Launch of New Windows 10 App Helps Motivate All Ages to Focus and Read Better---Online or Offline

Finally, low-cost help for ALL readers with the new Reading Focus Cards app

As students return from Spring Break in the days ahead, they will be looking for new and better ways to resume the reading and study tasks required for a successful conclusion to the school year. Whether they are elementary, secondary, college or grad students, they will be looking for motivating ways to effectively manage the volume of reading and test prep to meet their academic goals throughout the remainder of the semester.

The new Reading Focus Cards app for Windows 10 PCs (U.S. Patent 8,360,779) can enable students to do just that---focus and read digital media with more success. The new app now accessible via the Windows Store, was designed by a St. Louis educator and entrepreneur in collaboration with a renowned developer of apps for challenged readers. (For Mac users, there is a Mac version of the Reading Focus Cards app, too.) In addition to these digital apps, sensory-appealing Reading Focus Card tools made in St. Louis are also available for use with physical books and documents, too. This system of reading aids from Brennan Innovators helps improve focus for many readers but can be especially helpful to students of all ages with ADHD, dyslexia and other issues that very often negatively impact the reading experience.

Brennan Innovators, LLC, a leading innovation-driven provider of reading solutions for all ages, announced that it has published its new Windows 10 Reading Focus Cards app (U.S. Patent 8,360,779) for readers of online and offline digital media. This application for use with Windows 10 PCs was made possible by combining the efforts of an innovative developer of special needs apps together with those of an experienced St. Louis educator and entrepreneur. The launch of the Reading Focus Cards app for Windows 10 more easily enables PC users to read digital text with more focus, visual comfort and improved reading skills.

Established in 2007, Brennan Innovators is a U.S. educational products and services company with a proven track-record of successful development and commercialization of teacher-designed reading tools for mainstream use as well as readers with special needs. All the company’s reading products are made in the U.S.A. Brennan Innovators also provides consultation and professional educational services for teachers, parents and other adults who serve students in grades K-12.

Speaking on the development of the app, Joan M. Brennan, founder and CEO of Brennan Innovators, LLC, said, "This infinitely-customizable app FLOATS on top and STAYS on top of underlying digital applications (Kindle PC app, etc.), enabling readers to FOCUS on digital text needing immediate attention AND BLOCK OUT surrounding text that may be distracting. The app is great for e-books and online courses read on PCs, too. The launch of this innovative overlay application continues our commitment to explore new and innovative pathways in reading technology with an emphasis on support for challenged readers of all ages/abilities and, thereby, improvement of their self-esteem. Reading success and the skills related to it are the cornerstones for success and achievement in life. We are excited to add this new Windows 10 version of the Reading Focus Cards app to our portfolio of customizable and sensory-appealing reading solutions."

Ms. Brennan, an experienced middle-school teacher, created the original Reading Focus Cards (U.S. Patent 7,565,759), physical reading aids that grew out of the students’ needs in her own classroom. Throughout 2017, she worked with Abelardo Gonzalez, a developer of apps for dyslexia (OpenDyslexic font) and other reading challenges, to create the new Windows 10 Reading Focus Cards app for PCs. First established in 2014 for the first version of the app for Macs and PCs, their collaboration has worked well to support Brennan Innovators’ mission of providing tools to enable ALL individuals to focus and read with more success. The new app is available in the Windows Store. The Mac version of the desktop app is available in the Mac App Store.

To view a VIDEO of the new Reading Focus Cards app for Windows 10 in action, please visit https://goo.gl/YftDve.

Resource Links

1. NEW Reading Focus Cards App for Windows 10 PCs (via Windows Store):
https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9WZDNCRDF33D

2. NEW Reading Focus Cards App for Windows 10 PCs (via Gumroad.com):
Click on drop down to version preferred.
https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards

3. VIDEO of NEW Reading Focus Cards App for Windows 10 PCs:
https://goo.gl/YftDve

4. Reading Focus Cards App for Windows 7 & 8 (via Gumroad.com):
Click on drop down to version preferred.
https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards

5. Reading Focus Cards App for Macs (via Mac App Store):
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12

6. Physical Reading Focus Cards Tools
(For Reading Actual Books & Documents)
http://www.focusandread.com/products

For more information on customizable tools for ALL kinds of readers:
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: www.FocusandRead.com and Pixabay: https://pixabay.com

BEST Literacy Apps for More Reading and Spelling Success!

There was a time in the world of education when teachers utilized flashcards and ringed charts filled with sight words to help improve reading skills and student literacy. Those very low-tech and no-tech approaches to reading success were appropriate for their time but not all that stimulating and engaging as some of the tech resources currently have available to educators and the students they serve.

Today, we have tech hardware and software applications for literacy that grab student attention and keep them engaged, resulting in better skill building, improved comprehension and increased retention of content read by those students. We have been gifted with tablet and desktop programs that can help kids zero in on the exact text needing to be read. We also have applications available for the classroom and home use that can help support readers easily overwhelmed by too much text on a digital page. In addition, there are spelling apps that make learning new words much less tedious than in years past.

In this article at the beginning of a new school year, we wanted to provide the latest in reading and spelling apps for students in today's classroom. For your benefit and that of the students or children you serve, we have gathered such a list here to help you address the needs of challenged spellers and readers. We hope you will find this list not only helpful now at the start of the new school year but will keep it handy for use throughout the entire year. Happy Reading and Spelling, everyone!

Apps to Help Challenged Readers and Spellers

1. Top 10 Spelling Apps by Reading Rockets
(Various prices w/ 1 FREE app)
http://www.readingrockets.org/pdfs/Top-10-Spelling-Apps.pdf

2. Beginning Spelling App for Word Study by This Reading Mama
($4.99-for Android & iPad, iPhone & iPod)
https://thisreadingmama.com/beginning-spelling-app-word-study/

3. VocabularySpellingCity by SpellingCity
(FREE-for Android & iPad, iPhone & iPod Touch)
For Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/spellingcity/id538407602?mt=8
For Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spellingcity.VocabularySpellingCity

4. Spelling Applications-compiled by DyslexiaHelp, University of Michigan
(Some FREE & various prices for Android & Apple)
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps/topic/spelling

5. Reading & Spelling Programs -compiled by DyslexiaHelp, University of Michigan
(Various prices for Android & Apple)
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/reading-programs

6. The Reading Focus Cards Desktop App ($5.99-for Macs & PCs)
http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590

For more tools & resources to help improve reading & spelling skills, visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image sources:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com AND
Pixabay.com at https://pixabay.com

Low-tech and Digital Supports for Challenged Readers and Writers

Part 3 & final article in a series about Assistive Technologies for Challenged Readers

Many of the keyword searches that bring visitors to our blog and websites revolve around the term “struggling" or "challenged" readers and writers (really?) We felt it was about time to provide a list of good tech tools for teachers, parents and others who work tirelessly with children and teens challenged with reading (dyslexia, convergence insufficiency, etc.) and/or writing (dysgraphia, dyspraxia, etc.)

To follow here, you will find a collection of supportive low-tech & digital technologies for spelling, grammar, decoding, tracking, fluency, word choice, reading level, and overall visual readability. We hope these tech resources will “fill the bill” for those who come to us looking for solutions to help the many struggling readers and writers everywhere.

Reading & Writing Support Tools for Challenged Readers & Writers

1. Clicker 7 - Custom onscreen keyboards, talking word processor, word prediction & more (Mac & PC-FREE trial)
http://www.cricksoft.com/us/products/clicker/home.aspx

2. Ghotit - Spelling/grammar checker software & mobile apps for dyslexia & dysgraphia
(Mac/PC/iOS/Android/Linux-FREE trial)
http://www.ghotit.com/

3. Ginger Software - Spellchecker for content (online, PC-FREE & $)
http://www.gingersoftware.com/

4. Grammarly - Grammar & spelling checker (FREE & $)
https://www.grammarly.com/

5. Low-tech Reading Focus Cards - Customizable reading tools for physical books, documents & other applications (From $16.95)
http://www.focusandread.com/products

6. OpenDyslexic - Font designed by Abbie Gonzalez to ease visual aspects of reading for dyslexia (FREE)
http://opendyslexic.org/

7. Reading Focus Cards App - Virtual index card-like reading tool to aid visual focus, tracking, fluency, comprehension & retention---infinitely customizable (Mac, PC-$5.99)
http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590

8. Rewordify - Automatically defines, or substitutes simpler words in place on web pages (FREE)
http://rewordify.com/

9. Snap&Read Universal - Text-to-speech, image-to-text conversion & text leveling (simplify difficult words) for online reading (FREE trial)
http://donjohnston.com/snap-read/

10. Visual Thesaurus - Visual word map (online, Mac & PC-FREE & $)
http://www.visualthesaurus.com/

11. WordQ - Allows readers to modify word prediction to use specific vocabulary or topics.(Various $)
http://www.goqsoftware.com/wordQ.php?gclid=CN6P3K-l8KwCFRECQAod9TKxKg

12. WriteOnline - word banks, talking word processor, word prediction, mind mapping (online, Mac & PC-FREE trial)
http://www.cricksoft.com/us/products/writeonline/default.aspx

Sources:
My Assistive Technology Toolbox by Shelley Haven, ATP, RET
http://techpotential.net/attoolbox

Software & Assistive Technology by DyslexiaHelp, University of Michigan
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/software-assistive-technology

For more information about assistive technologies for challenged readers, please visit:
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 at www.focusandread.com

BEST Websites for Assistive Tech: Audiobook Resources

Part 1 in a series of articles about Assistive Technologies for Challenged Readers

If you know or help a challenged reader, you also know that the RIGHT technologies can make ALL the difference in the world for an individual's level of reading success. Being aware of the BEST technology available for a specific reading issue will increase the possibility of that same individual experiencing even MORE reading success.

When printed media presents problems for some readers, there are helpful tech options available to allow such individuals to read with more comfort, focus, comprehension and retention, improving the over-all reading experience. In this article, we present text-to-speech as just one type of technology that can significantly help and support all types of struggling readers.

Text-to-speech technologies convert printed text into spoken words using synthesized voices. This type of technology is built into most computer operating systems, mobile devices, and e-book readers. In addition, there is a range of software, apps and extensions that also provide this support. This text-to-speech technology provides much support for the many readers who need it in the form of audiobooks, recordings of human narrators reading aloud.

Resources for Audiobooks---When LISTENING Is a Better Option

Kindle Fire and Immersion Reading
Kindle Fire's VoiceView features IVONA's natural language text-to-speech voice.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TSUGXKE/ref=sv_devicesubnav_1#tech
Immersion Reading (Video)
See the e-text highlighted while listening to narrated audiobook.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccwBwnhD9SE

Audible app (for Mac, PC, iOS, Android, Windows Phone)
https://www.audible.com/sw

All You Can Books
http://www.allyoucanbooks.com/

Overdrive Media Console
Borrow digital audiobooks and e-books from local libraries.
https://app.overdrive.com/

Learning Ally Link (for Mac, PC, iOS)
https://www.learningally.org/link

Learning Ally Audio
iOS app for Learning Ally audiobooks.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/learning-ally-audio/id418888450?mt=8

Learning Ally Audio
Android app for Learning Ally audiobooks.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.learningally.learningallyaudioandroid&hl=en

Sources:

Assistive Technology Tools for Learning Differences, ADHD, and Executive Function Challenges
by Shelley Haven ATP, RET
http://techpotential.net/attoolbox

AT Toolbox-Assistive Technology Tools for Education---Text To Speech
http://www.attoolbox.com/text-to-speech/

For more information about assistive technologies for challenged readers, please visit:
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 at www.focusandread.com

One-Stop APP Lists for Dyslexia & Other Reading/Writing Challenges

Do you often discover great apps that could help a struggling reader you know? Are you short on time to evaluate and catalog them for later use? As you may already know, trying to relocate them online again at a future date may often lead you into a circle of frustration and a great loss of time, never actually accessing the desired app at all. Sound familiar?

When parents and teachers attempt give their efforts to help one or more struggling readers, time is of particular importance---both for the helper and the challenged reader. Parents' and teachers' time constraints are an issue and children's attention spans are often short or non-existent. What can one do?

We frequently hear from adults who work with challenged readers and ask us, "Is there just one, master list of apps for children and adults with additional or multiple reading needs?" We have asked this question ourselves here at Brennan Innovators, but until very recently, were only able to cobble together several lists to provide what parents and teachers have been trying to find for sometime. Our readers and clients wanted a list where all the needed apps were in one place---and electronically accessible, too.

So when we resumed "the hunt" for such a "master list" of helpful apps for struggling readers ALL in ONE place, we found several good ones. The first one discovered was created by CALL Scotland out of the University of Edinburgh. This organization's mission is to help provide information about communication, literacy and assistive technology for persons with disabilities. Their master list of apps does just that, AND it is electronic. In other words, the list enables the user to have easy, "clickable" access to iPad Apps for Learners with Dyslexia/Reading and Writing Difficulties, a master list of 75+ apps to help challenged readers and writers of all ages. These apps span five skill categories---organization, reading, writing, numeracy and memory.

The second list (presented in a pdf file format) is also electronic but for use with younger struggling readers. The LITERACY APPS FOR STRUGGLING LEARNERS by Harvey Pressman and Andrea Pietrzyk from Central Coast Children’s Foundation, Inc. lists many apps for various Apple platforms with a few for Android. Basic learning categories of phonics, word attack, alphabet and more for the apps are provided. Additional apps lists for young challenged readers are also provided at the end of this master list.

Finally, we also listed here several, non-electronic apps wheels should you prefer to download as needed. These apps wheels were created by Mark Coppin, Cherie Pickering and Allan Carrington for different kinds of readers/learners (autism, Asperger's and other additional needs).

We believe you'll find these resources helpful as you assist a challenged reader you know. We also hope that you'll return again and again to this blog page to more easily access these apps that could really make a difference for many struggling readers in all age groups.

One-Stop APP Resources for Dyslexia & Other Reading/Writing Challenges

iPad APPS Chart for Learners with Dyslexia/Reading and Writing Difficulties---from CALL Scotland at The University of Edinburgh)
CALL Scotland helps provide information about communication, literacy and assistive technology for persons with disabilities. The organization is funded in part by the Scottish Government. The electronic version of this chart (Version 1.0, November 2013) can be downloaded from:
http://www.callscotland.org.uk/Common-Assets/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Wheel_0f_Apps_V1_0.pdf

LITERACY APPS FOR STRUGGLING LEARNERS by Harvey Pressman and Andrea Pietrzyk from Central Coast Children’s Foundation, Inc.(Mostly apps for Apple platforms with a few for Android) Another electronic list of apps sorted by focus category, then by price (least to most expensive, with all prices in US dollars). Each app description includes a target audience (“Ideal for”) - pre-reading (children who have not yet learned how to read), beginning reading (children who are just starting to learn how to read), and catch-up reading (children who have learned how to read but are having difficulties)
http://www.schools.utah.gov/CURR/star/Documentation/AppsforEarlyLiteracy-final.aspx

Apps Wheels by Mark Coppin, Cherie Pickering & Allan Carrington
3 Non-electronic Apps Wheel Charts for Autism and Other Additional Needs
http://apps4stages.wikispaces.com/AppWheels

Other Related Resources

Dyslexia Reading Well---A virtual well of dyslexia resources
http://www.dyslexia-reading-well.com/apps-for-dyslexia.html

Reading Focus Cards Desktop App (Patent 8,360,779)
This DESKTOP app is the digital version of the low-tech, physical Reading Focus Cards tools (Patent 7,565,759), solutions for struggling readers. This app provides very practical support for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, low vision, stroke or brain injury issues, autism and other conditions that can affect reading success. This desktop application promotes more FOCUSED online reading of almost ALL digital media (webpages, PDF files, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets & more.) In addition, the app supports touch-screen technology (where applicable).
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.)

What's on my iPad? Assistive Apps I Use as a Dyslexic Student---from the Assistive Technology Blog
A number of assistive apps for students with dyslexia (provides direct links to apps)
http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/02/whats-on-my-ipad-assistive-apps-i-use.html

40+ iPad Apps for Reading Disabilities from Educational Technology and Mobile Learning blog
We discovered this electronic list after our article was published but wanted to include it here, too.
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2014/03/40-ipad-apps-for-struggling-reading-and.html?m=1

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

Image courtesy of:
TeleRead at http://www.teleread.com/tablet/how-has-the-tablet-changed-your-life-your-business-your-general-disposition/
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

MORE Android Tools & Apps for Kids Who Struggle to Read

One of our most recent articles on the blog here provided a significant number of Android apps for challenged readers (BEST Android Apps for Struggling Readers, November 2, 2013, http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/11/best-android-apps-for-struggling-readers.html). Since that time, we have had quite a few of our readers request even more information about Android tools and apps for children who struggle to read. This week’s article has been written to address these requests in a timely manner.

The first two apps listed below (Read Me Stories and Storia) work well on most Android devices. You may know that the Android platform is gaining in popularity and use over the iOS platform in some regions, especially outside the U.S. At the same time, American users are increasing in number as well, however.

The Kindle Fire is an Android device that is definitely gaining in popularity and use. The ability for this device to provide a color display is most helpful to struggling readers, especially those who are visual learners. The Reading Rainbow app listed below here is perfect for the Kindle Fire. You might want to check it out for a challenged or reluctant young reader you know.

Finally, the last two apps in the list are for our youngest readers. Both Bookster and Tikatok StorySpark are FREE offerings that will capture a young one’s attention and retain it for the length of a reading selection. Bookster provides vocabulary skill building together with a recording option for your child to read aloud. Tikatok StorySpark not only promotes and encourages literacy, it enables a young child to write and “publish” his own creative stories.

As always, we hope that the resources included here will effectively assist parents and teachers of children who struggle to read.

More Android Apps for Kids Who Struggle to Read

Read Me Stories - for Android (also available for iOS)
This app is full of picture books with illustrations that children will love. While the narrator reads the book aloud, kids can follow along as the text lights up on the screen. There is a new book available for downloading every day.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.interactive8.readmestories

Storia (FREE) - for Android (also available for iOS)
The perfect virtual bookshelf for families with children of all ages, Storia by Scholastic has many options for readers. Children choose books that spark their interest and are at their reading level. Audio and visual supports help struggling readers.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blio.scholastic&hl=en

Reading Rainbow (FREE) - for Android
Download the Reading Rainbow app now to your Kindle Fire or other Android devices. (One of the most popular educational apps available)
http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Rainbow/dp/B00B9K2TSQ

Bookster (FREE with first e-book) - for Android (also available for iPad, iPhone & iPod Touch)
Young readers can find new literary favorites with helpful narration from kids their age. Your little ones will also learn new vocabulary words and can record themselves reading the books when they’ve finished!
http://www.imaginelearning.com/programs/bookster/

Tikatok StorySpark (FREE – Books are $3 each) - for Android (also available for iPad, iPhone & iPod Touch)
From Barnes & Noble, Tikatok StorySpark is for your family’s pint-sized publisher. Kids write and illustrate their own books, using a catalog of art or their own photos or digital drawings for the backgrounds. When it’s ready, books are “published” under a chosen pen name and posted online at Tikatok.com.
http://www.tikatok.com/

Sources

Apps for Winter Reading---by Monica Burns (from edutopia.com)
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/apps-for-winter-reading-monica-burns

6 Great Reading Apps for Kids---by Dominic Umile (from Scholastic)
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/developing-reading-skills/6-great-reading-apps-kids

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

Image courtesy of: Android image from Tivix at http://www.tivix.com/blog/perfect-resource-image-size-dpi-for-any-android-device/ and completed graphic designed by Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

Why iPads & Kindles Are Great Tools for Struggling Readers

It’s no secret that over the past couple of years, various types of technology have changed the way we read today. We have the renowned Kindle e-readers from Amazon and the iPads from Apple. Other technological devices have also played a big part in enhancing our reading experiences.

It may not be as well known, however, that these same tech devices can be especially helpful to struggling readers. Whether the struggle to read is the result of ADHD, dyslexia, autism or another issue, these e-readers, e-tablets, smartphones and other devices can not only promote more reading success for struggling readers, but they can also make it possible for them to read in the first place.

Why are these tech devices particularly beneficial for challenged readers of any age? We’ve gathered information here to form 2 lists, one for each tech device’s advantages for challenged readers. We hope these lists help you discover which device may be best for your reading needs or that of a child or student who struggles to read.

Some of iPad’s Benefits for Challenged Readers

• Ease of Use: It’s easy to find books at the various stores available (Kindle, Nook & iBooks.)
• Screen Quality: The iPad screen is clear, bright and eminently readable.
• Access to Text: It can also be used to access formatted text like that of a PDF document and open it in GoodReader. (http://www.goodiware.com/goodreader.html).
• Text to Speech (TTS) Feature: This TTS feature allows students to hear the words they read. Visually-impaired students as well as other students can benefit from this as they hear the proper pronunciation of words as they “read” texts.
• VoiceOver Feature: This feature is available for all installed apps on iPads. This is a screen reader that allows the user to point to something on the iPad and hear a description of what is at that location.
• Zoom Feature: This feature allows users to enlarge any item on the screen. The iPad also allows for connection to refreshable Braille displays using a wireless Bluetooth connection.
• Customization: A teacher, parent or other adult can customize an iPad to meet the individual needs of a reader.
(Sources: The Advantages of iPads for Special Education Students-by Denise Brown &
10 things the iPad is good for…and 5 it isn’t-by John Biggs---See links to follow.)

Some of Kindle’s Benefits for Challenged Readers

• Visual Formatting: Students with visual impairments can select the appropriate text size on a Kindle to meet their needs. (Push a button to increase or decrease font size.) This has increased engagement for many students who have difficultly seeing normal font size.
• Easy Downloading: Kindle content can easily be downloaded to the computer. This feature allows for even larger text and the ability to change the color / format. The Kindle PC option provides countless opportunities for students who require more specific text features.
• Screen Quality: The Kindle screen can also help diminish glare and “visual stress” from white page backgrounds as well as from florescent lighting for some readers.
• Text to Speech: For students who require read aloud, the Kindle is able to read any Kindle text out loud. By plugging in headphones, students can listen to books and short stories. This feature can help increase reading engagement for struggling readers and also to provide more independence to these students.
• Convenience: For students whom have difficulty flipping pages or holding open books, the Kindle provides a convenient alternative. By pushing a button, students are able to flip through pages and chapters. Additionally, for students with more severe physical disabilities, there may be some potential of connecting a switch to the Kindle.
• Organization: For students with organization troubles, the Kindle helps them out by saving the page they read.
• Dictionary Feature: The Kindle provides immediate assistance for unknown vocabulary words. By using the dictionary, which is embedded within the text, students can access texts that are at challenging reading level.
(Source: Adapted from the Kindle Project---District of Columbia Public Schools Pilot Program---See link to follow.)

Additional Resources

Why and when the iPad is the best e-reader-by Joel Mathis
http://www.macworld.com/article/2032930/why-and-when-the-ipad-is-the-best-e-reader.html

Kindle Technology Helps Readers-by Rob
http://childrenstherapy.org/technology-helps-struggling-readers/

Can e-Readers Ease Reading for Dyslexics?-by Annie Murphy Paul
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/06/can-e-readers-ease-reading-for-dyslexics/

iPad vs Kindle Fire / Android Tablet for Kids---by TechAgeKids
http://www.techagekids.com/2013/09/ipad-vs-kindle-fire-android-tablet-for.html

Dyslexia on the digital page-by Jillian Rose Lim
Devices like e-readers and iPads may make reading easier for students with dyslexia
http://scienceline.org/2013/11/dyslexia-on-the-digital-page/

E-Readers Are More Effective than Paper for Some with Dyslexia (Research article)
by Matthew H. Schneps, Jenny M. Thomson, Chen Chen, Gerhard Sonnert & Marc Pomplun
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0075634

Apps for Struggling Readers

9 Great Learn-to-Read Apps for Kids---by Common Sense Media (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch; Kindle Fire apps)
http://www.ivillage.com/best-learn-read-apps-kids/6-a-379970

8 Apps for Struggling Adolescent Readers---by Hope Mulholland (Apple and Android apps)
http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/8-apps-for-struggling-adolescent-readers/

Sources:

Kindle Project---District of Columbia Public Schools Pilot Program
http://www.dc.gov/DCPS/Beyond+the+Classroom/Educational+Technology+&+Library+Services/Kindle+Project

The Advantages of iPads for Special Education Students-by Denise Brown, Demand Media
http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/advantages-ipads-special-education-students-4061.html

10 things the iPad is good for…and 5 it isn’t-by John Biggs
http://techcrunch.com/2010/05/19/10-things-the-ipad-is-good-for-and-5-it-isnt/

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

Image courtesy of: iPad or Kindle: will our wallets decide?-by Paul Miller
http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/ipad-or-kindle-will-our-wallets-decide/ and
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

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

Helpful Apps & Resources for Convergence Insufficiency

What is Convergence Insufficiency?

Convergence Insufficiency is a common vision problem that can make reading or staying on-task quite difficult for school-aged children. The condition is caused by poor eye coordination (eye teaming), which prevents the eyes from working together, especially when viewing small images or trying to read fine print. Convergence insufficiency can also cause problems such as eyestrain, fatigue (or visual stress), headaches, and sometimes blurred or even double vision when reading. One or more of these conditions can then often result in poor focus and attention as well as poor reading comprehension and retention.

In many cases, the condition is often not diagnosed. Routine school vision screening cannot check for convergence insufficiency, and it is frequently missed in regular (non-comprehensive) eye exams. In fact, many children with convergence insufficiency are often misdiagnosed with a learning disability, dyslexia or ADD/ADHD.

Vision therapy sessions administered by a medical professional such as a developmental optometrist are sometimes part of the solution for convergence insufficiency. In addition, eye exercises conducted at home may be involved in the treatment as well.

Special Note: If for some reason it is not possible to access services as described above here (because of one's location or type of health insurance plan coverage), consider the use of colored overlays or other non-invasive and customizable tools such as the Reading Focus Cards (U.S. Patent 7,565,759) to assist with the symptoms of convergence insufficiency or other issues experienced by some struggling readers.

Important: Please remember that only a comprehensive eye examination can evaluate for vision-related reading and learning problems.

We thought our readers might be interested in accessing a few apps that might help with convergence insufficiency. This week, these apps and resources are here for you!

Apps for Convergence Insufficiency

1. Top 5 Smartphone Apps for Your Eyes---2 are FREE (mostly Apple-compatible)
Compiled by La Jolla Lasik Institute
http://www.lajollalasik.com/blog/top-5-smartphone-apps-for-your-eyes/

2. More Apps for Convergence Insufficiency (for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch)
From One Place for Special Needs (may need to register on the site to access)
http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/resources_online/resource_online_results.html?category=&words=convergence+apps

3. Reading Focus Cards Desktop App (Patent 8,360,779) (for Macs & Windows PCs)
From Brennan Innovators, LLC
This DESKTOP app for Windows PCs and Macs provides practical READING SUPPORT for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, autism and other conditions that can affect reading success. It improves FOCUS, FLUENCY and VISUAL COMFORT for better CONCENTRATION and RETENTION when reading digital media (webpages, PDF files, Word docs, Excel spreadsheets & more.) The app's innovative technology allows it to float on top AND stay on top of nearly any underlying application. It can be moved over text on a computer screen by the fingers, mouse or arrow keys as needed. In addition, the Reading Focus Card app supports touch-screen technology (where applicable). (This desktop app is the digital version of the physical Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), solutions for struggling readers.)
a. For Macs (desktops & notebooks):
Visit the Mac App Store at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12 or search for the app called Reading Focus Cards.
b. 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 provided for apps in the Windows Store.)

4. Overlays! (App for OS X 10.8 or later---Price: $6.99)
Created by Abbie Gonzalez
Use to help with reading or sometimes to help following large tables and lists of data. Battle the wall of text, eyestrain and distractions with this on screen overlay to help you keep your place!
- Keep your place in huge walls of text, tables and lists.
- Pick the color, height and transparency that helps you read better.
- Use a lightly colored overlay or a completely solid line to help you keep focused. Pick what works for you!
- Easily access preferences from the menu bar icon.
- Works in full screen applications, and even over virtual machines.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/overlays!/id868499627?mt=12

Resources for Additional Information:

1. Information AND additional resources on convergence from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development
http://covd.org/Home/Convergence/tabid/89/Default.aspx

2. Information, Symptoms and References for Convergence Insufficiency from the Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/convergence-insufficiency/DS01146

3. Information and Numerous Resources on Convergence from One Place for Special Needs---Vision therapy exercises a child might do in an office setting (Video) and other related information (may need to register on the site to access)
http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/resources_online/resource_online_results.html?words=eye+teaming

4. Information on Research and Treatment for Convergence Insufficiency
http://www.childrensvision.com/CITT.htm

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.autism-community.com/reduced-visual-convergence-in-people-with-autism/

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/