android jelly bean update

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

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

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

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

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/

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/