The Electric Company: Feel Electric!

Website: itunes.apple.com

This is a Parent’s Choice 2012 recommended app designed for the Iphone and Ipad. This Sesame workshop app is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation) and iPad and requires iOS 3.2 or later. The opening character invites you to express your feelings. There are great live instructions on how to engage with the different elements of the app.

In the My Life section there are three activities tht can help describe your moods. The Mood Dude is a figure that can be configured to your mood. There is a Mad Libs-type mood tale where you choose words to create a mood tale. In the Moodosphere you can see your mood on a map. In the Games section there are a variety of games that have to do with matching expressions on faces to words that describe them. There is a “What’s the Word?” section that shows an expression word with accompanying facial expression. Finally in the “My Stuff “section the app can be customized by adding your own pictures songs and videos to it.

This app could be very helpful with children who are having difficulty in social situations such as those who have autism spectrum disorders. It could also be very helpful for people with psychiatric problems who are having difficulty in expressing how they are feeling. Interestingly the app was developed with the cooperation of Military Families Near and Far, an organization that helps military families to communicate, stay connected and cope with the transitions and issues related to military life. Best of all, it’s free.