everything you need to know about the Kurio including the interface features, setting up accounts, parental controls and much more. The guide is well written with clear and comprehensive instructions which should make setting up the Kurio easy and straightforward. I shall be following it closely this week so we will be able to confirm just how good it is.

Quick Start Guide

Right now our new Kurio is currently on charge, I look forward to setting up our user accounts tomorrow and having a play.

Ben providing a vigil while the Kurio is on charge

*Disclaimer: I received a Kurio free of charge but this has in no way biased my opinion.

Day 211 of The 366 Project

I couldn't resist taking a picture of Ben when he fell asleep in his buggy today with his arms and legs crossed looking oh so very snug.

Silent Sunday

Day 210 of The 366 Project

When I looked back at the photos I took in the park today this one made me laugh.

Saturday is Caption Day

Can you think of a caption for this photo of Ben?

You can then check out some more fab entries for Saturday is Caption Day over at Mammasaurus's blog by clicking the badge below. Happy Saturday!

Day 209 of The 366 Project

I was in Ben's bedroom changing his sheets and looked out to see him cheekily standing in the garden after opening the door and leaving himself out. Time to keep the doors locked now he can reach the door handles.

Fancy Snacking on Some Llama's?

We recently received some Llama's baked snacks and wow they taste good! They come in three yummy varieties; BBQ, Cheese and Sweet Chilli so something to suit all tastes. As soon as I saw the packets they made me smile with their cheeky llamas and humorous phrases like "I spit on your potatoes" and "I put the ooh back into BBQooh". I love the branding, the llama idea is genius! Of course, once I opened them and saw the cute little llama shaped bites inside I was liking them even more. Yes, I know what you're thinking - what a sucker for a bit of clever marketing and branding, however I'll have you know if these snacks didn't live up to the all important taste test I would be quickly losing my attraction to my new found food crush.

I wasn't to be disappointed though as one word kept getting repeated by me and all who tried them and that was "yummy!". They are deliciously moorish without feeling heavy or greasy. Of course as they are oven baked, not fried and whole-wheat they are a far healthier alternative to a lot of the other crisps and snacks on the market. It is also worth mentioning that if you are allergic to dairy (like me) and struggle to find snacks that don't contain some form of milk or another, then you're in luck as the BBQ ones are dairy free.

Nutritional values prove they are a healthy snack choice

The enjoyment went beyond just eating the Llama's though. Ben (and I) couldn't resist playing with them and we had a lot of fun chasing them about with Ben's toys who also wanted to sample them.

The Dinosaur & dragon were curious about the new snacks in town

Llama 's definitely get a big thumbs up from all of us (drangons and dinosaurs agree too) so I can highly recommend you get hold of a packet. They are available to purchase from Tesco and cost £1.69 for a 150g bag which is perfect for sharing. The bag comes with a resealable tab which keep them fresh once opened and resealed. Go on, go try them - you won't be disappointed!

* Disclaimer: I received sample packets of Llama's to try in exchange for a review.

Day 208 of The 366 Project

It was another lovely warm sunny day which meant Ben spent most of it outside playing with his sand table. I love how transfixed he is by the sand flowing through his fingers in this photo.

Day 207 of The 366 Project

We have had another fantastic LEGO DUPLO delivery much to Ben's delight. It contained three fabulous Read & Build sets which posed quite a dilemma for Ben who couldn't decide which one to play with first.

Bizzy Bear Builds a House iPad / iPhone App Review

Bizzy Bear Builds a House by Nosy Crow is a fantastic app for budding little builders who will love  operating all the machinery while helping to build a house. The app is based on the popular Bizzy Bear books and features the original illustrations by Benji Davies. The user interface is kid-friendly and it has impressive interactive features throughout which include helping Bizzy Bear to dig a hole with the digger, operating the dumper truck and fetching blocks for Donkey. It is a fun and engaging app, with pleasant narration and bright colourful graphics which are sure to appeal to kids.

Reading Modes

When you load the app you can choose between Read and Play or Read by Myself. In Read and Play,  the story is narrated in a karaoke style which is great for young readers, and on each page there are interactive touch points to be found. My son, Ben loves all the activities especially digging holes with the digger and moving the crane up and down. On each page there is something differnent to captivate his imagination and keep him engaged.  There is no time limit to how long you can spend on each page which means that your child can set the pace themselves and navigate to the next page by selecting the arrow in the bottom corner when they are ready to move on.

Digging

Bizzy Bear helping by moving block

In Read by Myself mode you get the option to set the length of time the text should appear on screen which means you can tailor it to your child's level. The interactive features are the same in both Read and Play and Read by Myself modes. One thing I have to mention is what a lovely story Bizzy Bear Builds a House is, the characters are all so helpful and polite in it, it is a delightful story to read to your child.

Read by Myself setting

Bizzy Bear Builds a House is available to download from the App Store and is compatible with both iPhone and iPad. Today, the 25th of July it is free to download so my advice is to get hold of it now. 

The Gallery: Street Photography

This week's theme for The Gallery is Street Photography. As soon as I saw the theme, a picture which I took back in August 2008 instantly sprung to mind. It is of a sculpture called Plug and Socket which was designed by James Glancy and is on a 1960's building which forms part of the Carnaby Estate in Soho, London. Ironically this building is actually a sub station that supplies electricity to Windsor castle so the sculpture is very apt indeed.

Day 206 of The 366 Project

The Olympic Torch came to Ealing today so there was a lot excitement in our local area. We couldn't have asked for a nicer day, the sun shone and it was gloriously warm which definitely added to the party atmosphere at the Torch Relay event in the park which we attended. Ben was amazed when he saw the cauldron being lit by the torch and kept pointing saying "Look, look Fire!".

Win a Family Ticket to LolliBop - The Big Bash for Little People

LolliBop, the event billed as the “The Big Bash for Little People” hits Regent’s Park this summer between the 17 to the 19th August and is sure to delight and wow mini festival goers up to the age of 10 and their parents alike. I just love the idea behind LolliBop which brings all the best loved kids entertainers from screen and stage together in one place where there is a fun festival feel for the whole family to enjoy and make memories.

The line up this year is extra special, featuring a very special appearance and performance of Shrek the Musical on the Sunday(19th). Other highlights include the ZingZillas who will be rocking the LolliBop Stage, The Gruffalo which will be brought to life in the Lollipaladium, there will be yoga sessions with the Waybuloos, workshops by Horrible Histories, Roald Dahl Museum and Storytelling Centre, performances by 8ft Titan the Robot, an Alice In Wonderland tea party and a chance to meet ‘Tiny’, a 125 million years young dinosaur.

There will also be a Moshi Tent where the UK’s first Moshi Monsters Mash Up Tournament will take place. Every day of the festival children will be challenged to put their Mash Up skills to the test with all players receiving a free pack of Mash Up cards, so everyone can join in.  Fans are also encouraged to bring their own collections with them, as there has never been a better chance to trade with other Moshi Card collectors.

I am really looking to Ben having a go on the Wacky Races obstacle course which will be found in the bespoke Bike City that Halfords are creating. Here younger kids will be able to put their bike skills to the test and try out a brand new range of Balance and Apollo kids bikes, and older children are sure to love the BMX stunt display and demo area.

There will be so much to see and do at LolliBop it is hard to cover them all in a post so do head over to www.lollibopfestival.com  where you will find a full programme of events. All of the activities, stages and events are included in the entry ticket price, which start at £22 per person. I should also mention that the Olympics will be over by the time LolliBop arrives in London so travel will be back to normal again.

Now for the good news, I have a family pass (4 tickets) to give away which can be used on either Friday 17 August or Sunday 19 August*. To enter you simply have to leave a comment telling me who your child would most like to see at LolliBop along with with a way to contact you (email or twitter id). I do ask if you are leaving your twitter id you follow me on twitter so that I can DM you if you win. For a bonus entry tweet I want to win a family ticket to LolliBop @lollibopuk with @mmeeee http://bit.ly/QgX5kq. The closing date for entry is 8th August at 1pm after which the winner will be chosen at random. Good Luck!

*** This competition is now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered, a winner will be announced shortly ***

*Please note the prize is non refundable and non exchangeable, no cash alternative will be offered and travel is not included.

*Disclaimer: I shall receive free tickets for my family to attend LolliBop. 

Day 205 of The 366 Project

Ever since watching Jake and The Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns in which Peter Pan loses his shadow, Ben has become fascinated by his. The lovely strong sunlight today was casting some spectacularly strong shadows much to Ben's delight, he made me go "awww" when he started waving at his and saying hello.

Guest Post: My Child, My World

According to a 2012 clinical negligence report, claims reported to the National Health Service Litigation Authority increased by more than 50% from 2005 to 2011. In fact, the field of obstetrics and gynaecology, which is where many child clinical negligence claims originate, composed 20% of all claims in 2011. The reasons for this increase are complex, but it has been reported that many of the facilities continue to engage in the same practices that initially resulted in negligence claims. While this may prove to be disheartening news to patients, the benefit of possessing this knowledge is that it enables you to steer clear of such facilities with a bit of research to prevent your child from becoming another victim.

Even more child medical negligence claims comes from the failure to diagnose common childhood sicknesses in a timely manner, as well as administering treatment improperly. Because children’s bodies are still in development and are more susceptible to illnesses, instances of clinical negligence can be more damaging and possibly create lifelong consequences.
So what should you do if you find that your child has been a victim of clinical negligence? Most parents find it difficult to remain calm in situations like these. However, here are some things to bear in mind in case it ever happens to your child.

Bring it to the physician’s attention. Even if you plan to file a claim to get medical negligence compensation, it is critical to let the physician know that you believe your child’s health is being mishandled immediately. Taking action to reverse the negligence immediately may increase your child’s chances of recovery -- an opportunity that no amount of money will give you. If you no longer trust your child’s physician with providing quality care, take him or her to a different facility.

Remember to get a copy of all of your child’s medical records. This is vital to supporting your claim. If you can demonstrate exactly what the doctor did during your child’s treatment, the court will have a better chance at juxtaposing it with what should have happened, thereby making your negligence claim easier to prove.

Don’t forget to report the incident to the NHS. If your child was treated in a public facility, remember to use the formal NHS complaints procedure to get it on record. This written submission should include any and all of the details of the incident that you can recall, which means that the sooner you do it, the better.

Take the time to find the right solicitor. Because child clinical negligence is such a unique area, you will want to find a solicitor who specialises in these kinds of cases. To help you begin your research, use outlets such as the referral panel at Action Against Medical Accidents or the Law Society to find reliable information on solicitors. The time limit on negligence claims is three years, so you have plenty of opportunity to find a solicitor you trust.

*Disclaimer: I received a payment for publishing this guest post.  

Day 204 of The 366 Project

We went for a walk in our local park today where we discovered a Fun Fair had been set up. Ben's reaction was funny, he couldn't decide which direction to go in and darted around back and forth between the Helter Skelter to the Catch-a-Duck stand and the little kiddie rides. He never actually went on anything but certainly had a lot of fun just running about and taking it all in.

Even Monsters Get Sick iPad App Review

For the past few days Ben has been playing Even Monsters Get Sick by Busy Bee Studios and he is loving it. It is a fantastically interactive e-book which tells the story of a boy called Harry and his pet monster who seems to be a bit under the weather. It includes six fun games and surprises on every page to captivate young children's attention. The story itself teaches kids a valuable lesson about caring for others and that anyone, no matter how big or small can get sick, it also helps kids to understand that seeing a doctor when ill is not something to be feared.

Whirlpool of goo

Harry having fun with his fully recovered monster

When you load the app there are two options to select from, Read to Me which is narrated or I Can Read where you can read along yourself. From the very start there are interactive activities which build on skills such as memory and counting as in selecting the correct number of objects which Harry swapped for his monster. There are mazes to navigate through, object matching puzzles and a game which relate to physics principles of acceleration and force where Harry Bounces on a shovel to propel some soup into his monsters mouth. The illustrations are excellent with fun graphics which kids will love.

Feeding the monster his medicine

There are so many elements to this app that Ben loves from the cuckoo clock , the whirlpool of goo to his absolute favourite activity feeding the Monster his medicine. It is a fantastic app, so well designed packed full of interactive features which are part of the story and enhance it without being obtrusive. It is aimed at children aged 5+ but Ben who is not yet 3 years has no problem playing it.

Ben having fun playing Even Monsters Get Sick

Even Monsters Get Sick is free to download from the App Store for this weekend only (21-22 July) and is compatible with the iPad. I can highly recommend it.

Silent Sunday