Android Apps for Challenged Spellers

We understand our readers' need for more educational Android apps and those for the Kindle Fire HD. Unfortunately, these apps are not as plentiful---yet! However, there is every indication that eventually they will be more numerous and may even surpass the number of Apple-compatible apps available today.

For sometime now, having an app selling in the iTunes store was a real accomplishment, but that may be changing, too. Outside the U.S., the use of Android devices is much more prevalent---for Apple, not so much. So, more and more educational Android apps will be developed, tested and released.

As for Kindle Fire HD, it is a new device---so fewer apps may be available at the moment. This, too, will eventually change for the better. Patience for a little longer may be required.

This week, we wanted to provide a collection of spelling apps for Android devices (and 1 for the Kindle Fire). Spelling is very often a serious challenge for struggling readers, contributing to less fluency and poor comprehension. Recently, we have had more than a few requests for Android spelling apps. So we hope this new list of Android spelling apps will address that pressing need.

Android Spelling Apps

Spell Checker (+voice input)---FREE app for Androidsx---Updated January 7, 2013
#1 Spell Checker for Android with more than 2 million and a half downloads! Supports English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and other languages
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.androidsx.checkspelling&hl=en

Kids’ Spelling (Android) Apps---Some apps are FREE here
Short list of Android spelling apps for kids of various age groups
http://www.appszoom.com/android_applications/kids+spelling

Brilliant Spelling with TUTOR (Lite)---FREE Android app
By Effective Objects
Fun and entertaining app---Good for children with dyslexia or dysgraphia
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.effectiveobjects.bspellinglite&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLmVmZmVjdGl2ZW9iamVjdHMuYnNwZWxsaW5nbGl0ZSJd

Brilliant Spelling with TUTOR (FULL version of the above app)---Android app ---Price: $2.99
By Effective Objects
Fun and entertaining app---Good for children with dyslexia or dysgraphia
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.effectiveobjects.bspelling&hl=en

Spelling Bee Android App---Price: $.99
By Socratica, LLC --- For All Ages---Available instantly for Kindle Fire or Android devices
Spelling Bee is an ideal study aid for children, but it's also great for anyone who wants to improve their spelling skills. It features a database of more than 2,300 English words--along with definitions and clear audio clips of each word's pronunciation--so you can expand your knowledge base quickly and easily.
http://www.amazon.com/Socratica-LLC-Spelling-Bee/dp/B007FGM2EE

Happy spelling!

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Source: USAToday article of January 29, 2013, on the growing popularity of Android devices on U.S. college campuses: http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/01/29/apple-rim-google-iphone-android-samsung/1868775/.)

Image courtesy of:
http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/7397028/KNC+710+PC+Tablet+7inches+Android#imageGallery

Android Apps for ADHD

It’s no secret that dyslexia apps are the most sought-after resource on our blog here. However, in second place, it’s all about apps for ADHD. Although Apple is definitely dominant in the U.S. with its iPad and iPhone apps, the Android market is growing elsewhere on a global scale---and quickly!

With this expanding Android market and the most recent statistics from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) currently showing nearly 8% of U.S. children with a diagnosis of some type of attention deficit disorder, we felt compelled to provide our readers with a collection of Android app resources for AD/HD.

Once again, let us know if you have tried some of the apps listed here, and please don’t hesitate to tell us of other great ADHD Android apps you’ve discovered. If your reviews are “glowing”, we’ll be glad to add those app titles to our list!

FREE Android Apps for ADHD

AndroidZoom: Apps Discoverer
From Androidzoom (FREE)---Discovering good apps is no longer a chore! Awesome ADHD apps can now be at your fingertips!
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/tools/androidzoom-apps-discoverer_ckhhq.html?featured=true&trackId=ea679c1d-7d2b-46c8-9db8-744cb96e4439

ADHD Test
From Rafael Bassan (FREE)---Take this Attention Deficit Disorder test if you suspect problems with you or your child's hyperactivity or distractibility.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=inutilsoft.ADHDTest&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImludXRpbHNvZnQuQURIRFRlc3QiXQ..

ADHD SECRETS+
From GoogleKeywordsVideos (FREE) Help and support for parents of children with ADHD
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/health_and_fitness/adhdsecrets_conly.html

ToDo List TaskDash ADHD
From kreativsinn (FREE)---The smoother way organize your daily tasks and calendar schedule---TaskDash will assign a time slot for each task according to its impact. It is so easy to be organized and productive with this to-do manager!
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/productivity/todo-list-taskdash-adhd_cccas.html

Voice Flashlight Free
From ADhD Studios (FREE)---Introducing the world's first and only voice controlled flashlight! A lightweight & no-nonsense flashlight / strobe light / siri light
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/tools/voice-flashlight-free_cjkfw.html

Count! The Tally Counter
From ADhD Studios (FREE)--- The tally counter you can count on!
Count laps, reps, inventory, cars, people, angry birds, shots of vodka or even nickels from your piggy bank!
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/tools/count-the-tally-counter_clcsc.html

Alarm Clock Plus
From Binary Tactics, LLC. (FREE but with ads)--- This is the most fully-featured & stable Android alarm clock app available---FREE and with no limitations!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vp.alarmClockPlusDock&feature=related_apps#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwOSwiY29tLnZwLmFsYXJtQ2xvY2tQbHVzRG9jayJd

Other Android Apps for ADHD
(Prices listed are those at the time of this article's publication.)

The Best Android Apps for Forgetful People
From Gizmodo.com---(Various prices)---A list of apps to help with remembering tasks, dates, etc.
http://gizmodo.com/5692320/best-android-apps-for-forgetful-people

Coping with ADHD
From KoolAppz (Price: $1.37)---Helpful app for dealing with a loved one who has ADHD
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koolappz.EP77701110001

ADHD Alarm Clock
From Cognitive Psychiatry PLLC (Price: $1.99)--- App is designed to help those with Adult ADHD get to work, school, or their first appointment on time every day. The app prompts the user to enter their morning routine and an estimate of time for each part of a routine, such as shower, etc.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=adhd.alarm.clock&hl=en

ADHD Timer
From Niels Christian Bach (Price: $1.05)--- This app visualizes that time is moving. It is easy to see elapsed time and the time remaining. The exact time is not shown---only relative time. Works particularly well if you have ADHD. Kids with ADHD love this app and parents will love not having so many conflicts. App is easy to use. Just provide the minutes for the task and press start.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dk.bach1.test

Resources:
Blog site: AndroidZoom Discovering the Best Android Apps
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/adhd/by_matching?rating=1

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clipart courtesy of: http://openclipart.org/search/?query=android

Android Apps for Special Needs

We want Help for Struggling Readers to be your go-to blog when you need reading or learning resources, strategies, apps and other help for all kinds of learners, especially those who struggle to read and learn.

That is why this week, we’ve decided to provide you with a short list of 3 collections that contain great Android apps for special needs---all kinds of special needs! You’ll find some apps that are FREE and others that are available at various price points.

Choose the apps that will meet your needs and those of your child or your students. You just might want to bookmark this page so that you can refer to it again and again as needed. Help yourself to some awesome special needs apps for your Android devices---a combined total of 78 apps in all!

Android Special Needs Apps

14 Special Needs Android Apps on Google Play-from Friendship Circle Blog
http://blog.friendshipcircle.org/2012/09/04/14-special-needs-android-apps-on-google-play/?goback=.anb_684677_*2_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1

37 Special Needs Apps for Android Devices-compiled by Melanie Vitovsky (Twinkie Babies website)---Titles, prices & links to excellent special needs apps for Android devices---Many of the apps are for children on the autism spectrum, but other special needs apps are also available here.
http://www.twinkiebabies.com/37-special-needs-apps-for-android-devices/

Android Apps for Our Kids—from the Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs blog---Here is a list of 27 Apps for Android devices, visual supports and other resources (especially for children with multiple special needs). Also provides a second short list of app collections at the end of this list.
http://teachinglearnerswithmultipleneeds.blogspot.com/2011/08/android-apps-for-our-kids.html

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clipart courtesy of:
http://downextra.eu/mobile/1755283-best-mega-pack-android-apps-and-games.html

All Kinds of Kids’ Vocabulary Apps

A larger and more extensive vocabulary can benefit children in so many ways. It can help them to express themselves more clearly and effectively. A good vocabulary can significantly benefit their performance on all types of achievement or academic tests. In addition, a student’s writing skills can be greatly enhanced with an excellent vocabulary---throughout all of life. So you can see that there are only advantages to improving and enriching a child’s vocabulary.

In the past, vocabulary lists of new words were studied, memorized, incorporated into daily lessons at school and other such tedium. However, today, we have apps---wonderful, enjoyable apps that encourage vocabulary building with immediate feedback for the learner. Bye-bye tedium!

This week’s blog article provides you with a group of vocabulary apps that might be just the thing to get your child(ren) or students “reacquainted” with vocabulary learning just as we approach the beginning of a new school year. Hope you like our newest apps list!

What’s the Word on Vocabulary Apps for Kids? by Melanie Ruda (for iPhone, iPod touch, & iPad for Gr. K-6)
This article contains a good list of inexpensive apps that can help kids in grades K-6 develop their oral and reading vocabularies. (Criteria included apps that are age appropriate, that focus on vocabulary development and help kids learn the meanings of new words.)
http://blog.sewardinc.com/2012/02/13/whats-the-word-on-vocabulary-apps-for-kids/

Vocab-a-splat by Seward, Inc.(for iPad for Ages 4-6)
A vocabulary-building game that teaches children the meanings of high-frequency words they encounter while reading.
App explanation link: http://www.vocabasplat.com/
App download link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vocab-a-splat/id517271626?ls=1&mt=8

List of Vocabulary Apps (For Various Age Levels) (mostly iPad & iPod apps with 1 Android app)
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/mobile-app-lists/vocab-apps

Kids Vocabulary (FREE Android app for Ages 3-7)
Give your child a head start with this interactive vocabulary learning app. Look, listen, say, read, spell---Your child will learn new vocabulary using a 4-step method based on modern teaching methodology.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=equizonline.com.kidspicturevocab&hl=en

Montessori Approach to Vocabulary (a brief review, demo video with link to app for younger children---for iPad with a price of $1.99)
In the Montessori Classroom, several activities exist to assist children to increase their vocabulary. This application will help children to identify and learn the names of the animals. (Price at time of review--$2.99)
App review link: http://a4cwsn.com/?p=1927
App download link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/montessori-approach-to vocabulary/id400726281?mt=8

SuperKids Vocabulary Builders (Online and app options both available here---Apps for iPad/iPhone from upper elementary grades through grade 12 vocabulary levels + even PSAT & SAT prep)
Looking for an easy way to improve your students' (or your own) vocabulary? SuperKids has compiled a set of word-of-the-day lists that should help. Make this your browser's home page and get a new word every day!
http://www.superkids.com/aweb/tools/words/wod.shtml/

Enchanted Dictionary (for iPad---2 versions: for Gr. 4-6 & Gr. 7-12) Designed by Marg Griffin, a speech and language pathologist who works with older students, these apps help students focus on the language of definitions for core content vocabulary. Website for Golden Communications, LLC is http://goldencommunicationsllc.com/ from where one can access the apps.

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: Lakeshore Learning Materials @ http://tiny.cc/gvd6hw

Android Apps for Dyslexia

As you may know, we have offered many apps and other resources for dyslexia here in several of our previous blog articles. It is interesting to note that the demand and number of requests for dyslexia apps in particular have been quite significant for our blog, exceeding requests and searches of all other educational apps combined.

Because of the amount of advertising done by Apple for its tech devices, one might believe that there are only such apps for the iPad or iPhone. Not so! In fact, globally there is more widespread use of Android devices than of Apple devices (in Asia, particularly). It is mostly here in the U.S. and in Europe that Apple’s presence is so dominant.

So, with this in mind, together with requests from parents of dyslexic children and the desire on our part to give equal time to Android apps for our readers with this format, we have assembled what looks to be our longest apps list yet. This time, they are categorized Android apps for struggling readers challenged with one or more types of dyslexia. We hope this newest list of apps will help someone you know with dyslexia AND an Android device.

Reading & Writing Apps

Cool Reader - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.5 or later)
Cool Reader is an eBook reader that supports multiple eBook formats. The app has a text-to-speech function and other customizable features.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.coolreader&hl=en

Go Read (Bookshare) - Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.0 or later)
This app is a part of Bookshare, where you can access one of the largest online libraries. This app also has text-to-speech capabilities and is especially made for people with reading impairments.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.benetech.android&hl=en

Vocab Builder - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.6 or later)
Vocab Builder is a great way to learn new vocabulary words and is perfect for preparing for the SAT or GRE. You are quizzed on thousands of words, and a dictionary is included.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hempton.vocab&hl=en

Words Words Words - Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.1 or later)
This app can help you build communication skills. It can teach you new words, how the words are properly used in context, and it can pronounce the words for you. There is even a fun, challenging game included.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.socratica.mobile.words&hl=en

Ghotit Real Writer & Reader for Android - Helpful app for 3 types of dyslexia assistance:
- writing with word-prediction and speech feedback
- reading with dual-highlighting
- spelling and grammar inc punctuation by context and phonetic corrections
https://www.ghotit.com/ghotit-real-writer-reader-for-android/
Ghotit Real Writer & Reader 3 for Android 4 (just released, December 2013)
http://www.interactiveaccessibility.com/news/ghotit-real-writer-reader-3-android-4-just-released

Spelling Apps

Spelling Bee - $0.99 (Compatible with Android devices 1.6 or later)
This app teaches you how to spell thousands of words with clear audio clips and increasing difficulty.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.socratica.mobile.spelling&hl=en

Dictionary.com - Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.1 and later)
This app includes nearly 2 million easily accessible words. You can view definitions and synonyms with dictionary.com and thesaurus.com, with no internet connection required.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dictionary&hl=en

Organization & Study-Skills Apps

AnkiDroid - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.5 or later)
With this app, you can learn just about anything. There are thousands of free flashcard decks available for download, or you can create your own, and it comes with text-to-speech capabilities.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ichi2.anki&hl=en

ColorNote - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.5 or later)
Use this app when you want to jot down memos, emails, or a grocery list. You can return to your notes later and edit them, organize them by color, save them to SD storage, and organize your schedule in a calendar.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.socialnmobile.dictapps.notepad.color.note

Evernote - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.6 or later)
Evernote allows you to easily create text, photo, and audio notes, which can be synchronized to any computer to help you remember important things.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evernote&hl=en

EverStudent - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.6 or later)
EverStudent syncs with Evernote and allows you to easily organize all of your assignments and due dates into one, sleek, customizable planner.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.olegvaskevich.everstudent&hl=en

HomeWork - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.6 or later)
HomeWork keeps track of all of your due dates for you. See how much homework you’ve completed, when your next test date is, and much more.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=klwinkel.huiswerk&hl=en

Mindjet - Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.1 or later)
Mindjet organizes everything from thoughts and ideas to notes and to-do lists. The app contains many customizable features to make your mind maps and lists easy to read.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.thinkingspace&hl=en

My Class Schedule - Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.1 or later)
Use My Class Schedule to track homework due dates, upcoming exams, class schedules, and activities. You can color-coordinate your schedules and customize the app in many other ways.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.rakuun.MyClassSchedule.free&hl=en

myHomework - Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.1 and later)
This app provides an easy way for you to keep track of homework, classes, tests, and projects. It creates a colorful calendar of upcoming due dates and even provides audio notifications.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.myhomeowork&hl=en

Note Everything - Free or $4.19 Compatible with Android devices 1.5 or later)
This app lets you type, speak, and paint notes right into the app, and you can send your notes anywhere.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.softxperience.android.noteeverything&hl=en

Pocket - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.6 or later)
Pocket allows you to safely store important information on your phone. Everything is encrypted and backed up online.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.citc.wallet&hl=en

SaveMeeting - Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.2 or later)
With SaveMeeting, you can record any meeting, lecture, or interview, use audio marks to bookmark the important details, and share the files with others. It can also transcribe important audio files.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.savemeeting.sm&hl=en

StayOnTask- Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.1 or later)
This app will help you stay focused on your work. It is a timer that randomly checks up on you, so you can’t predict when the alarm will sound.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=valavg.stayontask&hl=en

STUDYBLUE Flashcards - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.6 and later)
Use this app to create your own flashcards so you can review class notes in your spare time.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.studyblue&feature=search_result

Sync Voice Note- Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.1 or later)
Sync Voice Note is a note-taker and audio recorder. You can synchronize audio with your own notes, highlight text, and tab over, making it easy to mark your place in a long line of text.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wujie.svn&hl=en

Time for School - Free and $1.49 (Compatible with Android devices 1.6 or later) This app is designed to keep your academic life more organized. The app contains an alarm to notify you of when your next class starts, when your homework assignments are due, or when you should wake up.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.timeforschool&hl=en

Timer (Intuit) - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.5 or later)
Timer lets you keep track of any daily task. You are also able to run multiple timers at once.
http://timerit.intuitit.mobi/

Resource & Reference Apps

CamScanner - Free or $4.99 (Compatible with Android devices 2.0 or later)
CamScannerHD (tablets) and CamScanner (phone) turns your device into a document scanner. Scan any document and the app will convert it into a PDF.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.intsig.camscanner

SketchBook Express - Free or $1.99 (Compatible with Android devices 3.0 or later) This app is a virtual sketchbook for all of your drawings and doodles.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adsk.sketchbookhdexpress&hl=en

TED - Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.1 or later)
With the TED app, you can access hundreds of talks from some of the world’s biggest innovators.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ted.android&hl=en

Android Math Apps

Collection of math apps for adults challenged with dyslexia and other learning challenges
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/ged+math

Kid Math Game by divmob---Try this app right now on your computer. You control the app with your mouse and keyboard to experience it like you would on your phone. You can test drive this app before you buy.
http://www.amazon.com/divmob-Kid-Math-Game/dp/B0051JBLWQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=mobile-apps&ie=UTF8&qid=1329766279&sr=1-1

Source: Some of the apps in the above list were compiled from the University of Michigan’s article entitled Apps for Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities accessible from http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps.

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://androidcommunity.com/blackberry-playbook-to-lose-android-side-loading-for-fear-of-piracy-20120409/