No Summer Learning Loss Here! Resources to Help ALL Summer Long!---Part 3

Part 3: Discover MORE Reading & Learning Activities to KEEP Them Engaged
(The 3rd in a series of 5 articles)

Our first two articles in this series presented good ideas and resources to help you Build a GREAT Book List! and create a collection of Reading and Learning Games That Count! to further promote literacy and prevent any learning loss---all summer long. This week, we are adding to this list of ideas with a third installment in our series---Discover MORE Reading & Learning Activities to Keep Them Engaged!

Create a list of go-to activities to keep children interested in reading and learning. Think about including activities that will also promote and support independence, improve critical thinking and problem solving in addition to building vocabulary, reading skills and general background knowledge in your child or students. Because many parents will be at work on summer weekdays, etc., children will sometimes be in the care of grandparents or other day care providers. Choosing and creating a ready collection of engaging literacy and learning activities will encourage more productive thinking and provide children with some degree of structure for their summer days. Be sure to include clear directions and helpful information that will go a long way in the ease and consistency of use for these activities---especially for those times when parental presence or assistance is not possible. Again, this will also add to the element of independence for your child, something that becomes more and more important as a child moves through the elementary grade levels.

To help you get started in creating a great list of reading and learning activities to span various content areas (another important point to keep in mind), we have provided a categorized list of such resources to follow here. Most of these resources will be FREE or at very low cost. We hope our research efforts here on your behalf will make easy work of a task that could take days or weekso complete. We also hope that your children or those you assist in your classroom will benefit from these resources, promoting better literacy and learning skills---ALL summer long!

1. Activities to Help Build Vocabulary Skills

Collection of Vocabulary Activities (FREE)
A variety of links provided by Scholastic Books with activities and related resources to help build vocabulary skills for students in K-8.
http://www.scholastic.com/browse/search/teacher?VT=2&channelOnly=true&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&_N=fff&Ntk=SCHL30_SI&query=vocabulary+activities+k-8&N=0&No=0&Ntt=vocabulary+activities+k-8

Most Popular Vocabulary Games (Online)
1,000 FREE English vocabulary-building games---the FUN way to build vocabulary skills! Includes English language games, foreign language games and literature games.
http://www.vocabulary.co.il/

Activities to Build Vocabulary and Word Skills (FREE)
These activities will help your child or student build a better vocabulary.
http://www.reading.org/Libraries/books/bk476-4-Athans.pdf

2. Activities to Help Build Reading Comprehension Skills

Super Teacher Summer Worksheets (FREE)
Printable summer puzzles, reading comprehension passages, and activities. Many of the summer worksheets in this collection are aligned with the Common Core Standards and also includes math, writing and problem-solving activities.
http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/summer.html

Reading Passages for Summer Reading (FREE)---from ReadWorks.org
Comprehension units, novel study units, reading passages for grades 6-8, lesson plans and more!
http://www.readworks.org/reading-passages-summer-reading

Summer Reading Worksheets and Printables (FREE)
These summer reading worksheets help make learning engaging for your child! Browse through and download our summer reading worksheets to help supplement your child's education.
http://www.education.com/worksheets/summer-reading/

3. Activities to Help Build Math Skills

Top 10 Best FREE Math Resources on the Web---by Kristen Hicks, Edudemic
Students who find math boring now may just need to be given a new way of looking at it. Naturally, the internet has come to the rescue with a wide range of math resources designed to help students see how math can be fun and useful. Here are some of the best ones out there.
http://www.edudemic.com/top-10-free-math-resources-web/

Summer Activities at Math Goodies (FREE)
Research shows students lose about two months of math skills during the summer, especially for some at-risk students. Some schools have math packets to prevent the summer slide. But the packets get lost and so does the child's motivation. So what's the solution? Visit Math Goodies this summer! Math Goodies has plenty of fun activities for kids, teachers, and adult learners. Use their "goodies" either online or off line!
http://www.mathgoodies.com/summer/

11 Everyday Ways to Learn Math While Having Fun (FREE)---by Lindsay Hutton, Education Network
Math is everywhere, not just in the classroom, and summer is a great time to learn how math relates to the real world. It's more than just addition and subtraction worksheets---it's everywhere you look. Keep your child learning this summer with these ways to find math in daily life.
http://school.familyeducation.com/summer-learning/math/70200.html

4. Activities to Help Build Critical-Thinking & Problem-Solving Skills (Includes STEM & Science Resources)

Problem Solving Printables---from TeacherVision
This is a collection of worksheets and activities that promote problem-solving skills. The resources here include some math problem solving activities, as well.
https://www.teachervision.com/tv/tvsearch/site=TV&type=printable&keywords=%22problem%20solving%22&excl=43236|6734|29063|54642|59268|7270|54135|59880|44661&fmt=adv&title=More%20Problem%20Solving%20Printables&termname=teaching-methods-and-management

Critical Thinking Activities for Kids---from JumpStart
Kids are open and willing to learn new fundamental skills as long as they are taught in a fun and entertaining manner. JumpStart’s critical thinking activities are therefore a great way to engage students and encourage critical thinking and logical reasoning skills in them!
A. Activities for younger children: http://www.jumpstart.com/parents/activities/critical-thinking-activities
B. Worksheets for older children: http://www.jumpstart.com/parents/worksheets/critical-thinking-worksheets

STEM: K-8 Engineering---by Leah Shaffer
General Information about STEM and STEM classes for Levels Pre-K to Gr. 8. As more K–8 programs focus on science, technology, engineering, and math, teachers are finding that chaos creates learning opportunities.
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/stem-k-8-engineering
Activities & Printables: http://www.scholastic.com/browse/search/teacher?query=STEM+student+activities&as_values_09487=&channelOnly=true

Intel® Education STEM Resources---K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
Intel believes that young people are the key to solving global challenges. A solid math and science foundation coupled with skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and problem solving are crucial for their success. To help educators foster the next generation of innovators, Intel provides STEM curriculum, competitions, and online resources to encourage students' interest and participation.
http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/education/k12/stem.html

For information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info and support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

No Summer Learning Loss Here! Resources to Help ALL Summer Long!---Part 2

Part 2: Reading & Learning Games That Count! (The 2nd in a series of 5 articles)

Our first article in this series presented good ideas and resources to help you Build a GREAT Book List as the first step in preventing Summer Learning Loss. This second article in our series will enable you as a parent, teacher or care giver to add interesting reading and learning games to the mix of educational resources, further promoting literacy and learning all summer long.

What child or teen doesn't like a board game or video game? Why not incorporate the "game idea" into summer learning or enrichment? Either you, your child or student, depending on age level, can design and create the games. However, if you prefer or if time is limited, ready-to-use reading and learning games are widely available for FREE or at a low cost both online and in parent-teacher supply stores. (Please see the lists of resources to follow this article.)

The reading and learning games you select should keep in mind the various learning styles and individual interests of the child(ren) or student(s) who will use them, as well. Create a list of game resources that will appeal to boys as well as girls and will provide variety, too. Try to incorporate all content areas into the games list. Be sure to include games that involve art as well as literature and history as well as critical thinking or problem solving games in the collection. This will also add to student preparedness for the fall term and provide more background knowledge for the child, something often found to be lacking in many students with reading and learning deficits. (Please see Other Related Resources to follow this article.)

Also consider including games that support STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), too. These additions will help prepare a child or student for STEM or "Maker" programs currently being developed in many schools and in homeschool settings. Allow for readers and learners to choose the literacy or educational games they wish to make and play from a grouping or collection of options. Children are likely to participate in a more engaged fashion if they have a choice in what they might be do able to do. They will also develop more ownership of a game project if permitted to choose from an array of choices, especially with older children. These factors will combine to help increase learning success AND retention of what is learned.

In this week's article, we have gathered a number of game resources (both physical and digital) to help you develop your own list of reading and learning games to prevent the Summer Slide in your child or student(s). We hope these reading and learning games will not only keep brains sharp over the summer months but also provide some excellent resources to better prepare students for their next grade level in school---while also having FUN all summer long!

Physical Reading & Learning Games to Help Prevent Summer Learning Loss

How to Make Educational Games (FREE)
by the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.
Learn how to make educational games that are entertaining and fun. Get the whole family involved in making and playing games that challenge their minds while they have a good time.
http://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/crafts/other-arts-crafts/educational-games.htm

Seven Ways to Build Your Own Educational Games (FREE)
by Richard Byrne of Free Technology for Teachers
There are hundreds of places to find educational games and quizzes on the Internet. That said, sometimes you still cannot find quite what you're looking for. In those cases you're better off creating your own games. Here are seven good tools you and your students can use for creating games.
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2010/11/seven-ways-to-build-your-own.html#.VWnmokYxRDo

Free Kids' Educational Games (FREE) from TheKidzPage.com (FREE)
All kinds of printable math, word, logic and memory games (some are online & not printable)
http://www.thekidzpage.com/learninggames/index.htm

PRINTABLE LEARNING GAMES (FREE)
Fill-ins, Mixed Words, Mazes, Magic Squares, Crossword Puzzles, Word Squares, Sudoku Puzzles, Word Links, and others. (SKIP the Word Searches, as they rarely provide the "brain benefits" that the other games do!)
http://www.thekidzpage.com/learninggames/learningprintable.htm

Printable Board Games from education.com (FREE)
Printable board games are a fun and challenging way to help your child learn! Great for practicing math, reading, critical thinking, collaboration, fine motor skills, and more. Just download, print, and let the fun begin!
http://www.education.com/worksheets/printable-board-games/

Fun and games: 8 summer reading activities for kids with learning disabilities (FREE)
by: Valle Dwight
Help your child keep reading skills strong over the long, lazy summer.
http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/summer-reading-activities-for-learning-disabilities/

Digital & Online Reading & Learning Games to Help Prevent Summer Learning Loss

Online Games from Read | PBS KIDS (FREE)
Practice reading skills this summer with PBS KIDS reading games, videos and more.
http://pbskids.org/read/

Word Games, Puzzles and More---from Summer Reading at New York Libraries (FREE)
Fun & Games, Dinosaur Dive; Geology Quiz Your Noodle – Do you know the hard facts about rocks and the Earth? Undersea Treasure Hunt – Watch out for the octopuses!
http://www.summerreadingnys.org/kids/kids-word-game-puzzles/

Best Educational Apps for Kids of All Ages (Priced from $.99 to $4.99)
by Erin Dower
Looking for high-quality, educational apps for your toddler, preschooler, or school-age child? These award-winning and noteworthy mobile apps help kids of all ages learn a thing or two during tech time.
http://fun.familyeducation.com/mobile-apps/kids/68734.html

20 Free Educational Apps for Kids (FREE)
by Erin Dower
Mobile apps can be a life-saver, but the cost of buying them can add up. These 20 mobile apps aren't just educational — they're FREE to download on your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Android mobile device.
http://fun.familyeducation.com/mobile-apps/online-games/69665.html

STEM Video Game Challenge | PBS KIDS Lab (FREE)
A short list of online games that support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) for ages 3 to 8 years. The 2012 National STEM Video Game Challenge contest was open to four different categories: Middle School students (5th grade – 8th grade), High School Students, College students and Teachers/Educators. Participants who wished to produce games as part of the PBS KIDS category were encouraged to develop games for children ages 4-8 that focus on early math skills. This project is part of the Ready To Learn Initiative, and funded by a grant from the U.S Department of Education.
http://pbskids.org/lab/show/stem-video-game-challenge/

STEM | Games for Change (FREE)
Excellent lists of online STEM games (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) categorized by age (for 7 to 18 & up).
http://www.gamesforchange.org/game_categories/stem-2/

You Can Go Anywhere! from PBS Kids (FREE)
Get ready to go places with PBS KIDS this summer 2015. From reading to geography, summer learning can take kids anywhere! Each week you can share learning with your children with our suggested games, videos, and daily tips. We've also created related activity sets for you to download and take anywhere.
Week of July 20 - August 2:
Explore And Count With THE CAT IN THE HAT. Count up the points when you explore Clatter-Clang Island from THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT! Practice map skills with THE CAT IN THE HAT. Use map skills when you help the bees get back home in THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT'S Beehive Follow Me! Brush Up On synonyms and antonyms with WORDGIRL'S Maze Mania!
http://pbskids.org/learn/summer.html

Math Games That Give Your Brain a Workout! (FREE)
Math, logic and word games to challenge your brain and keep it sharp! Kids who play these math games learn multiplication, fractions, addition, geometry, algebra, problem solving and more! Math Playground has 100s of fun math games and more!
www.mathplayground.com/games.html

Games from PBS Kids(FREE)
300+ FREE online reading, adventure, math, health, sci-fi games and more (for nearly all content areas)!
http://pbskids.org/games/

Super Games: Art Games (FREE)
Welcome to Super Games, the number one place on the Internet to find the free flash games to dazzle your eyes and blow your mind! We've got tons of Popular Games from all over the web, and with brand spanking New Games coming in every week, there's no way to ever be bored at Super Games!
http://www.supergames.com/games/art/

Art Games from GameHouse (FREE)
Create a masterpiece of fun with the best art games at GameHouse! Have you ever wanted to be an artist among the likes of Van Gogh, Degas, and Michelangelo? It’s easy! All you have to do is assemble the pieces of the world’s greatest masterpieces of art in Super Jigsaw Great Art. Play this and a variety of other high quality art games and computer art games today.
http://www.gamehouse.com/art-games

Online Games for Critical Thinking & Problem Solving (FREE)
by Laura Ketcham & SmartTutor Education Programs
Article listing and describing FREE online games that are a fun and interactive way for children to learn about critical thinking and problem solving, especially during the summer months.
http://thinkonline.smarttutor.com/online-games-for-critical-thinking-problem-solving/

Other Related Resources

Background Knowledge and Reading Comprehension: The Evidence Grows
by Robert Pondiscio and The Core Knowledge Blog
Researchers looked at dozens of variables to determine which instructional factors were associated with student reading achievement. They found the most important factor in reading achievement was the frequency with which the teacher used materials from other subjects in reading instruction.
http://blog.coreknowledge.org/2009/07/06/background-knowledge-and-reading-comprehension-the-evidence-grows/

For information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info and support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

No Summer Learning Loss Here! Resources to Help ALL Season Long!

Part 1: Build a Great Book List! (The 1st in a series of 5 articles)

It's been called The Summer Slide for some years now. Unfortunately, this phrase has nothing to do with child's play or any equipment found on a local playground. More recently, however, you may have heard the term Summer Learning Loss, which refers to any loss of knowledge, cognitive skills or even reversals in academic progress, commonly due to the extended, educational gap known as the summer vacation period.

At the beginning of each new school year, some educators take this summer learning loss in stride, building weeks (or sometimes more than a month) of review into their classroom schedules.

At the same time, however, there are other teachers who prefer to provide wise guidance for students and their families prior to each summer vacation time. Before dismissal on the last day of the school year, these teachers share resources with students' families to help maintain (and even improve!) their young pupils' reading and other cognitive skills over the summer months. Some homeschooling parents, especially those who choose to unschool during the summer months, have been using various educational resources in this way for many summer seasons---and with much success, too!

At times, these resources might be presented by educators in a special email message with resources that are hyper-linked and ready for use. Another method of presentation could be a simple yet comprehensive list or booklet of resources to keep children's brains sharp over the summer vacation period (not more than 4 or 5 pages, please). These resources might include the following items:

1. Recommended book list(s) with both fictional & non-fictional titles
2. Recommended reading & learning games (both physical & online offerings)
3. Well-vetted list of other reading & learning activities with brief descriptions (or links to more info)
4. Suggestions for no/low-cost educational field trips student families can make in-town
5. List of the key skills & main curriculum units to be learned in the NEXT school year

Because sustained, silent READING is so critical in preventing summer learning loss, the first order of business will be to build a great book list for students, appropriate for the age, grade level, interests and reading levels of the children. The list of recommended books you create should take into consideration and include ALL the reading levels in the student group---from challenged to gifted readers and everything in-between, too. Remember to include biographies and how-to books in addition to science fiction and choose-your-own-conclusion books, etc.

This week, to give you a head start, we are providing some good resources to help you begin building a customized book list. It will be most important that parents help students start the summer by establishing some type of daily reading routine. We hope our resources to follow here will be just the right amount of motivation needed to help you locate the best books possible, customized specifically for your student group or children. We believe you'll discover some excellent book selections there to start creating a great book list.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be providing additional resources for each of the other 4 recommended lists you'll want to create to help prevent summer learning loss in your students or children. For example, in next week's article, we will help you jump start your list of reading and learning games (physical and virtual) with the best resources we know to be available. Then the following week, the article will be all about other great reading and learning activities. We will continue each week in this way until all 5 articles are published with their respective resources to help you assist your children or students throughout the summer.

We're not at all advocating that you set aside your family's summer FUN here. We're simply suggesting that reading and learning be mindfully INCLUDED in students' summer vacation times. It is indeed possible to READ, LEARN and PREPARE this summer for the next school term AND have FUN doing so. It's one of the BEST ways we know to PREVENT summer learning loss!

Happy Reading---AND Happy Summer, everyone!

Recommended Book Lists (with Fictional & Non-fictional Titles)

Newbery Medal and Honor Books, 1922-Present
The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal

Caldecott Medal & Honor Books, 1938-Present
The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecotthonors/caldecottmedal

Previously Published Literature Lists
(Literature Lists for K-12 published by the California Department of Education)
As with any work of literature used in the classroom, educators should read and evaluate the book to determine its appropriateness for students. Parents using the lists will want to consider factors such as the child’s particular interests, independent reading ability, motivation, and level of maturity.
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/rl/litrlprevlit.asp

Summer Reading Lists (for K-12)---from TeacherVision
Vacation time is the perfect time to read, read, READ! Check out these lists of super-entertaining books, from classics to fun picks, for you and your students. Enjoy the site's slideshows on summer reading to find the best of the best children's literature for your child or students.
https://www.teachervision.com/reading/summer/6101.html

Books & Resources (from 1996 to 2015)
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12 (OSTB Award Seal)
Reading science trade books is the perfect way for students to build literacy skills while learning science content. The books that appear in these lists were selected
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/rl/litrlprevlit.asp

Baby Brown Reads
The books listed here celebrate, encourage, and promote literacy among African-American children.
http://www.brownbabyreads.com/booklists.html

Hispanic Heritage Booklists---from Colorín Colorado
The following link provides children's book lists that feature both fictional and non-fictional titles about Hispanic Heritage organized by topic that can be used all year long! Many books on our recommended lists are bilingual or are available in Spanish. Also, you can access additional Hispanic Heritage titles for young adults and other recommended resources there.
http://www.colorincolorado.org/read/forkids/hhm/

Other Related FREE Resources

Fight Summer Loss With These FREE Learning Tools---from MetaMetrics
As summer break arrives, students will leave the classroom and many may begin to slip in their reading and mathematics abilities. This slip has become known as summer loss. MetaMetrics has developed several FREE tools to help parents and educators combat summer loss.
http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=2e034b60c66ea054d7eb44348&id=b8744d50fc&e=1bd9583c14

8 Resources to Prevent Summer Learning Loss---by Jean Fleming from NWEA
Both teachers and administrators can make a big difference in thwarting summer learning loss, particularly for students with limited access to expanded and summer learning opportunities. Explore these FREE online resources and share them with families so that summer is a time of learning and growth.
https://www.nwea.org/blog/2014/8-resources-prevent-summer-learning-loss/

For information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info and support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

BEST Apps for Sensory Processing Issues

SPD Apps for ALL Platforms

We often hear the words Sensory Processing Disorder or the acronym SPD used to describe a child's or adult's challenges that involve the 5 senses. Yet, what does that really mean? What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

Sensory processing or integration is the ability to perceive (by using our senses) and respond to our environment – both internal and external in an appropriate manner. It is consistent and grounded with awareness and attention. It is neither overly responsive nor dulled. As human beings, we all have our issues, both our sensory preferences and things that we avoid. That is what makes us who we are. It becomes problematic if it interferes with our ability to function and interact appropriately within our environment.

Sensory Processing Disorder is the newest term for, and is used synonymously with, Sensory Integration Disorder, Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SI Dysfunction) and Dysfunction in Sensory Integration (DSI).

Currently, sensory integration is still being used to describe the theory and treatment, based on the original work of A. Jean Ayres. (Please see resource to follow below for more information on Dr. Ayres' work.)

Sensory Processing Disorder is used to define and describe the disorder and its dysfunctional symptoms - in hopes of making this a universally accepted "medical diagnosis" - thus enabling insurance reimbursement for evaluation and treatment.

We receive and perceive sensory input through sights, sounds, touch, tastes, smells, movement and balance, body position and muscle control. Difficulty taking in or interpreting this input can lead to devastating consequences with:

1. Interactions with others
2. Daily functioning
3. Social and family relationships
4. Behavioral challenges
5. Regulating emotions
6. Self-esteem
7. Learning

Over the past several of years, there have been more than a few technological developments and contributions made to assist parents and teachers in helping children and adults with SPD. This week, we wanted to provide our readers with a list of apps and other resources to further help them in their efforts. Here is such a list that includes Android, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and Android apps for Sensory Processing Disorder. We hope our parents and teachers will find them beneficial for their children and students who struggle with these SPD issues.

BEST Apps for Sensory Processing Issues

Sensory Integration Therapy (FREE---for Android)
by SensoryTreat
This app is specifically designed to help parents and OTs manage sensory diet. OTs can easily build daily routines that families can adhere to and receive reports on therapy progress. Helping parents turn sensory diet from chores to fun activities, which blend easily into family daily routine. This SensoryTreat app makes a sensory diet fun & easy!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sensorytreat.sensorytreat

Best Apps for Sensory Processing by Jo Booth (FREE & various prices---for iPad, iPod, iPod Touch and iPhone)
by Angie & Technology in (SPL) Education, Part of @AppyMall Network
Sensory processing or integration is the ability to perceive (by using our senses) and respond to our environment – both internal and external in an appropriate manner. It is consistent and grounded with awareness and attention. It is neither overly responsive nor dulled. As human beings, we all have our issues, both our sensory preferences and things that we avoid, and that is what makes us who we are. It is really only problematic, if it interferes with our ability to function and interact. Here are some of Angie's favorite apps for working with sensory processing.
http://www.techinspecialed.com/2014/01/22/best-apps-sensory-processingself-regulation-jo-booth/

Apps for Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism and Video Task Cueing, QR Codes & iBeacons
by Lon & No Limits to Learning
The apps by Brian Eno and Peter Chilvers Bloom $3.99, Air $1.99 and Trope $3.99 work for iPhones and iPads. The Scapes app $11.99 is for iPads only. Scapes looks more like a construction and creative workstation with more working parts. These apps are currently used for self-regulation and calming.
http://nolimitstolearning.blogspot.com/2015/03/apps-for-sensory-processing-disorder.html
For more information on these apps, please visit http://www.generativemusic.com/trope.html

Sensory Apps (Set #1---published in April 2011)
by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, AdEd, OTR/L, ATP
Sensory apps used with students having attentional, behavioral or mental health challenges help calm, refocus or motivate students. Here are some favorites of many occupational therapists.
http://otswithapps.com/2011/04/23/sensory-apps/

Sensory Apps (Set #2---published in May 2012)
by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, AdEd, OTR/L, ATP
Are you familiar with the Autism Apps App – a comprehensive list of apps used with and by people diagnosed with autism or other special needs?
Autism Apps is a FREE app with over 30 categories of curated apps providing information and links to reviews, videos and purchase of them. One of the categories listed in the Autism App is “Sensory”, providing suggestions of apps with visuals and auditory effects.
http://otswithapps.com/2012/05/23/sensory-apps-2/

Reading Focus Cards Desktop App (Patent 8,360,779)
This article describes an innovative, overlay-type app that can open new doors and eliminate many hurdles for a number of challenged readers when to attempting to read web pages, e-books, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and more on a Mac or Windows PC. This app can help decrease or often eliminate the OVERWHELM of TOO MUCH TEXT on a digital screen. The customization of this application for desktops is virtually infinite (user can adjust color, transparency, size of the digital tool components and more to meet needs). The application can be especially helpful for challenged readers of any age with ADHD, sensory issues, dyslexia, autism, stroke/brain injury issues and other conditions affecting reading ability. (App download links included in the article.)
http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590

Other Helpful Resources for Sensory Processing Disorder

The Sensory Processing Disorder Resource Center
A thorough explanation of the behaviors and developmental concerns that exist for some children, which may have seemed almost impossible to understand or manage. You can take the information and resources provided here to positively influence, understand, validate, "treat", support, and help your child or others who are behaviorally and emotionally "imprisoned" by their ineffective perception and interpretation of sensory input.
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/

Health & Parenting---Sensory Processing Disorder
by WebMD
General information about sensory processing disorder from one of the most trusted websites for medical information. Includes information about treatment options, too.
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/sensory-processing-disorder

A. Jean Ayres, PhD, OTR
from SPD University---Sensory Processing Disorder Education
Information and bio about the work conducted by Dr. Anna Jean Ayres ((1920–1989), an occupational therapist and developmental psychologist known for her work in the area of sensory integration dysfunction, a term she coined in the 1960s to describe a theory used in occupational therapy.
http://spduniversity.org/jean-ayres-biography/

For information on customizable sensory-appealing, low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info and support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
HubSpot.com at www.hubspot.com and
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

BEST ADHD Apps for Better Focus

Overwhelmed by too many tasks or projects you need to complete in the weeks ahead? Struggling to pay attention at work? Has your child's teacher mentioned that he often daydreams during class time? Attention issues and focusing challenges are often two of the key symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition that can make it harder for you or your child to stay focused in order to complete tasks or assignments.

Today, ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental problems in childhood and adolescence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports in its latest statistics that more than 1 in 10 children in the United States live with ADHD. Many of these children will also continue to deal with ADHD and its symptoms as they get older.

At the same time, there are tools, strategies and apps that can help with the management of ADHD and its related issues. If your child is struggling to get through his homework or you yourself are having a difficult time focusing at work or at home, you can find help with the following apps that include setting up reminders, creating to-do lists and improving focus and concentration for better reading comprehension. We hope you will find them helpful!

BEST ADHD Apps for Better Focus

StayFocusd (a Chrome extension)
This FREE productivity extension for Google Chrome restricts the amount of time one you spend on time-wasting websites.
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/stayfocusd/laankejkbhbdhmipfmgcngdelahlfoji

The Pomodoro Technique involves breaking up work into timed, 25-minute chunks (known as pomodoros), separated by short breaks to help improve concentration. Here are several apps based on this technique:

a. Focus Booster (FREE trial without credit card)
This app helps eliminate the anxiety of time and enhances your focus using the Pomodoro Techinique. Boost your productivity using the Focus Booster digital Pomodoro timer. Simple time management removes the stress of timesheets from your day, while you achieve more.
https://www.focusboosterapp.com//

b. Pomodoro Desktop 0.31 (for Macs)
Developed by Ugo Landini
Pomodoro Desktop is a FREE desktop application for time management on your Mac OSX. This desktop app is a simple but effective way to manage your (coding) time, and it's based on the Pomodoro Technique. Pomodoro stays silently on your status bar. You can only start/stop it or make interruptions. Pomodoro discretely notifies you of important time events, using Growl or spoken notifications.
http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Business/Pomodoro-Desktop.shtml

c. Pomodoro Desktop Version 1.0.0.12 (for Windows)
From Mill Square Software
FREE time-management application. Another Pomodoro supporter, this app helps you avoid procrastination and finish tasks.
http://download.cnet.com/Pomodoro/3000-2124_4-75024062.html

The Best ADHD iPhone & Android Apps of the Year (FREE & paid options)
Written by The Healthline Editorial Team (Medically Reviewed, February 27, 2015)
These 14 smartphone apps for children, teens and adults can do everything from setting up reminders to creating to-do lists to improve concentration.
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/top-adhd-android-iphone-apps

7 Awesome Apps for ADHD Children (FREE & paid options)
By Nick Politelli, Learning Works for Kids (October 5, 2013)
These recommended apps offer ways to improve or support key cognitive skills such as focus, organization and working memory (executive functions) — common problem areas for kids with ADHD. The apps range in purpose and functionality, providing a variety of ways for kids to be more organized, attentive and productive in academic and everyday tasks.
http://learningworksforkids.com/2013/10/7-awesome-apps-for-adhd-children/

The 30 Best Apps for ADHD Minds
By Eric Tivers, ADDitude Magazine
Use the power of these smartphone apps to manage ADHD symptoms ranging from distractibility and disorganization to poor sleep and overflowing creativity.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/11135.html

Best Apps For Kids With Adhd On iPad
By RMS Mobile Games Admin (March 17, 2015)
A list of app links for parents, teachers and other adults to help children with ADHD. Also includes apps for special needs, autism and other learning differences.
http://www.rmsmobilegames.com/best-apps-for-kids-with-adhd-on-ipad/

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.)
1. 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.
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 provided for apps in the Windows Store.)

Sources:

The Best ADHD iPhone & Android Apps of the Year from HealthLine.com
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/top-adhd-android-iphone-apps

The Reading Focus Cards App (Patent 8,360,779) from Brennan Innovators, LLC
http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590

For information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info and support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

The RIGHT Sensory Resources Can Improve Focus for ADHD Readers

During the past week here at Brennan Innovators, we have been getting back to normal here in the office after concluding our annual spring conference season. Each March, we attend various educational conferences to present, exhibit and demonstrate our customizable reading tools for challenged readers across the Midwest. As in years past (since 2008), we again met with many enthusiastic parents, teachers and others who wanted to learn more ways to help their children, students and other adults with various reading difficulties.

From suspected to diagnosed ADHD, dyslexia, convergence insufficiency, autism and more, we offered strategies and techniques to assist them in helping readers of all ages. Again and again, we heard about the sensory needs of many of these readers. The sibling of a young reader mentioned that her sister "likes anything that has to do with soft animals." One adult care-giver told us that her mother reads better and more easily when the materials and resources used are soft or textured. Still another individual talked about how her 'tween son on the autism spectrum "loves the feel of a basketball when he reads." You can be sure that we had a set of Reading Focus Cards on hand to address each of these needs--- colorful, soft or textured!

Repeatedly at the conferences, we also heard about how the right sensory materials can significantly and positively enhance the focus of reading and learning for a number of individuals, regardless of age. A few visitors mentioned a diagnosis of sensory processing disorder (SPD) had been received. For this reason, we thought that in this week's blog article, it would be a good idea to include a collection of sensory resources that might provide some much-needed help for unfocused readers with ADHD. If focus is an issue for someone you know or even for yourself, we hope you will consider taking a look at these resources that might enhance and improve one's overall reading success.

Sensory Resources for Unfocused Readers with ADHD

Sensory Strategies for Kids with ADHD
from North Shore Pediatric Therapy
Sensory strategies are one of the most common and least invasive suggestions made to assist children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) function more successfully in their day to day lives. A nmber of these sensory strategies are offered in this article.
http://nspt4kids.com/parenting/sensory-strategies-for-kids-with-adhd/

ADHD Study Tricks for Serious Wigglers
by Karen Sunderhaft, ADDitude Magazine
Parent-tested strategies are provided here to help your ADHD child sit still... and learn through all her senses.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/846.html

Study Finds ADHD Improves With Sensory Intervention
from Temple University Health Sciences Center
Though published in 2005, the information in this article continues to hold true today---that sensory intervention (for example, deep pressure and strenuous exercise) can significantly improve problem behaviors such as restlessness, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/05/050513103548.htm

Fidgety, Forgetful, and Unfocused---How to Help Your Child Focus and Finish
by Ann Dolin, M.Ed., Educational Connections
Resources to help a child read and learn with more success.
http://www.fcps.edu/dss/conference/2015/materials/Session%201/02_FidgetyForgetfulandUnfocused_Dolin/FidgetyForgetfulandUnfocused_Donlin.pdf

APP---Reading Focus Cards Desktop App (Patent 8,360,779)
This article describes an innovative, overlay-type app can open new doors and eliminate many hurdles for a great number of challenged readers and struggling learners when they attempt to read web pages, downloaded e-books, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and more. Visual customization (which includes color, transparency, size and more) of this application for desktops is virtually infinite. The application can be especially helpful for challenged readers of any age with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, stroke/brain injury issues and other conditions affecting reading ability. (App download links included in the article.)
http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590

Reading Focus Cards, Low-tech Reading Tools for Challenged Readers
These reading tools can be especially helpful for unfocused, sensory readers. Colorful, soft or textured materials are used to create focusing tools that actually FEEL GOOD to use. The sensory attributes of these tools can actually promote more focus and concentration for easily-distracted readers with ADHD or other reading difficulties. As a result, comprehension can also improve as well as retention when the Reading Focus Cards are used according to directions included.
http://www.focusandread.com/product/RFC-001-002-CC

5 Senses Games for Kids
FREE games & activities to help increase awareness in young children of the individual differences of each of the five senses.
http://www.wartgames.com/themes/humanbody/5senses.html

For information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of 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:
K-3 Teacher Resources at
http://www.k-3teacherresources.com/5-senses.html#.VSBFr_nF9j8 and
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

GREAT Reading & Learning Resources for School Breaks, Vacations or Anytime!

Alternative Ideas & Activities for Spring Break

Have a special family get-away planned for this year's spring break? Is a roadtrip with children in your very near future? Do you know a challenged reader for whom a break from school could mean a loss of content or even a disruption in the daily learning routine? You are certainly not alone! Many families are about to embark on their annual spring break vacations, and more than a few parents wonder if this time away from the classroom will negatively impact their children's learning at this critical time of the year.

Every educator (and nearly every parent) is more than aware that annual achievement tests will be conducted in most US schools during the month of April. With these tests looming, is a March vacation a wise idea? Well, family time is very important, but not all family time needs to be in the pool, at the beach or playing games and sports together. In fact, parents and their children might wisely consider a spring break that involves some time with these activities but also a good amount of time spent in other pursuits---together.

Since many families will begin their spring break sometime during this month, we wanted to provide some good resources here to help parents make this spring break's time together more beneficial for all members of their families. What's more, we also wanted these resources to help keep students' brains sharp and ready to successfully complete the school year upon their return to the classroom.

First of all, you will find a brief list of ideas for this spring's vacation that you may not have considered in the past. Then to follow that list, you will discover a second list of links to materials, activities, ideas and other resources to enhance your family's time together this spring (or anytime!)

We hope you'll agree that these resources could make ALL the difference in helping your children stay on-track academically, decrease the chances of a loss of learning and yet truly enjoy the time together as a family this spring break! We guarantee that all of these activities and resources will keep the creative juices flowing and help promote continuous learning throughout the season---AND and well into the summer for your children! Have a wonderful spring break!

Alternative Ideas for Spring Break

1. For a vacation away from home, choose an educational destination for this year's trip to help your child or teen better understand a past or upcoming unit of study at school. For example, a visit to Williamsburg, Virginia, would provide much for learning about Colonial America. For a trip closer to home, consider a visit to your state capital that might include witnessing the legislature in-session (depending on government scheduling, etc.) You can incorporate some swim time at a hotel pool or practice a few shots together at a local playground near your motel, but time spent learning together just might create some of the best memories for all of you.

2. For quality time spent in-town, plan together a visit to a different "learning location" each day of the spring break week. Consult with your child or teen as to what and where they would like to visit and learn more about---locally. Your child's input will provide you with excellent guidance and give you many in-depth insights about him that you may not have known previously. Your teen who is crazy about video games may want to see the local museum's exhibit of Heroes from Baseball's Early Years. Your daughter who really enjoys playing with dolls and their miniature fashions might suggest visiting a local fabric store for a free demonstration of Sewing for Beginners. Your 'tween son who already shows a penchant for programming and coding might recommend attending or even participating in a local "hackathon" to try or even improve his skills. You yourself might even learn the rudiments of writing code! These are just a few of the great possibilities that exist.

3. Talk with your children about the opportunity to visit an organization that could really use your family's assistance for a day or two. A local kitchen that serves the needy might truly benefit from just a couple of hours of your time plating meals, cleaning tables or doing other important work. Your children and you will experience and learn much during such a visit. Don't be afraid to return at a future time, too! Of course, always call ahead to plan helping sessions like these rather than just appear at the location and then offer assistance.

4. Spend time at home cleaning and re-organizing storage areas, particularly clothes closets that are overstuffed and needing your attention. Then donate any unneeded or outgrown garments to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army to help others. Prior to your visit, ask if the organization might need your help with any activities on the planned day of visitation. You never know, but this could be the beginning of a long-term relationship between that charitable group and your good family!

5. All the while that you are riding in the car or a train, flying in a plane or waiting in an airport, have plenty of things to READ---for everyone! If an e-reader is your thing, bring it along. Let your children SEE you reading for enjoyment. Of course, don't forget to read TO them, too. If a toddler's board books will chase away "the boredom blues" for your little one, then pack them into your carry-on bag or purse. Reluctant teen readers will rarely turn down a comic book. Plan to have a few of these handy if your teenager is less than thrilled about picking up a book. Of course, some comic books or graphic novels are much better than others. Enlist your teen to choose titles for himself---with your good guidance, of course.

Reading & Learning Resources for Spring Break (or Other Vacation Time)

Spring Break Activities by Katherine Lee
Here are some great ideas for family fun and activities (for school-aged children) during spring break.
http://childparenting.about.com/od/funcelebrations/tp/spring_break_activities.htm

Spring Activities for Teens - Fun Activities for Teens - 12 Week Series by Denise Witmer
Fun Spring Activities for Your Teen to Do This Spring
http://parentingteens.about.com/od/activitiesorteens/a/springactivitiesteens.htm

Ten Totally Inexpensive but Super Fun Spring Break Activity Ideas
Guaranteed Fun for Families
http://www.signupgenius.com/home/ten-inexpensive-spring-break-activity-ideas.cfm

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK by the United Way---LIVE United (Student United Way)
Trade your beach towel for a tool belt this spring break. Take part in United Way’s Alternative Spring Break and work with other students to improve communities around the nation. Sign up here for our mailing list. We’ll update you as we release more information.
http://www.unitedway.org/student/alternative-spring-break/

3 Cheap Ideas for Spring Break by Miranda Marquit
Whether you are a college student getting ready to head out for a little party fun, or a family trying to figure out what you can do while the kids are out of school, there are plenty of possibilities for spring break. Unfortunately, some spring break ideas tend to be rather expensive. Do you really want to spend $1,000 on your spring break? Plus, air travel is expensive during spring break season, and sometimes hotels charge more, too. If you take a few minutes to find your creativity and your inner frugality, though, you might find that spring break doesn’t have to be that expensive after all.
http://www.bargaineering.com/articles/3-cheap-ideas-spring-break.html

Fun Family-Centered Activities for School Break
No activity will fit every family perfectly, but these activities can be easily adapted to work for your family. They’re all designed to get you working together and interacting with your kids during the school break.
http://www.helpteaching.com/blog/fun-family-centered-activities-for-school-break.html

Spring Worksheets for Kids
Check out collection of FREE printable spring worksheets for kids. We created these high quality spring worksheets for you to use for free and hope you have fun using them and learning with your kids during the spring season. Younger kids will enjoy the tracing lines worksheets, spring counting practice and word and picture matching worksheets, while slightly older children will love the missing letter and spring word scramble worksheets as well as our secret spring message cryptogram puzzle. All of these spring worksheets for kids are available in perfect printable pdf format.
http://www.allkidsnetwork.com/worksheets/spring/

Spring Theme Unit - Free Printable Worksheets, Games and More
FREE spring theme printable worksheets, reading activities, word puzzles, coloring pages, craft projects & more to supplement lesson plans.
http://www.abcteach.com/directory/holidays-months-and-seasons-seasons-spring-3612-2-1

Spring Worksheets
Spring is not only the most beautiful season of the year; it is also the holiday season. With Easter, spring break, May Day and more lined up, spring season will find kids being at home more often than not. Keeping children occupied during this free time will be a cakewalk with our free spring worksheets! Introduce your kids to these fun and FREE printable worksheets to help them learn all about this wonderful season.
http://www.jumpstart.com/parents/resources/seasons/spring/spring-worksheets

31 Things For Kids To Do During Winter Break by Allison McDonald
Although these activities are mentioned as those for a winter break, many would also work very well for a spring break, especially for any rainy days during that time.
http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2012/12/31-things-for-kids-to-do-during-winter-break.html

Spring break activities for teens and pre-teens by Jennie Withers
Spring Break is right around the corner. For most area schools it is March 26-30. Many of you are planning to get out of town, while others plan to spend it at local ski resorts. For those of us who don't ski and aren't planning a Spring Break trip, here are some inexpensive options to keep our teens and pre-teens busy.
http://www.examiner.com/article/spring-break-activities-for-teens-and-pre-teens

Spring Break Resources for Families of Children with Additional Needs

Spring Break Ideas for Special Needs Families
Here are some of our ideas for Spring 2015 that are fun and encourage the sense of wholehearted love and group integration that enhances well-being and entrenches each child’s sense of self within the context of family. This can be especially important for a child with additional needs.
http://www.convaid.com/blog/2015/02/spring-break-ideas-for-special-needs-families/

5 Great Spring Break Activities for Children with Special Needs
Spring break can be a great opportunity to engage your child in new activities, even you aren’t traveling to a luxurious locale. It is also a great time to work on generalizing speech and language skills. In speech-therapy, it’s important to remember that getting away from the environment in which we were taught a skill is the best way to generalize and reinforce the lesson. Take advantage of spring break and consider these activities for your child.
https://www.speechbuddy.com/blog/financial-resources/other-resources/5-great-spring-break-activities-for-children-with-special-needs/

Activities for Special Needs Children - Autism Activities
Here you will find an extensive list of various activities and resources for children on the autism spectrum and their families.
http://www.specialneeds.com/activities-special-needs-children-autism-activities

For information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of 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