95% of Indian parents say using Alexa at home has helped improve communication skills of kids
Summer vacations mean a break from school and extra play-time for kids. With plenty of spare time during summer holidays, parents want their kids to learn skills such as English speaking, good morals, social manners, dancing, singing, playing musical instruments, and arts and crafts. According to a survey commissioned by Kantar for Amazon in March 2023, more than 95% surveyed parents indicate that using Alexa at home has helped improve communication skills of their kids. The survey further indicates that more than 90% of parents feel Alexa keeps their kids stay mentally active, learn new things, and become more independent.
This survey was conducted among over 750 parents with kids (3 years- 8 years) across 10 cities, and a subset of the survey participants were users of Alexa smart speakers. The survey further indicates that almost 96% of parents are searching for screen-free ideas to keep their kids engaged with learning and fun activities. To limit usage of screens this summer, 66% surveyed parents have shown interest in buying a voice controlled smart speaker that can nurture skills like curiosity, concentration, and communication in their kids.
“Parents with young kids have been active users of Alexa. From nursery rhymes, interactive games, and stories of Akbar and Birbal, to questions about history, science, general knowledge, and definitions of words – Alexa is a great resource of fun and learning,” says Parag Gupta, Director and Country Manager for Amazon Devices India.
Here are ways parents can use Alexa for screen-free learning among kids –
Make learning fun with games and quizzes
Parents can just say “Alexa, open Games for Children” and choose from a range of games including Animal Game, ChhotaBheem Adventures, Amar Chitra Katha’s India Quiz, Riddler or Magic Jinn for their kids. Games like ‘1-2-3 Math’ help kids in improving their core mathematical concepts including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division etc. Other skill-based games like ‘Kiddo ABC’ can help them learn alphabets and new words.
Build vocabulary and grammar, improve communication skills and general knowledge
Interacting with Alexa can help improve kids’ communication and vocabulary without relying on screen-based language learning apps. Kids can learn English by saying “Alexa, teach me English”. Responses from Alexa on questions like “Alexa, why is the sky blue?” or “Alexa, how big is the sun?” or “Alexa, when was the first world war?” can help satiate their curious mind.
Improve kids listening skills and their attention span
Kids can listen to bedtime stories in both English and Hindi by just saying “Alexa, tell me a bedtime story”, “Alexa, open children’s stories”, and more. Amazon Storytime on Alexa helps kids choose from a range of categories including bedtime, silly, family, friends, or spin the magic story wheel for a surprise set of stories.
Keep them engaged and entertained with Kids’ music and nursery rhymes
Parents can ask Alexa in Hindi and Hinglish to play popular nursery rhymes including Lakdi ki Kathi, Nani Teri Morni and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. From kids’ music to mainstream hits, parents can put up songs for their kids to dance, sing, and to have fun at home. Kids can enjoy 100s of audio songs on ChuChu TV, the world’s most watched kids’ education channel online.
