Finding technology for children that feels genuinely useful rather than purely entertainment-based can sometimes feel difficult. As both a teacher and a parent, I am always looking for products that encourage creativity, imagination, and independent learning without relying on gaming or overstimulating apps. That is exactly why the MYFIRST Sketch Pro Neo Drawing Tablet has impressed me so much.
From the moment my little tester started using it, I could immediately see how practical it would be for everyday family life. One of the biggest advantages of this drawing tablet is how portable it is. If you have ever travelled with children, you will know how quickly bags become filled with colouring books, notebooks, loose paper, crayons, pencils, felt tips, and stickers. The MYFIRST Sketch Pro Neo replaces all of that with one lightweight, easy-to-carry device.
For days out, car journeys, flights, restaurant visits, or even waiting at appointments, this has become one of our favourite things to pack. It keeps children entertained in a calm and creative way without needing internet access, noisy games, or endless scrolling. I also love that there are no gaming distractions involved. So many children’s devices today are centred around apps and games, but this feels intentionally different. It focuses on creativity, drawing, writing, and imagination instead.
As a teacher, I particularly appreciate products that encourage open-ended play and learning. There is no “right” way to use the tablet, which allows children to explore ideas freely. For younger children, especially around six years old, there are so many ways this can support both learning and creativity at home and while travelling.
One of the simplest ways to use it is for drawing and doodling. The six-year-old mini tester I had loved practising drawing animals, rainbows, houses, and little comic-style pictures. Because the screen can be cleared instantly, there is no worry about making mistakes. That freedom actually encourages children to experiment more confidently because they know they can simply start again.
It is also brilliant for early writing practice. Six-year-olds often enjoy practising letters, spelling their name, or writing simple sentences, but traditional handwriting practice can sometimes feel repetitive. Using the tablet makes it feel more fun and interactive. You can play games such as:
- Writing sight words for them to trace
- Practising spellings in a more engaging way
- Playing hangman
- Drawing pictures to match words
- Creating simple maths challenges
- Taking turns writing clues for guessing games
Another lovely idea is using it for storytelling. My six-year-old enjoyed drawing a picture and then telling a story about it. You can even divide the screen into sections and create mini comic strips together. This is a fantastic way to encourage creativity, communication, and confidence in children who may not naturally enjoy writing on paper.
The tablet is also surprisingly useful for educational games while travelling. On long car journeys, instead of relying on tablets filled with videos or games, we used the Sketch Pro Neo for activities like:
- Tic-tac-toe
- Dot-to-dot drawings
- Number games
- Drawing challenges
- “Can you draw…?” prompts
- Simple treasure hunts
- Copy-the-picture games
These types of activities keep children engaged while still encouraging them to think creatively and interact with others.
Another thing I really appreciate is how mess-free it is. There are no pens rolling under seats, no broken crayons, and no piles of paper everywhere. Everything stays contained in one slim device, which makes it ideal for taking out and about. As a busy parent, that convenience genuinely makes a difference.
The reusable nature of the tablet is another big positive. Children can draw, erase, and start again endlessly, which makes it more environmentally friendly than constantly using paper. It also helps reduce waste while still allowing children to be creative whenever they want.
The blue design is bright, modern, and appealing without being overly distracting. It feels durable enough for younger children to handle independently, and the screen is responsive and easy to use. Even younger children quickly understand how it works, which makes it great for encouraging independent play.
What stands out most to me is that this is a device that supports creativity first. In a time when so much technology is built around fast entertainment and gaming, the MYFIRST Sketch Pro Neo offers something refreshingly simple. It encourages children to slow down, create, imagine, practise skills, and engage their minds in a more meaningful way.
For families looking for a travel-friendly activity, a screen alternative without gaming, or a simple way to encourage creativity in younger children, this is a fantastic option. Whether it is used for doodling in the car, practising spellings at home, storytelling in restaurants, or quiet creative time during travel, the MYFIRST Sketch Pro Neo has become one of those genuinely useful items that is easy to recommend.
