10 fun ways to keep kids engaged with Apple’s Siri

10 fun ways to keep kids engaged with Apple’s Siri

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SALT LAKE CITY — Plenty of 21st-century children experience the magic of technology before they learn to read. Seventy-two percent of American children aged 0–8 use a form of mobile media. And though news outlets cover stories about how technology contributes to the ruining of youth in America, mobile devices can also be a positive medium for kids to develop socially, gain knowledge and have fun.

We know kids master technology at a young age. By kindergarten, many children can maneuver a touch screen better than mom and dad. With that in mind, it may be time to start making use of one of the most kid-friendly pieces of tech currently available: Siri. As long as you’ve turned on content restrictions in your settings, Siri can easily and safely keep kids engaged. Here are 10 fun ways you and your kids can use Siri.

1. Ask for a bedtime story

Some of Siri’s best answers come from repeatedly asking her the same question. Ask Siri to tell you a bedtime story and her first response may be “I’m certain you’ve heard it before.” Keep asking, though, and you may be rewarded with a tale about a robot chicken or a retelling of “Goodnight Moon” with an alien cow. She may even regale her audience with a minute-long tale about how she came to be.

2. Quiz her with nerdy pop-culture references

Have your child say, “Siri, I am your father” — a spin on Darth Vader’s famous line to Luke Skywalker — and her answer will please your young Padawan. Kids can ask Siri this question several times, too, as she has a few different responses to the quote. She’s knowledgeable about "Lord of the Rings" as well, so kids can ask for directions to Mordor for a funny response.

3. Explore her counting skills and number knowledge

Siri’s hands-free timer setting function has all kinds of uses with kids. It can make daily reading or even a timeout a little more tolerable when you let your child ask Siri to set the timer. She can also help little ones who are starting to learn basic math by doing quick addition and subtraction with her calculator function.

4. Test her musical prowess

Ask Siri to beatbox for you. Then ask her to rap. Ask numerous times if she’s a little shy the first time. If your kids aren’t in love with her musical stylings, they can easily ask her to play their favorite song from either Apple Music or the device’s media library.

5. Ask “What does the fox say?”

You likely remember 2013’s viral pop song sensation “What Does the Fox Say” by comedy group Ylvis. Siri does, too. Ask Siri what the fox says, and her answer will change every time, featuring different lyrics from the catchy song.

6. Change how Siri addresses you

You can change the name Siri calls you just by asking. She can call you anything — and if your kids are choosing, your new name may be “Silly Face” or “Jane’s Mom.” If Siri is having trouble pronouncing the nickname correctly, simply tell her that her pronunciation is off. She’ll promptly ask you the correct way to say it.

7. Play a game

If you want to play a game of chance using Siri, say, “Flip a coin,” or ask her to roll a die with any number of sides. Apple has also introduced a Magic 8 Ball feature, letting Siri play the part of the beloved fortune-telling sphere. Have your child say “Siri, 8 Ball,” and then ask a yes-no question to see what the future holds.

8. Let Siri field road-trip queries

Every parent has heard “Are we there yet?” a time or two or 500. If you’re going to be on the road for a while, give your child the phone and let Siri take care of answering. She estimates the approximate time it’ll take to get to your destination, factoring in traffic.

9. Bring the giggles

Ask Siri to tell you and your kids a joke — she’s got quite the repertoire. Alternately, your child can play the part of the comedian by starting a classic “knock-knock” joke. Your little one can also try stumping her with classic favorites, like “Why did the chicken cross the road?” or “How much wood could a woodchuck chuck?”

10. Get personal

Ask Siri some things about her: favorite color, height, color of her hair, favorite pet, and even her purpose in life. She may get a little evasive around some of the tougher opinion questions, but she’s always patient enough to answer anyway.

When used properly — and in moderation — technology can be both engaging and fun. What’s the most entertaining conversation you or your kids have had with Siri? Let us know in the comments section.


About the author: Brooke Nally is native to Utah but likes to see other parts of the world as often as she can. You can contact her at brookelynnally@gmail.com.

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