The folks at Common Sense Media put together a list of things kids, from preschoolers to teens, can ask Alexa to do. We’ve highlighted nine here.
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| © Provided by USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Amazon Echo dot devices allow kids and teens to do things like practice math and remember to do chores by asking Alexa to launch specific skills. |
By Jennifer McClellan, USA TODAY
Alexa, play “Baby Shark.”
If you have a preschooler and an Amazon device like an Echo, that’s a command you’ve probably uttered many times.
If
you’re like the adorable 2-year-old Zoe Turner, who got a taste of fame
after a video of her sweet baby voice struggling to get Alexa to play
“Baby Shark” went viral, you know learning how to get Alexa to listen is
a skill.
But, once you've mastered how to talk to Alexa, it can help entertain
and teach kids and teens with interactive games and educational
exercises.
The folks at Common Sense Media
put together a list of nearly 20 things kids, from preschoolers to
teens, can ask Alexa to do. We’ve highlighted nine for you here.
So,
if you got an Amazon device for the holidays, or if you’re just looking
for more ways to use the one you already have, here are some ideas on
how to make technology work for you and your family.
"Alexa, open Animal Workout."
Little
kids get moving by pretending to be animals while music plays. Common
Sense says this is “especially great for those rainy or snowy days when
kids need to burn off some energy inside.”
"Alexa, start Chompers."
Aimed
to help kids brush their teeth effectively, Chompers tells kid-authored
stories and jokes to occupy your little one while they brush.
"Alexa, launch Mommy-gram."
When
your kid is too little to text or call on their own, they can use
Mommy-gram to get in touch (with mom and dad). They say their message to
Alexa, who sends you a text message. Then you can respond.
Say, "Alexa, play Kids Quiz!"
Bigger
kids can play trivia by choosing from four difficulty levels. Common
Sense says, “Kids Quiz! offers multiple-choice answers, so kids have a
better chance of choosing correctly, even if they don't know much about
certain subjects.”
"Alexa, open The Magic Door."
Big kids
interact with the story by deciding what happens next. Common Sense
points out that “some of the stories are mildly creepy, so they may not
be a great fit for little kids.”
"Alexa, open Curiosity."
Tweens listen to factual information about subjects such as space flight and chemistry.
"Alexa, open Song Quiz."
Tweens choose a decade of music, listen to the song that comes on and try to name it.
Say, "Alexa, open Daily Routine."
Daily
Routine gives your teen or tween reminders about school, chores and
activities so you don’t have to (or maybe you have to less frequently).
"Alexa, open Yes Sire."
Teens
take on the role of a monarch who makes choices about the fate of the
kingdom. Common Sense notes “there are some mature themes and
references, so this is better for teens.”
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