BEST Apps for Children with Down Syndrome

Updated January 2015

We received such a response from last week’s article entitled Vision & Literacy Resources for Down Syndrome that this week, we wanted to continue to offer assistance and support for teachers as well as families by providing them with some helpful apps for children and teens with Down Syndrome.

We did some research during the past week and found quite a few lists in special needs' blogs and elsewhere that should provide a wide variety of apps to address various needs in a number of content areas. We also added a short list of other resources (not apps) to follow near the end of the article.

We hope you’ll agree that these apps and resources will be helpful to teachers and families challenged with the special needs of Down Syndrome.

Apps & Resources for Children with Down Syndrome

App List for Young Children with Down Syndrome (October 30, 2014)
by Julie Melton Smith
There are many good apps that can be beneficial for young children! BridgingApps has put together an app list for young children with Down Syndrome. Use these apps to not only make the smart device fun but beneficial to the child’s development.
http://bridgingapps.org/2014/10/app-list-young-children-down-syndrome/

Apps for Middle and High School Students with Down Syndrome (October 8, 2014)
by Julie Melton Smith
BridgingApps has put together an app list for people with Down Syndrome that could be helpful during these years.
http://bridgingapps.org/2014/10/apps-middle-high-school-students-down-syndrome/

Desktop APP---Reading Focus Cards (Patent 8,360,779)
This desktop app for Macs, Windows PCs & Microsoft Surface tablets accommodates low vision or unfocused readers by covering text NOT to be read and channeling the eyes to 1 or more lines of text that ARE to be read. Users can manipulate all features of this digital tool available for download to help them better decode words and improve focus, comprehension and retention. This app allows for customization to meet the needs of individual readers and can also accommodate very large text or fonts as needed.
To learn more, visit http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590.
Direct links to access app download:
1. For Macs (desktops & notebooks):
Visit the Mac App Store and search for Reading Focus Cards or go directly to
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12
2. For Windows PCs (desktops & laptops):
Visit Gumroad at https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards OR visit the Microsoft Windows Store and search for the app called Reading Focus Cards. (No URLs are ever provided for apps in the Windows Store.)

Technology Use for Children with Down Syndrome: The iPad
by Dr. Thomas L. Layton
This article contains information on using iPads with children challenged with Down Syndrome. Various apps and their links are provided throughout the article that addresses needs in the area of phonics and reading, writing, speech and more.
http://www.talkandtotal.com/2011/05/technology-use-for-children-with-down-syndrome-the-ipad/

Down Syndrome Awareness Month App List (iPad & Android Apps)
by Amanda Schaumburg, M.S. CCC-SLP
This link will provide access to a pdf file for download. The file contains a list of apps for work on language skills compiled by a speech & language pathologist. Ms. Schaumburg prefers to think “functional!” and always tries to find ways to transfer skills learned in these apps to real life.
http://pandaspeech.blogspot.com/2012/10/down-syndrome-awareness-month-app-list.html

National Down Syndrome Congress 2011 BridgingApps App List
This list of apps was created for the convention by BridgingApps co-founder Cristen Reat, with contributions from Tricia Brinks (educator), Bonita Merrill (parent) and Betsy Furler (speech language pathologist). The apps address skills and topics related to school, independence, communication, leisure and more for parents of children with Down Syndrome.
http://bridgingapps.org/2011/08/national-down-syndrome-congress-2011-snapps4kids-app-list/

Apps for Kids with Special Needs (for iPad, iPhone, and iPod)
This link will provide access to various lists of apps to help our kids learn and possibly improve their quality of life.
http://www.downsyndromedaily.com/2011/03/apps-for-kids-with-special-needs.html

Other Resources (not Apps)

The Reading and Language Intervention for Children with Down Syndrome (RLI) (2 DVDs & 1 CD-ROM)
Authors: Kelly Burgoyne, Fiona Duff, Paula Clarke, Glynnis Smith, Sue Buckley, Margaret Snowling and Charles Hulme---Publication date: December 13, 2012
Intervention (now available in the U.S.) designed to teach key reading and language skills to children with Down Syndrome. Found to be more effective than ordinary literacy instruction in a randomized controlled trial in the UK. Adapted to meet the specific learning needs of children with Down Syndrome aged 5 to 11 years. An evaluation of RLI is also now underway in schools in San Antonio, Texas.
http://www.dseusa.org/en-us/news/2013/01/16/down-syndrome-reading-language-intervention-shipping/

Educational strategies for children w/Down syndrome—A “closed” Facebook Group (Request to join)
A place to share educational ideas for your child with Down syndrome, including but not limited to things you can do at home to reinforce what's happening at school.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/139259556143320/

42 Great Down Syndrome Resources You Should Know About
by Tzvi---Published on 3/20/13
Check out these informative and supportive resources from the web, various books, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest---all in one place!
http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/03/20/42-top-down-syndrome-resources-you-should-know-about/

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

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators,LLC

Journey to Hannibal with FREE Mark Twain Resources

Includes Digital Text Resources for ALL Readers in Various Platforms

This past weekend offered a rare opportunity to take a few days to refresh and recreate. It was an extension of the Valentine’s Day we had not had a chance to celebrate as a result of my husband’s and my work schedule on the 14th. We took a trip north but didn’t wander very far. Some weeks ago, we had decided to plan a trip to Hannibal, Missouri, the hometown of the great American writer, Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain.

We visited the Historic District of the town with the boyhood home of the writer, the Mark Twain Museum, Riverview Park with its beautiful overlooks of the Mississippi River, the Becky Thatcher House (currently undergoing renovation) and even the famous, white picket fence where Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn enjoyed a conversation about work vs. enjoyment.

The gift shop and bookstore adjoining the Mark Twain Museum provided great selections of the writer. In particular, there were copies of the Autobiography of Mark Twain, a book finally published in 2010, the 100th anniversary of Mark Twain’s death. My husband purchased a copy, as the book’s back cover promised that “Every word beguiles.” (from the Wall street Journal)

This short weekend excursion helped us revisit the days of Mr. Clemens in a very special way. Our visit to the quaint and historic town of Hannibal is one that we will not soon forget. On the way home, I thought of all the great writings given to us by this famous American writer from Hannibal. I also thought my readers might like to enjoy some of his writings, too. So, I have gathered here a short list of reading resources that will provide many of the works of Mark Twain for ALL readers (whether average or challenged). Hope you will enjoy them as much as we enjoyed our journey to Mark Twain country.

Works of Mark Twain for ALL Readers in Various Platforms

Complete Works of Mark Twain (Illustrated) [Kindle Edition]---Mark Twain (Author)–Price: $2.99
Features:
* ALL 12 novels, annotated with concise introductions & individual contents tables
* Includes Twain’s rare, unfinished novel “The Mysterious Stranger”
* ALL of his short stories, with quality formatting
* Short stories have their own chronological & alphabetical contents tables
* Twain's 20 short story contributions to "The Library of Humor" with its contents table
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Works-Twain-Illustrated-ebook/dp/B0051XSGYS

FREE e-Books by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)---Read on your PDA, cell phone, or your e-Book reader.
FREE downloads of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Prince and the Pauper and MORE!
http://manybooks.net/authors/twainmar.html

FREE Audio Books of Works by Mark Twain---FREE audio downloads of the novels and short stories of Twain
http://freeclassicaudiobooks.com/audiobooks/authors/T/Twain,%20Mark/

FREE Audio Books ---The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain (in mp3 audio)
http://freeclassicaudiobooks.com/audiobooks/Sawyer/mp3/

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (FREE Audio Book with Visuals for Children ---in English)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH3Q8JYz-20

Part 1 - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain (Chapters 1-10) (FREE Audiobook with Read-Along)
Large, boldfaced text presented on grey-colored page backgrounds can be helpful for some challenged readers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5ydVzIFGyA

Part 2 - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain (Chapters 11-24) (FREE Audiobook with Read-Along)
Large, boldfaced text presented on grey-colored page backgrounds can be helpful for some challenged readers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS9QFJdA1nw

FREE The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain--- For iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-adventures-of-tom-sawyer/id481966693?mt=11

Complete Works of Mark Twain (with Commentary, Mark Twain Biography, and Plot Summaries)
by Mark Twain---For iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch---Price: $2.99
Included in this collection:
The Novels of Mark Twain
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Tom Sawyer Abroad
Tom Sawyer, Detective
The American Claimant
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/complete-works-mark-twain/id425270087?mt=11

Autobiography of Mark Twain-Volume 1---by Mark Twain (Reader's Edition-Softcover Text)
Published 2010 by University of California Press
The first of a projected, three-volume edition of the complete, uncensored autobiography of Mark Twain

Other Area and Historical Resources

General Information about Hannibal, Missouri---Provided by the Hannibal Convention & Visitors Bureau
http://www.visithannibal.com/index.php/en/about-hannibal

Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
http://www.marktwainmuseum.org/

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

Images courtesy of: https://twimg0-a.akamaihd.net/profile_images/16602102/Mark_Twain.jpg and http://www.riversedgeiowa.com/Attractions.php?attraction_title=Mark+Twain+Boyhood+Home+and+Museum

Study Tips, Tricks & Resources for ALL Readers & Learners

Now that the New Year 2013 is well underway, students are returning to classrooms. Teachers are resuming the assignments of class work and homework. Parents are once again facing the sometimes daunting task of motivating their children to complete challenging, long-term projects or helping them prepare for tests.

That is why today’s article will provide teachers and parents with resources to help with the successful completion of school work and study. We have listed below here some FREE options to assist students of ALL ages and abilities with time management, organization and study tips and tricks, the key pieces for academic success. We hope you will find each resource to benefit someone you know who needs a little extra help in the “homework & study department” for the new year.

Time Management Tools

Basic Blank Monthly Calendars---FREE printables for easy customizing to individual needs and notes (2 versions)
http://www.studenthandouts.com/Assortment-01/Graphic-Organizers/Blank-Monthly-Calendar-Directions.html

More Blank Monthly Calendar Templates---More FREE printables for customizing to individual needs on a monthly basis (includes templates through December 2015)
http://www.studenthandouts.com/calendarmain.htm

High School and College Assignment Planner--- FREE printable for College and High School Course Assignment Semester/Year Planner (can be used for middle school students as well)
http://www.studenthandouts.com/Assortment-01/Graphic-Organizers/High-School-College-Assignment-Planner.html

APPS--5 Time Management Apps for the iPhone---by Eric Baxter and HowStuffWorks.com---A short list of a few iPhone apps that have been designed to help you better manage your time.
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-apps/5-time-management-apps-for-iphone.htm

APPS--15 Awesome Time Management Tools and Apps---You will find that most of these tools are browser-based and can work on any computer whether it is Windows, Mac or Linux. By the way, , you will also notice that ALL of these tools are FREE!
http://www.dumblittleman.com/2009/04/15-awesome-time-management-tools-and.html

Organizational Tools

Graphic Organizers (for Primary Students)---Many kinds of FREE graphic organizers for primary teachers and parents of younger students can be found here. These graphic organizers are great for teaching lessons to elementary children. These can also help to organize thoughts for writing and retention of information.
http://www.netrover.com/~kingskid/graphic/graphic.htm

Graphic Organizers (for Elementary Students)--- Help your students or children classify ideas and communicate more effectively. Use these FREE graphic organizers to structure writing projects, to help in problem solving, decision making, studying, planning research and brainstorming.
http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/

Graphic Organizers (for Middle & High School Students)---Middle and high school as well as college students can benefit from the FREE graphic organizers on this site. Templates for Brainstorming, a Classroom Weekly Newsletter and others can be accessed via this site.
http://www.studenthandouts.com/graphicorganizers.htm

APPS--Top 5 Apps for Organizing School Work---From Edudemic---Here are a few apps geared specifically towards organization for the student.
http://edudemic.com/2012/01/top-5-apps-for-organizing-school-work/

Study Tips

Why Your Good Study Habits Are Wrong---Article from WebMD with a list of new tips to include in a young student’s study routine (includes a “listening” option for the article)
http://fit.webmd.com/kids/move/article/good-study-habits

Homework & Study Skills---A compilation of articles from the National Center for Learning Disabilities, each containing information and many study resources for both young AND older students (teens, too), especially for those with reading and learning challenges
http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/homework-study-skills

9 Awesome Study Tips For College Students---Article from the Huffington Post that presents “new” study tips that work for college students (some information shared from the New York Times)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/08/study-tips-for-college-_n_709096.html#s136089&title=Alternate_Study_Spaces

AcademicTips.org’s College Study Tips---This web site contains college study tips, guides and tricks to help you manage your time, take better notes, study more effectively, improve memory, take tests, etc.
http://www.academictips.org/

APP--Study Tips---by CoolAppsA --- FREE app for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad-Requires iOS 5.0 or later---The 365 tips and quotes included in the app are based on decades of research in the fields of education and psychology and on field tests with a broad spectrum of students from middle school to post-graduate level, including many with attention and learning issues.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/study-tips/id528269160

Happy reading and studying in this New Year 2013!

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

BEST Reading & Writing iPad Apps for ALL Learners

Some students relax and recreate with their families during the holiday season. Others, especially struggling readers, may choose to use some of their holiday time to re-read or review challenging content and prepare for the next semester’s classes. As 2012 begins to wind down, we wanted to provide our student readers with some apps to help review and prepare in the best ways possible.

The following articles and lists of reading and writing iPad apps should be most helpful for this type of review and class preparation---and, we hope, motivating at the same time as we begin a new year. Happy New Year 2013 to ALL of our readers, writers and learners here!

BEST Reading & Writing iPad Apps

20 iPad Apps to Teach Elementary Reading---With these 20 apps, children can learn how to write letters, improve phonics fluency, and even write their own books. Read on to find the very best iPad apps for developing young readers
From TeachThought’s blog
http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/20-ipad-apps-to-teach-elementary-reading/

50 Popular iPad Apps for Struggling Readers & Writers---Here we highlight just a few of the amazing apps out there that can help students with reading disabilities improve their skills not only in reading, writing, and spelling, but they can also get a boost in confidence and learn to see school as a fun, engaging activity rather than a struggle.
http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/50-popular-ipad-apps-for-struggling-readers-writers/

32 iPad Apps for Better Writing---Some of the brightest of these tools can be found on the Apple iPad, and we’ve highlighted 32 of them here. Whether you’re looking for a place to scribble ideas, organize plot lines, or just find your zen before sitting down to write, these apps have got you covered. (Best for students from middle school through college and beyond)
by Terry Heick from TeachThought’s Blog
http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/32-ipad-apps-for-better-writing/

Cause and Effect (iPad App)---e Skills Learning Minimod's Cause and Effect helps students build mastery in the essential reading comprehension skill of Cause and Effect. Cause and Effect requires the student to read a passage. Some of the passages ask the student to determine the Cause, while other passages ask the student to determine the Effect. This app is carefully aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
http://www.eskillslearning.net/products/showproduct.php?product=causeandeffect

25 Essential Apps for Mobile Learning---Educational apps for high school through college
http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/25-essential-apps-for-mobile-learning/

Other Helpful Resources

12 Characteristics of an iPad-Ready Classroom---Here are 4 distinct areas of instruction and instructional design that can help frame the concept of iPad integration: Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Integration.
http://www.teachthought.com/teaching/12-characteristics-of-an-ipad-ready-classroom/

21 Reasons to Use Tablets in the 21st Century Classroom---Some educators are still skeptical. How can a piece of technology truly enhance the learning process, without causing distraction?
http://www.teachthought.com/technology/reasons-to-use-tablets-in-the-21st-century-classroom/

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

Image courtesy of: http://www.wired.co.uk/topics/ipad

ADHD? Discover Those Strengths & Build on Them!

If you are the parent of a child or teen with ADD, you may often fret over the challenges your child faces at school and at home with the family, concerned about the child's future. If you are an educator in a classroom having one or more students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, you may find that you spend considerably more time thinking about how to address the negative behaviors associated with the ADHD than you do about how to teach these students. If you are an adult challenged with ADHD, you may find yourself spending a great deal of time thinking about your daily struggles and weaknesses. These are not unusual situations; however, there is a way to “turn the boat around” in thought and action for children or adults with some form of ADHD.

It is almost always easier to think about the “negative side” of a situation. It takes little energy and no productive thinking to “give in” mentally to “The Dark Side” when thinking about a situation, rarely if ever arriving at a good solution. This can certainly be true when we talk about ADHD. However, you might remember an old song with the lyrics:

“Accentuate the positive. Eee-lim-inate the negative. Latch on to the affirmative. Don’t mess with Mr. In-Between.”

Well, that’s certainly the advice we have to share with you here.

You might find it a little difficult to do, but consider your child, your students or yourself challenged with ADHD as persons with strengths in addition to the struggles associated with attention deficits. It is even a good idea to make a list of the strengths of each individual, and that may mean YOU. Yes, you DO have strengths. These may be special talents or gifts such as a great sense of humor, the ability to talk or interact well with others or special artistic skills. There are other talents less tangible but very valuable that are gifts as well: honesty and integrity, the ability to be a team player or to be compassionate and generous when others are hurting.

Whatever those gifts are, they are a person’s strengths. When that person is challenged with ADHD, acknowledge those strengths, gifts and talents and celebrate them. Then focus and build on them, diminishing the weaknesses associated with the ADHD. That is not to say that those symptoms are to be ignored or forgotten. No, it means that the emphasis of thinking is on what is positive.

Get involved with or provide activities that will capitalize on those strengths. Allow yourself or the person with ADHD to “shine” as a result of using those special gifts in a carefully chosen activity or exercise. You will find that your child, your students or you will experience increased self-esteem, which in turn will positively impact learning, achievement and daily life experiences. In other words, ACCENTuate the POSITIVE---with ADHD!

Positively GOOD Resources and Apps for ADHD (to Help Build on Strengths)

Resources for Supporting Students with ADHD---List of supportive links to access resources and support for adults challenged with ADHD as well as parents and teachers of children with ADHD
http://www.pbis.vcu.edu/2010/12/resources-for-supporting-students-with-adhd.html

Adult ADHD: 50 Tips of Management---Tips for adults with ADHD that help instill hope and re-establish a positive attitude (includes insight and education as well as self-management strategies)
by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. and John J. Ratey, M.D.
http://www.addresources.org/?q=node/253

Parents of Children with ADHD---Some positive tips for parenting an ADD or ADHD child (includes a planner designed by a mother for her son with ADHD)
http://www.addresources.org/?q=node/2014

ADD/ADHD Resources for Teachers---From assessment accommodations and FAQs, these articles and resources will support and help teachers work with the special nature of students with ADD/ADHD.
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/add-and-adhd/resource/5348.html

Apps for Teens and Adults with ADHD---Supportive apps for improving organizational skills, weight loss and self-esteem among others are available via this link (FREE and low-cost apps)
http://appfinder.lisisoft.com/ipad-iphone-apps/add-adhd-teenagers.html

Image courtesy of: http://www.addresources.org/?q=node/2014

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

Image courtesy of: http://www.addresources.org/?q=node/2014

BEST Tools for Dyslexia

There is no doubt that our blog visitors are always looking for resources and tools for dyslexia. These are the number one, sought-after items according to our blog analytics' reports. This continues to be the case week after week.

Many of these visitors are teachers who seek practical and usable information about dyslexia not provided by their school districts and professional organizations. Others are parents who desperately want to help their children succeed in school, despite the struggles with reading those children face daily in their classrooms. Still others are adults who have been challenged with reading issues most of their lives and continue to search for tools and strategies to improve focus, concentration, comprehension and retention.

Because of this continuous demand and the increasing number of phone requests we consistently receive, we have gathered again a new list of tools (both low- and high-tech) to manage the symptoms and effects of dyslexia, allowing challenged readers to focus and read with more success. Additional resources for dyslexia are listed immediately to follow. These tools, resources and information are from both Yale University and the University of Michigan.

Low-Tech & High-Tech Tools for Dyslexia

Technology for Dyslexia
Review of several tech devices specifically helpful to persons with dyslexia
From Yale University
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/Technology.html

Software and Assistive Technology
Description and information about various technologies to help accommodate for challenges and increase self-confidence at home, in the classroom, or on the job
From the University of Michigan’s University Center for the Development of Language & Literacy
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/software-assistive-technology

Assistive Technology at School (Info about Low- and High-Tech Assistive Technology)
A Charter School's Journey into Assistive Technology ---article by Joshua Jenkins
From Yale University
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/EDU_schooltechnology.html

The Reading Focus Card to Help Students with Dyslexia & ADD/ADHD (Low-Tech Tool to Help with Dyslexia)
Review from University of Michigan’s University Center for the University Center for the Development of Language & Literacy
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/latest/reading-focus-card-help-students-dyslexia-addadhd

Apps for Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities-(Collection of both Android and Apple-compatible apps)
List compiled by the University of Michigan’s University Center for the Development of Language & Literacy
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps

Other Resources for Dyslexia

Tips from Dyslexic Students for Dyslexic Students
by Nancy Hall
From Yale University
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/DYS_Student2Student.html

Book Scanning Services
As dyslexics struggle with reading, pouring over pages of small, tightly-printed text may not be the best option. Luckily, book scanning has become a viable option for transferring printed text into PDFs and e-Book formats to help dyslexics read.
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/book-scanning-services

Learn About It—What is Dyslexia and Debunking the Myths—Quiz
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/primary-links/learn-about-it%E2%80%94what-dyslexia-and-debunking-myths%E2%80%94quiz

Press Release - Patented ADHD Reading Tools Can Help ALL Kinds of Readers
http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/patented-adhd-reading-tools-can-help-all-kinds-readers

Happy 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

Image courtesy of: http://bookivoremidwest.blogspot.com/2010/07/sustained-silent-reading.html

The Struggling Student at Conference Time

Can it be that the first grading period has arrived already? Yes, and with it come the annual or semi-annual, parent-teacher conferences. This realization usually causes one of two parental reactions ---“I can’t wait to see how Evan is doing!” or “I’m worried about what Ms. Jackson is going to tell us about our Emma.”

From a teacher’s standpoint, this first conference with parents can also be a stressful event. At conferences, educators often meet students’ parents for the very first time. These conferences usually occur right after the hard work of term test taking for students followed by the time required to prepare report cards with individual performance comments. All the while, these teachers continue to plan lessons, correct papers for the second term already begun, and reply to emails and phone calls from parents and colleagues. It can be a very overwhelming time of the year!

If the scheduled conference is for the benefit of a struggling student, the level of concern on the part of the parents may be even greater, and the teacher may need to prepare even more carefully in order to best help the student. Parents can do much to help make the first conference a very positive experience for all involved, particularly for their child:

• First and foremost, show respect for the educational professional seated before you. She likely spends more hours per week with your child than you do during the school year. She knows your child and will provide valuable information to enable the child to enjoy more learning success.

• Secondly, when constructive criticism about your child is offered, listen and remember what is said. If needed, jot down a few notes regarding the suggested areas of needed improvement.

• Normally, the teacher will make suggestions or offer resources to help with those improvements. Continue the note-taking. However, if none are offered, “gently” request her recommendations, tools and strategies or other resources you might consider to help your child develop more skill in a specific area.

• Finally, remember to be appreciative. Make it known to this teacher that you are grateful for the time and efforts she gives to help your child read and learn. Teachers are human beings in the work of service, hard work that very often is not always appreciated by those who are served. Be grateful for their dedication and commitment.

For educators, you most likely have a preferred format for conducting conferences. No matter which conference “template” you use, there are a few good ideas you might want to keep in mind:

• Try to describe student weaknesses in constructive ways---with some degree of gentleness. Of course, never compare one student with another.

• For every shortcoming or struggle a student may be experiencing, be kind enough to provide a possible strategy to help bring about improvement.

• Always remember to share at least one positive comment about each child. Every child has at least one talent, gift or characteristic that makes him or her special. Share these good comments with parents.

• Finally, offer encouragement to parents who may be struggling to guide their challenged children.

Once again, we have taken the time to gather some resources here to help both parents and teachers at this special “conference time” of year. We hope you will find them beneficial as you work together to help a child improve and experience more learning success!

Resources for Parents

FREE IEP e-book---To help parents plan for a child's IEP meeting! (from the NCLD---National Center for Learning Disabilities)
http://info.ncld.org/free-e-book-iep-meeting-planner-?utm_source=LDOnLine.org&utm_medium=Twitter

What Is a 504 Plan? (Video)---Excellent 5 min. video that clearly explains a 504 plan (from the NCLD)
http://www.ncld.org/learning-disability-resources/videos/video-what-is-a-504-plan

40 Winning Accommodations---New, FREE ADHD Printable! (from ADDitude Magazine)
Increase the odds of your ADHD child succeeding in school with ADDitude's FREE printable, 40 Winning Accommodations.
http://www.additudemag.com/RCLP/sub/9109.html

10 Top Tips for Dyslexia---Tips parents can use to help their children challenged with dyslexia to enjoy more learning success in school
http://www.teach-our-kids.co.uk/10-top-tips-for-helping-your-child-with-dyslexia/

The Top 50 Apps for Kids (2012)---In education, music, art and more
http://www.babble.com/kid/kids-products/50-best-kids-apps-family/

Resources for Teachers

Parent–Teacher Conference Tip Sheets---both English & Spanish (from Harvard Family Research Project)
http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/parent-teacher-conference-tip-sheets-hojas-de-consejos-para-las-reuniones-de-padres-y-maestros

Parent-Teacher Conference Resources---These resources will help maximize the benefits of parent-teacher collaborations to serve each child's educational needs. (from TeacherVision.com)
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/teacher-parent-conferences/resource/3713.html

Family Involvement Publications & Resources---Articles and other resources to help with conferences (from Harvard Family Research Project)
http://www.hfrp.org/family-involvement/publications-resources

The Best Resources on Parent/Teacher Conferences---Some of the most useful materials to help with parent-teacher conferences (from EduBlogs.org)
http://engagingparentsinschool.edublogs.org/2011/10/29/the-best-resources-on-parentteacher-conferences/

Happy learning, 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

Image provided by: http://edusavvyparents.com/parenting

GREAT Apps to Help Teach Reading

This past weekend, our associates of Brennan Innovators attended a second educational conference in as many weeks. This time, the conference was located in our own city of St. Louis on the beautiful campus of Harris Stowe State University.

The International Reading Association-St. Louis Suburban Council held its annual Literacy-for-All Conference for college professors, teachers, reading specialists, parents, and others interested in promoting literacy in our schools and homes. The conference theme was "Literacy for the Future". It was a very good conference.

I had the great pleasure of presenting a workshop entitled "Strategies, Tools and More for Struggling Readers" at Saturday’s event. Not surprisingly, the number of workshop attendees was significant with every chair taken in the conference room. It was apparent that teachers and other literacy advocates most definitely want to know more about how they can help challenged readers experience more reading success. Attendees were also interested in apps that could help teach children how to read.

So today, we are dedicating this blog article to just those kinds of apps. Most of the links to follow here will each enable our readers to access an entire list of apps to help teach reading and related skills. The last URL, however, will connect to a single app for use with pre-school aged children.

10 iPad Apps for Teaching Kids to Read
From HowStuffWorks---Blog article by Sarah Winkler
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/tablets/10-ipad-apps-for-teaching-kids-to-read.htm

Top Ten Reading Apps for Children
From The Reading Corner---Blog article by Christine @ Reading Horizons
http://athome.readinghorizons.com/community/blog/top-ten-reading-apps-for-children/

6 Great Learn-to-Read Apps for Kids
From Common Sense Media and iVillage
http://www.ivillage.com/best-learn-read-apps-kids/6-a-379970

Best Android Apps for Learning to Read 1
by JennyMurphy
http://www.androidapps.com/curated-apps/4821-best-android-apps-for-learning-to-read-1

Kids Learn to Read (for Preschool)—(Android app)
From intellijoy—Price $3.99
Kids Learn to Read is a delightful game that invites preschool-aged children to practice blending sounds together to read and spell simple words, such as "dog", "sun", and "big".
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.intellijoy.android.reading&hl=en

50 Useful Apps For Students With Reading Disabilities--(for Apple iPads)
Studies tell us that about half of kids with AD/HD also have problems with reading, and writing and spelling problems are common, too. Here's a long list of apps designed to help.
http://edudemic.com/2012/09/the-50-best-ipad-apps-for-students-with-reading-disabilities/

Happy 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

Image provided by: http://www.digitalbookworld.com/2012/ipad-e-reading-market-share-stagnates-as-tablet-e-reading-rises/

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

Back to School with ADHD Apps

It is no surprise that as children and teens head back to school this fall, ADHD is very much apart of many American family life. The statistics for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder) in the U.S. were updated last December (2011) by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Here are just some of the statistics collected and provided by the CDC from parent surveys:

• Parents report that approximately 9.5% or 5.4 million children 4-17 years of age have ever been diagnosed with ADHD, as of 2007.

• The percentage of children with a parent-reported ADHD diagnosis increased by 22% between 2003 and 2007.

• Rates of ADHD diagnosis increased an average of 3% per year from 1997 to 2006 and an average of 5.5% per year from 2003 to 2007.

• Boys (13.2%) were more likely than girls (5.6%) to have ever been diagnosed with ADHD.

• Rates of ADHD diagnosis increased at a greater rate among older teens as compared to younger children.

• The highest rates of parent-reported ADHD diagnosis were noted among children covered by Medicaid and multi-racial children.

• Prevalence of parent-reported ADHD diagnosis varied substantially by state, from a low of 5.6% in Nevada to a high of 15.6% in North Carolina.

(From Data & Statistics in the United States, December 2011: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html)

So it is obvious that as this new school year begins, ADHD is a condition that more and more U.S. families are facing. What can parents and teachers do to help students manage this disorder so that academic success is possible for them?

We have just compiled a new list of ADHD apps that should especially help families with ADHD management this school year. We hope our readers will take a look at them and decide which ones might work best for their children, their students or perhaps even for themselves.

Apps for Families Living with ADD/ADHD

The Social Navigator by Lorraine Millan---Social skills guide and brain trainer app
http://www.socialnavigatorapp.com/social_navigator.php

iHomework by Paul Pilone---Homework tracker
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ihomework/id302786560

iStudiez Pro by iStudiez Team---Convenient study planning tool
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/istudiez-pro/id310636441

Routines by Coopla---Chores and daily living planner
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/routines/id370297791

Home Routines by Wunderbear---Create checklists and reminders
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/homeroutines/id353117370

ReQall from reQall, Inc.---Record your reminders by voice and see them in text
http://www.reqall.com/

IEP Checklist ---IEP Checklist for parents and educators
http://www.peatc.org/peatc.cgim?template=IEPChecklistiPhone

Sources and References:

Apps for Families Living with ADD/ADHD (from The Social Navigator)
http://www.socialnavigatorapp.com/add_adhd_apps.htm

CDC---Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

SPECIAL NOTE: Smart Apps for Kids is giving away its 16th iPad 2! To enter the giveaway, visit http://www.smartappsforkids.com/2012/09/ipad-no-16.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

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.ace-clipart.com/school-clipart-07.html

Able Apps for Dysgraphia

Updated November 2016

Do you know a child or adult with dysgraphia? Do you know what it means to have this disorder? Perhaps it is related to the approaching new school year, but we have been noticing more keyword searches on both our website and blogsite here that include the term dysgraphia.

NINDS (National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke) describes dysgraphia as “a neurological disorder characterized by writing disabilities. Specifically, the disorder causes a person's writing to be distorted or incorrect. In children, the disorder generally emerges when they are first introduced to writing. They make inappropriately sized and spaced letters, or write wrong or misspelled words, despite thorough instruction.

Children with dysgraphia may have other learning disabilities; however, they usually have no social or other academic problems. Dysgraphia in adults generally occurs after some trauma. In addition to poor handwriting, dysgraphia is characterized by wrong or odd spelling, and production of words that are not correct (i.e., using "boy" for "child"). The cause of the disorder is unknown, but in adults, it is usually associated with damage to the parietal lobe of the brain.”

In simpler terms, dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects a person's writing abilities. It can manifest itself as difficulties with spelling, poor handwriting and challenges with putting thoughts on paper. In addition, dysgraphia is often common in children with ADHD and related disorders. The disorder affects approximately 10% of the population. Some medical professionals and educators recommend that children and adults with dysgraphia use computers and other tech devices to avoid the problems of handwriting.

Here are some of the symptoms of dysgraphia:

• Illegible writing
• Cramped or unusual pencil grip
• Writing from the wrist instead of dynamic hand
• Mixing uppercase and lowercase letters in the same word
• Omitted words, unfinished words or misplaced words
• Difficulty thinking and writing at the same time
• Talking to oneself while writing
• Random or non-existent punctuation
• Difficulty with syntax and grammar
• Writing that may be legible but is laboriously produced

With the apparent and noted need for information on this topic, we thought it might be helpful to provide our readers with a list of good apps for dysgraphia, especially as we quickly approach the new fall semester. After some research, we located the following apps that we hope will help a child or adult you know challenged with dysgraphia:

Apps for Dysgraphia

1. A collection of 6 apps specifically for dysgraphia---Ecosystems and Interactions blog
http://wandadawnleanne.blogspot.com/2012/06/useful-apps-for-students-with.html

2. Text Grabber-Version 5.4.7 -- This app allows the user to take a picture of a document with text, the app performs OCR, activate Voice Over, and it will read it to the user---by ABBYY -- Price is $4.99 - Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/textgrabber-+-translator/id438475005?mt=8

3. mobile112 This app is a full-featured Android app for users with dyslexia, literacy or word finding problems, aphasia or dysgraphia. It can also be used to capture (OCR) and translate any written text in any European language (and soon also Cyrillic/Japanese/Chinese/Korean). (Trial edition available from Google Play---free for 30 days.)
http://mobile112.net/download.html

4. Apps to Help Students with Dysgraphia & Writing Difficulties---Academic Therapy Center
https://academictherapycenter.com/2014/05/apps-to-help-students-with-dysgraphia-and-writing-difficulties/

Special Note: It has been found that individuals with dysgraphia can often benefit from regular use of the Pages application on an iMac to complete most “written” work. Also, it can be helpful to use the speech recognition features built into the Mac OS to navigate the screen, because the fine-motor movements required to use the mouse can often be hard to control. As a student moves into higher grades and the number of written assignments increases, using the iMac will save time and make it easier for teachers to review the student’s work than if written by hand.

Other Resources
A variety of helpful articles on dysgraphia (from Scoop.it!)
http://www.scoop.it/search?q=dysgraphia&type=post&page=1&limit=24&x=26&y=14

The NINDS (National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke) web page for information on dysgraphia---treatment options, research, clinical trials and more
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dysgraphia/dysgraphia.htm

Sources for this article:
1. Information on the Pages application of iMas and Mac OS speech recognition features
http://www.apple.com/education/docs/L419373AUS_L419373A_AppleTechDisabilities.pdf

2. General information on dysgraphia from blog entitled A Mom’s (and Dad”s) View of ADHD
http://adhdmomma.com/2011/04/adhd-and-dysgraphia.html

3. The NINDS (National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke) for dysgraphia definition
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dysgraphia/dysgraphia.htm

4. The dyslexia A2Z website
http://www.dyslexiaa2z.com/learning_difficulties/dysgraphia/dysgraphia_what_is.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

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.dyslexiaa2z.com/learning_difficulties/dysgraphia/dysgraphia_what_is.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/

GREAT Apps for Better Reading Comprehension

During the summer, it can be a good idea for readers of any age to brush up on reading skills. Comprehension is one of the most important of all reading skills.

This past week, we searched the internet to locate some of the best apps for improving a child’s reading comprehension, and we discovered some great ones to help make this summer VERY productive by building better reading comprehension skills.

All of the apps listed in this article have been developed in association with the Virginia Department of Education. In addition, these apps address the specific skills below here within the area of reading comprehension:

• Fact and Opinion
• Sequencing
• Antonyms & Synonyms
• Homophones

Finally, all are FREE---and like you, we love FREE! We hope you will find these apps will assist you in helping your children or students significantly improve their reading comprehension skills. Happy reading, everyone!

Aesop’s Quest: Based on Aesop's Fables, this is a learning game where the student must remember elements of a story to complete a level. At the end of each story segment or level, the student is rewarded with puzzle pieces. After solving the puzzle, the story is complete and the child can continue to the next story.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aesops-quest/id442928041?mt=8

Opposite Oceans (Antonyms): Luna and Leo must master the magic of words by correctly identify the antonym that is the opposite of the given keyword. Children earn pearls when they drag the correct bubble word to the enchanted clam.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/opposite-ocean-antonyms/id443213664?mt=8

Professor Garfield Fact or Opinion: This app is part story, part game, and part online safety lesson. When Garfield's friend receives an "F" on his report about goats for using opinions instead of facts, Professor Garfield steps in to explain the differences between a fact and an opinion (particularly with regard to the Internet), how to read with a questioning mind, and how a fact can be verified.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/professor-garfield-fact-or/id401257010?mt=8

Same Meaning Magic (Synonyms): Students help Luna and Leo, young magicians at magic school, toss word stones into the wishing well to earn gold coins and jewels by choosing the best synonym.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/same-meaning-magic-synonyms/id443212030?mt=8

Same Sound Spellbound (Homophones): An adventure designed to help the player understand homophones (words that are pronounced the same but have different meanings, such as "bee" and "be"). Luna and Leo, young magicians at Magic School, must use their spell book to bring animal statues to life. In the game, students must correctly identify the homophone which best completes the puzzle sentence, in a given time. If the word is correct, the animal statue comes to life. If it's incorrect, the statue crumbles.
http://itunes.apple.com/app/id442983953

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://classroomclipart.com/clipart-view/Clipart/Reading/26-10-07_29_jpg.htm

Are We Having Fun Yet?

Great Activities & Apps for Family Road Trips, Camping, & Other Summer Fun

Are you and the family planning your annual camping vacation or road trip? Have you promised your spouse that you won’t just pop another movie disk into the van’s DVD player to keep the kids from whining while you’re driving? Or will the children miss the sites along the way because they’ll be hypnotized by the latest video games?

So, what can parents do to keep the peace AND keep their families safe on America’s roadways this summer? In addition, what if the solutions also provided some learning experiences for the kids? That would be a great vacation, right?

We’ve assembled some ideas that might just fill the bill for today’s families. We think you’ll find some to be traditional while others might be new and different. We hope you’ll find at least a few options to help make this year’s summer vacation one where everyone in the family will feel like he/she actually had a vacation---especially Mom and Dad!

A. Games with a Purpose

Magnetic Travel Chess---No other game promotes and teaches good critical thinking and problem solving skills like the game of chess. Here is a magnetic version under $10 that can keep both kids and adults busy thinking for hours.
http://www.chesshouse.com/10_Magnetic_Folding_Travel_Chess_Set_p/e117.htm

Travel Games---Avoid boredom & restlessness when you play these travel games on the road!
http://familyfun.go.com/vacations/on-the-road-games/travel-games/

B. FREE Printable Learning Activities

36 Fun, Free Printable Travel Games to Entertain the Kids on Your Next Road Trip
http://parentables.howstuffworks.com/family-travel/36-free-printable-travel-games.html

Memory Games---These printable games can test kids' memories.
http://familyfun.go.com/vacations/on-the-road-games/memory-games/

Mazes---Kids can go on an a-maze-ing journey with this collection of printable mazes.
http://familyfun.go.com/vacations/on-the-road-games/mazes/

Matching Games---These FREE printable activity sheets can really get kids thinking!
http://familyfun.go.com/vacations/on-the-road-games/matching-games/

Printable Travel Activities for Kids
http://motherhood.yourway.net/printable-travel-activities-for-kids/

C. Travel Learning Apps for Your Tech Devices

Best Travel Apps for Kids (by Heidi Leder---June 01, 2012, Techlicious)
http://www.techlicious.com/guide/best-travel-apps-for-kids/

Apps to Keep Children Happy (by Michelle Higgins, published December 21, 2011)
http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/12/25/travel/apps-to-keep-children-happy.html

10 Best Family Travel Apps (Available on the Apple iTunes store via itunes.apple.com-Edited by Shiran Lugashi)
http://www.workingmother.com/family-travel/10-best-family-travel-apps

Best Travel Apps for Kids (by Jen Leo---May 24, 2012, Conde Nast Traveler)
http://travelkit.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/24/11642813-best-travel-apps-for-kids?lite

Happy traveling---and learning---to all our families on the road this summer!

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: https://www.google.com/search?q=free+clip+art+for+family+summer+vacation&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=SU3dT47WPJSe8gS53_TZCg&ved=0CIgBELAE&biw=1257&bih=626