Skill-Building Apps for Challenged Readers

With summer nearly upon us, there are some students and their parents who may be searching for good apps to improve in the following reading skill areas:

• Focusing
• Word-attack skills
• Fluency
• Tracking
• Comprehension
• Retention

We thought this would be an ideal time to provide our readers with apps for these specific skill areas. That way, over the summer break, students (and others) might be able to “brush up on” areas of weakness so that they will be improved by the time the new fall term begins. Here, then, is our list of APPS for the above reading skills:

Reading Skills Apps

Reading Remedies This app is like having shelves of assessment books and binders of "go to activities" in your pocket or at your fingertips. This is a great site for reading teachers or parents of struggling readers.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-remedies/id423213168?mt=8

FREE Word Attack App for Android Improve your vocabulary while having fun with this improved variation of the word-search game genre. No rules. Words appear in any location in any order. Find the words based on the given hints. Installs on external SD card for Froyo.
http://www.freeware4android.net/google-android-2-2-1-device-1909/word-games-tag/word-attack-download-40234.html

Word-Attack Apps for iPhone, iPad Good apps for improving a reader’s word-attack skills (some FREE)
http://appfinder.lisisoft.com/ipad-iphone-apps/word-attack.html

Top 12 Reading Comprehension Apps (from Reading Rockets) Apps that provide practice with specific comprehension skills, including sequencing, differentiating between fact and opinion, developing word awareness (through ant¬onyms, synonyms, and homophones), as well as several mind mapping apps (some FREE).
http://www.readingrockets.org/pdfs/Top-12-Comprehension-Apps.pdf

There’s a Special App for That – Part 7: Apps That Support Literacy Instruction Part 7 of “There’s A Special App For That” series on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad apps for students with special needs. (Scroll past chart with 7 building blocks of literacy to access Part 7’s apps.)
http://www.inov8-ed.com/2011/03/theres-a-special-app-for-that-part-7-apps-that-support-literacy-instruction/

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://www.clker.com/clipart-64843.html by: lizsantiago07

Struggling Readers + Pinterest = GREAT Solutions!

By now, you probably know that we’re all about three important things---1) struggling readers 2) helpful resources and 3) reading solutions. What better place could there be than our blog to combine all three for our readers? We decided to add a fourth ingredient to the mix for this week's article, however.

If you've been paying attention to trends on the internet, you're probably aware that Pinterest has taken over as a major social networking site. The Midwest is currently the part of the country where “pinners” are most prevalent, pinning (or posting) links and resources in categories for all their followers to see and share.

There have been many Pinterest pinners who have shared resources for challenged readers over the past several months. This week, we thought we would combine this popular trend with resources for struggling readers. The result? We hope this will help our visitors find even more solutions for the struggling readers in their lives---all in one place!

Here are just a few of the links to Pinterest boards for challenged readers (we included boards with 5 or more pins or resources):

1. From Michelle Anthony's board, Struggling Readers:
http://pinterest.com/tofutti/struggling-readers/

2. From Paula Lee’s board, Help for Struggling Readers:
http://pinterest.com/childwillread/help-for-struggling-readers/

3. From Amy Wall’s board, Struggling Readers:
http://pinterest.com/amybwall/struggling-readers/

4. From this author’s board, Let’s Help Struggling Readers:
http://pinterest.com/brennajn2000/let-s-help-struggling-readers/

Happy “pinning”---and reading, everyone!

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

More Apps & Resources for Dyslexia

In February, we posted a blog article here with a list of apps for dyslexia.

Since that time, we have noticed that readers of our blog are visiting to access these particular apps almost 5 to 1 over any other resource or topic (articles with AD/HD apps are visited almost 6 to 1). With this information, we thought our readers might like to have another current list of apps and resources for this particular reading challenge called dyslexia.

Without further ado, here are some additional apps and resources for those challenged with dyslexia (first apps list is from March 2012):

More Apps for Dyslexia

Extensive list of apps prepared for the Listening to Learn Guild by Jim Sandstrum, MA CCC-SLP, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, 2012---Contains the most talked about apps, most highly-rated or those with which the author has had good, personal experience. List includes Educreations’ FREE interactive whiteboard app.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/141865/Popular%20Apps%20for%20Students-LTL%20handout.pdf

Article that includes apps recommended for children challenged with dyslexia---by KJ Dell'Antonia
http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/24/apps-for-children-with-dyslexia/?scp=2&sq=dyslexia&st=cse

This list of 4 iPad apps contains great resources for students with dyslexia.
http://www.noodle.org/noodlings/k-12/great-apps-dyslexia

Instapaper---App that can save web pages for later offline reading, optimized for readability on your iPhone or iPod touch's screen. Featured by Apple and critically acclaimed by top blogs, newspapers, and magazines!---by Marco Arment and recommended by Abbie Gonzalez
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/instapaper/id288545208?mt=8

Other Resources for Dyslexia

FREE printable handout from www.ADDitudeMag.com---Back-to-School Success for Your Child with ADHD or Learning Disabilities Like Dyslexia---6 Steps to Success at School
http://www.additudemag.com/RCLP/sub/2737.html

Learn from the experts—-professionals and parents just like you—-how to get off the sidelines and help your child succeed in school and in life. This is a supportive website that can empower parents to help their children succeed.
http://www.smartkidswithld.org/ld-basics/signs-symptoms/dyslexia-article?gclid=CPXV5PCHnq8CFQVoKgodYlJtdw

Blog for parents of children with dyslexia, AD/HD or other LD (affiliated with the above website)---Newsletter sign-up box also available in left sidebar.
http://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog

Top 10 Resources on Dyslexia from Reading Rockets---Learn about the common signs of dyslexia, how parents can support their child and celebrate their strengths, the role of assistive technology, how the latest brain research can help kids with dyslexia, and more.
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/42331/?&depth=1&order=1&sortby=2&render=flat

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

For Struggling Readers, “Color” Can Make a Difference!

We are concluding our spring conference season and have talked with so many parents and teachers of struggling readers throughout the Midwest. A number of these adults described the various reading challenges of their children and students.

Some mentioned that their children have reported to them that words or letters on a page seem to “wave out” or have “shadows” behind them. Others told us that the children often do not want to read for more than a few minutes, saying that their eyes “get tired” quickly. Still others said that many times, their children or teens were too overwhelmed by all the text on a page. Each of the parents and teachers asked for strategies, tools and resources to help.

For some of the issues mentioned, the introduction of “color” could make a significant difference in one's reading success. The white background on most pages of text can cause some of the issues described above here. This white color is stark or just too bright for many challenged readers. Neutralizing this white color can allow a reader to not only focus but read much more effectively and comfortably.

A particular color for an individual reader can “unblock brain pathways” and further improve the focus, comprehension, and retention of what is read. Some experimentation with several different colors could be time well spent.

Because parent and teacher time is at such a premium, we thought it best to address these needs in a bulleted format. We have listed here some non-invasive ideas that involve the use of color to help readers of any age who are challenged with reading. The following ideas are conservative interventions one might consider before moving to more expensive options:

1. Use colored paper for all printed materials including worksheets, outlines, notes, etc. Experiment with pastels as well as bright shades. One particular color may produce significant results for an individual.

2. Consider the use of colored overlays or focus cards for increased focus and to help with “visual stress” as the white background of a page of text can be visually “offensive” to some readers/learners.

3. When possible, fold worksheets or printed pages into fourths or even eighths so that only what needs to be read or worked on at the moment is visible.

4. Try using focus cards with iPads and other e-tablets (Model #002-Longer). They are also good for use with Kindles, Nooks, and other e-readers (Model #001-Shorter). NOTE: It is recommended that a non-scratch film be used to protect tech devices’ screens with this application.

5. Seriously consider a visit to a developmental optometrist for a non-invasive and conclusive evaluation of a struggling reader (of any age). This medical professional can effectively test, evaluate, diagnose and prescribe particular treatments or therapies for vision-related reading and learning challenges.

We hope this list will give you a few good places to start. As always, please feel free to let us know of your experiences or success stories with “color” for struggling readers. We’ll appreciate it!

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://www.free-clipart-pictures.net/rainbow_clipart.html

Awesome Apps for Autism---& More!

We know that all struggling learners and their families need extra help and support. This is particularly important for those families in the autism community. Recently, resources have become available that are “leveling the playing field” for ALL learners, especially children and adults challenged with autism spectrum disorders. We are referring to the wonderful technology that is not only available now but more accessible than ever.

This technology has taken the form of e-readers such as Kindles, Nooks, e-tablets like iPads and apps of every kind. Parents and teachers have been calling in recent weeks to tell us how our Reading Focus Cards are helping to even further increase focus and concentration when used with these tech devices. (It is commended that a non-scratch film be used to protect the tech screens for this application.)

This blog article, filled to the brim with autism apps, software programs, and other resources, is dedicated to the children and adults on the spectrum as well as to their families who support and care for them---tirelessly. We hope what is provided here will make y our days just a little bit brighter, happier, and filled with more learning success!

Apps and App Lists

Finding Good Apps for Children with Autism (how-to article containing titles of good apps)
http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/29/finding-good-apps-for-children-with-autism/

A comprehensive list of apps used with and by people challenged with autism.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/autism-apps/id441600681?mt=8

Here is an excellent list of apps from Autism Speaks, the premier organization for autism info, resources, and support.
http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/autism-apps

Apps Index from A to Z--for Children with Special Needs (+ reviews & demos from Dr. Gary Brown)
http://a4cwsn.com/apps/apps-a-z/ & http://a4cwsn.com/

List of Top 10 Apps for Children of ALL Abilities (for iPads, iPhones, and others-from Ms. Meg Wilson)
http://edreach.us/2011/11/23/giving-thanks-for-apps-that-assist/

Apps (and much MORE!) for regular students as well as an apps section entitled “Especially for Special Education” (Scroll down the page and on the right, please.)
http://www.schrockguide.net/ipads-in-the-classroom.html

Other Helpful Resources (More autism apps provided in the articles to follow)

1. Blog article written by Shannon Des Roches Rosa: mother, writer, & advocate for autism/special needs. Shannon’s 9 year-old son Leo was introduced to the iPad, and she documented the impact it made for Leo and the family.
http://www.blogher.com/ipad-nearmiracle-my-son-autism

2. A second blog article, also from Shannon Des Roches Rosa, a former software producer for Electronic Arts and The Learning Company, presents important information about the characteristics of great apps for kids with autism.
http://momswithapps.com/2010/08/04/characteristics-of-great-apps-for-kids-with-autism/

Websites for Autism Support

Many FREE downloadables, resources and other support for families and teachers of children with autism:
http://www.angelfire.com/pa5/as/asteachersites.html

Autism ABA Materials, Lesson Plans, Data Sheets, Games, Work Tasks, and Other Educational Resources for Students with Autism:
http://www.positivelyautism.com/links.html

Links to information, organizations, techniques and strategies especially for teaching students in the autism spectrum:
http://www.tinsnips.org/

Links for helpful materials and information to help your student or child with autism:
http://www.autism4teachers.com/autism4teachers_051.htm

TeachersFirst's resources on autism spectrum disorders and Asperger's:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/spectopics/autism-asperger.cfm

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

The BEST Apps for AD/HD and Other Distractions

In the aftermath of the holiday gift-giving of so many tech devices, we have been receiving more calls and email requests than usual over the past month for educational and organizational apps, particularly those for AD/HD.

In response to these requests, we have gathered here a collection of app lists helpful for the AD/HD community with credits to Mr. Mark Kawate, ADDitude Magazine, and the editors of the Reader’s Digest, respectively. We hope these organizational and educational resources will provide you or someone you know challenged with AD/HD the needed assistance to make each day just a little bit better.

We would like to hear from our readers, too. If you know of another great AD/HD app not included in the lists below, please tell us and our readers in the comment boxes below. We will certainly appreciate your input!

Our readers are also telling us that their Reading Focus Cards work very well when used with their e-tablets (for iPads, etc.---the longer Reading Focus Card) and e-readers (for the Kindle, Nook, etc.---the smaller Reading Focus Card). This is an excellent way to get more focus on 1 or 2 lines of text on a webpage AND block out more surrounding text. We recommend that when doing this, the reader also use a scratch-proof, film shield to protect the tech device’s screen.

So, without further ado, here are 4 lists of the BEST apps we know of at this writing for children and/or adults challenged with the symptoms of AD/HD:

http://www.appsforadhd.com/appsforadhd/5bestiosapps.html The 5 Best iPhone/iPad Apps for ADHD-by Mark Kawate

http://www.appsforadhd.com/appsforadhd/top6free.html The Top 6 FREE iPhone/iPad Apps for ADHD-by Mark Kawate

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/8698.html To-Do List Apps for ADHD Kids and Adults from ADDitudeMag.com

http://www.rd.com/health/adhd-and-ipads-5-apps-to-make-life-easier/ ADHD and iPads: 5 Apps to Make Life Easier by Reader's Digest Editors

www.smartyearsapps.com A family of apps for ALL learners (courtesy of Ms. Rosie Simms---thank you!)

For more information, please visit:

www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For info, resources, and support
314-892-3897 For phone support and consultation

Need Apps for Special Needs? Great!

The holiday season is winding down, and the new year is about to begin. The presents have been put away, returned, or exchanged. However, if you were fortunate enough to receive an iPad or the like for Christmas, have you begun to take full advantage of it? Are you needing more information and resources to make that happen? Let's see if we can help you here.

First of all, we have been receiving quite a number of calls from parents and teachers telling us that they are using our Reading Focus Cards with their new iPads and Kindles. Of course, we are recommending a protective film for the tech devices' screens with this application.

Secondly, if you are a parent or a teacher of a child with special needs, you are in luck today. I have been busy this past week researching the BEST apps for your new tech devices---specifically, apps for children and teens with special needs.

To follow here, you will find the apps that will be worth your time to investigate. Most of them have been chosen by professionals in the field of special needs. I only bring them directly to you here. Please let me know of your experiences with any one or more of them. It will be very valuable to receive your input! This is my humble gift to you for the new year. Happy New Year 2012 to all my readers here and the children you help!

Best 5 iPad Apps for Dyslexia (posted by Drs. Fernette and Brock Eide--July 26, 2011) http://dyslexicadvantage.com/profiles/blogs/ipad-apps-dyslexia

Top Word-Processor App (iPad writing tool) http://www.funeducationalapps.com/2011/11/textkraft-english-top-smart-text-processor-for-ipad.html

Apps Index from A to Z--for Children with Special Needs (+ reviews and demos from Dr. Gary Brown) http://a4cwsn.com/apps/apps-a-z/

List of Top 10 Apps for Children of ALL Abilities (for iPads, iPhones, and others from Ms. Meg Wilson) http://edreach.us/2011/11/23/giving-thanks-for-apps-that-assist/

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For info, resources, and support
314-892-3897
Clip art courtesy of: http://freewareme.com/725-apple-ipad-photos-and-images.html