Shapes and Colors – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Shapes and Colors

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2019

48%

WISE Score

4.2

App Store

A bare-bones shape and color matching app that does the job but won't win any awards for creativity or engagement.

Shapes and Colors

app

Everyone, 2019

48%

WISE Score

4.2

App Store

A bare-bones shape and color matching app that does the job but won't win any awards for creativity or engagement.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

This is the digital equivalent of a dollar-store workbook—it'll teach your toddler to recognize a circle and point at the color red, but that's about it. There's no story, no character, no spark of creativity. It's just matching exercises on a screen.

The bigger question is: does your 2-year-old need an app for this? Shape sorters, blocks, crayons, and picture books all teach the same skills with more hands-on engagement and zero screen time. If you're stuck in a waiting room and need 5 minutes of peace, sure, this will work. But as a regular learning tool? There are way better options—both digital (like Khan Academy Kids or Endless Alphabet) and analog.

The 'free forever' claim also raises eyebrows. Most free apps monetize somehow, and the lack of transparency here is concerning. It's probably fine, but I'd keep an eye on what pops up during play.

Age Fit

Designed for 2-5 year olds learning basic shapes and colors. Realistically, most kids will age out by 4 once they've mastered these concepts (which happens pretty quickly). It's functional for early learning but not something older preschoolers will find engaging.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Simple, positive educational content focused on basic learning concepts. No concerning themes or inappropriate content. However, the app feels generic and lacks personality or warmth—it's functional but not particularly engaging or emotionally resonant. The bright colors and simple gameplay are age-appropriate for toddlers.

Imaginative

This is a drill-and-practice app with shape matching and color recognition activities. There's minimal creative expression, no storytelling, no open-ended play, and no invitation to build or explore beyond rote memorization. It's educational in the most mechanical sense—kids match shapes to holes and identify colors, but there's no spark of creativity or curiosity-building.

Safe

The app advertises as 'completely free' and supports offline mode, which is positive. However, being on Google Play without clear information about ads or in-app purchases raises questions. The Privacy Evaluation from Common Sense (Jan 2022) notes it's directed at children under 13, suggesting some privacy scrutiny exists. No evidence of toxic content or inappropriate material, but the lack of transparency about monetization and the 'free forever' claim feels suspicious—most free apps have some catch.

Enriching

Teaches basic shape and color recognition, which is foundational for preschool readiness. The app claims to improve spatial thinking, fine motor skills, and memory. However, these are skills kids naturally develop through play, and a static app experience isn't necessarily better than physical toys or books. It's enriching in a narrow, skill-drill way but lacks depth, context, or meaningful engagement beyond repetition.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Covers foundational preschool concepts (shapes, colors) in a simple, accessible format
Works offline, which is genuinely useful for car trips or waiting rooms
Very simple interface that even young toddlers can navigate without frustration
No reading required—purely visual and tap-based learning

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What to Watch For

The 'free forever' claim feels sketchy—most apps have ads or upsells hiding somewhere
Zero creativity or imagination involved—this is pure drill-and-practice
Your kid will probably get bored after 10 minutes—it's repetitive
Physical shape sorters and coloring books do the same thing with more tactile engagement

Conversation Starters

"Can you find something in our house that's the same shape as this one?"
"What's your favorite color? Can we find five things in this room that are that color?"
"Should we build our own shape puzzle with blocks instead?"

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