Chapter 1 - What is an App?

Chapter 1: What is an App?

What is an App?

Hi there! Have you ever played a game on a tablet, iPad, or phone? Or maybe you’ve used a fun app to learn your ABCs or practice math? Those games and tools are called apps!

An app is like a magic box that can do many things. It can help you play, learn, or even talk to your friends. People use apps every day for work, school, and fun.

Apps Are Everywhere

Apps live on computers, iPads, and phones. You’ve probably seen colorful little pictures on the screen. Each picture is an app icon, and when you tap it, the app opens. Some apps help you draw pictures, some let you listen to music, and others let you watch videos or play games.

Here are a few examples:

• YouTube Kids: For watching videos.
• Starfall: To learn and play with letters and numbers.
• CodeSpark: A game where you can learn how to make your own games!

Why Do People Love Apps?

Apps are popular because they make life easier and more fun! For example:

• A cooking app can show you how to make cookies.
• A music app can play your favorite songs.
• A reading app can help you learn new stories.

Apps can do almost anything!

What Makes a Great App?

A great app is:

• Easy to Use: It shouldn’t be hard to figure out.
• Fun or Helpful: It should make you happy or teach you something new.
• Colorful and Cool: Nice colors and pictures make it even better.

Activity: Draw Your Own App Idea!

Imagine you can make your own app. What would it do?

1. Grab a piece of paper and some crayons or markers.
2. Draw a picture of your app. What does its icon look like?
3. Write down what your app does. Is it a game? Does it help people?

Quick Quiz

1. What is an app?
   a) A kind of toy
   b) A game or tool on a tablet, phone, or computer
   c) A picture in a book

2. Name one app you use at home.

3. What do you want your app to do?

Apps are amazing, and soon you’ll learn how to create your very own. Get ready to explore and imagine!