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During this month of June, we have been providing numerous summer reading resources here to help parents and teachers. We thought this would be a good time to include a few “read-make-n-take” activities to keep young brains sharp and keep all kids learning over the summer break.

We have compiled a list of resources that should provide our readers with both brain-building and creative activities to help ALL kids avoid the “summer slide” this year. Hope you find them to be helpful and FUN at the same time!

50+ Fun Things to Do for Summer
Enjoyable AND inexpensive things you can do with your kids this summer.
http://mommasfunworld.blogspot.com/2012/07/50-free-things-to-do-over-summer.html

10 Ways to Help Kids Avoid the Summer Slide
School’s out for summer! Cutting loose during vacation comes easily to kids, but it’s also important to ensure they keep busy with activities that will help them continue learning throughout their break from the classroom. Here are some of the best ideas for family activities that help prevent the “Summer Slide.”
http://abullseyeview.com/target-10-fun-ways-to-help-kids-avoid-the-summer-slide/

Pinterest Summer Link Up: Tons of Ideas for Summer Learning and Fun!
This link will help you to easily find (and possibly follow) some of the best summer learning Pinterest boards.
http://www.minds-in-bloom.com/2013/06/pinterest-summer-link-up-tons-of-ideas.html

Brain Games
Free trials of online and downloadable games that provide brain-building fun for kids of different age groups
http://www.shockwave.com/online/special/brain-games.jsp

17 Acrylic Painting Techniques to Try With Kids
Exploring acrylic painting techniques with your kids is a wonderful way to get them used to the medium. Any time kids play with an art material, they become more comfortable with it and will approach future projects with confidence.
http://artchoo.com/acrylic-painting-techniques-to-try-with-kids/

BEST Critical Thinking Apps = GREAT “Brain” Workouts
Here is a list of enjoyable, brain-training apps.
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/06/best-critical-thinking-apps-great-brain.html

Activities for Preschool Children
If you are looking for fresh ideas for activities for preschool children, here are some ideas you can do. Activities for preschool children is a fun activity or an educational game.
http://educationarticle.net/activities-for-preschool-children/

Special Needs Summer Fun Activity Tips for Parents
10 activities that provide fun for ALL kids---Help your child reach his or her full developmental potential by providing fun and interactive activities all summer long.
http://www.metroparent.com/Metro-Parent/June-2013/Special-Needs-Summer-Fun-Activity-Tips-for-Parents/

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: Activities for Preschool Children http://educationarticle.net/activities-for-preschool-children/

As mentioned in last week’s blog article, we have been attending and presenting seminars at several educational conferences over the past several weeks. Last week was no exception, as we visited and briefly presented for a third time at the Patrick Henry Downtown Academy’s Parent Symposium here in St. Louis.

Just like attendees at the previous educational conferences, interested parents and teachers at the school expressed their concerns about struggling readers, asking questions about various reading challenges that included dyslexia. Some of the young students from the school were also present. These parents and teachers (and even some of the students) told us what it’s really like for some students who struggle to read just like conference attendees over the past several weeks had mentioned. The following are some of the reading symptoms described:

1. Eyes get tired when reading for just for a few minutes.
2. Florescent lights in the classroom seem to cause a glare and make it hard to focus, much less read and understand what is read.
3. Can’t focus on the line to be read. Eyes are all over the page.
4. My child loses his place all the time when he tries to read.
5. My daughter says that the letters on the page look like they are moving or waving.

With these symptoms described to us more than a few times, we shared information about the importance of comprehensive eye exams and the value of using our Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759). At the same time, we also provided literature that included tips and strategies to help challenged readers of all ages.

Finally, we thought this might be a good time to provide these parents and teachers as well as our readers here some new resources for symptoms like those listed. The descriptions above could be possible indications of dyslexia. However, dyslexia is a reading challenge for which accommodations are not provided in student IEPs (in most states). In fact, an IEP is not even provided for students with a singular diagnosis of dyslexia (again, in most states). At the same time, dyslexia is a reading challenge that can significantly impact one's self-esteem and overall success in life. As a result, we wanted to provide the following new resources we hope will be helpful to many:

New Resources for Dyslexia and Other Reading Challenges

Teaching Resources (from TES)
(Last updated on April 19, 2013)
Over 600,672 free teaching resources for dyslexia and other learning challenges to use in your classroom and school today. TES Teaching Resources is where teachers share and download free lesson plans, classroom resources, revision guides and curriculum worksheets. Whether you are looking for SEN teaching strategies and approaches, VCOP activities, or secondary classroom activities, you can choose from 1000s of teacher resources, download them for free and adapt them to suit your classroom activities.
http://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resources/

Supporting Spelling (from TES)
(Last updated on October 11, 2012)
TES provides a selection of strategies and ideas to help your students improve their spelling. The range of free resources includes lesson plans and worksheets on mnemonics, spelling guides, games and strategies helpful for supporting pupils with dyslexia and moderate learning difficulties.
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6258399

Understanding Dyslexia: Infographic---Visual diagram describing dyslexia from the WeAreTeachers Blog (Published April 03, 2013)
http://www.weareteachers.com/community/blogs/weareteachersblog/blog-wat/2013/04/03/understanding-dyslexia-infographic

Top Tips to Start Supporting Students with Dyslexia (from TES)
This colorful diagram provides teachers and parents with strategies to use immediately with children and teens challenged with dyslexia.
http://pinterest.com/pin/80150068341286459/

OpenDyslexic---A new, open-sourced font created by Abelardo Gonzalez to increase readability for readers with dyslexia. The typeface includes regular, bold, italic, and bold-italic styles. It is being updated continually and improved based on input from dyslexic users. There are no restrictions on using OpenDyslexic outside of attribution.
http://opendyslexic.org/

Reading with COLOR---What a Difference It Can Make!
(Published March 10, 2013)
http://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3537480

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: Brennan Innovators, LLC at http://www.focusandread.com/blog

Developmental optometrists and occupational therapists continue to tell us that the Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759) help some of their patients recovering from stroke. These low-tech, reading tools can help patients with alexia to re-learn how to read. In addition, these Reading Focus Cards are providing help for patients with Parkinson'sand even dementia, helping them to focus and concentrate with greater success.

We also know that technology today, such as e-tablets and e-readers, is helping to level the playing field for all readers and learners with special needs. The access and use of this technology are not only advantageous for these readers and learners but is and will continue to be a great benefit to all of us. The iPad and Android apps are improving the quality of life for so many, and as a result, an increasing number of individuals with special needs are becoming a little more independent, a little more self-sufficient. This new independence will continue to be advantageous for all of society.

Stroke recovery is no different. Many of those who have experienced the devastating effects of a stroke can attest to the strong need and desire to regain independence, but the struggle can be a long road. However, with the new technology of apps, the road back to independence is being shortened considerably. When the technology of an iPad or a Kindle is combined with the Reading Focus Cards, recovering stroke patients challenged with alexia can benefit even more with the improved focus and concentration the tools provide.

This week, we wanted to give our readers some lists of iPad and Android apps particularly helpful for stroke recovery patients. It is apparent that at the time of this writing, there are considerably more iPad apps for this particular patient population than there are Android apps. This will mostly change as apps in both formats will increasingly be needed. We hope you will find the resources gathered here to benefit someone you know who is facing these unique challenges.

iPad Apps for Stroke Recovery

i-Pad Apps Help Stroke Patients---by Anne Sigmon
Short article with links to app lists for stroke recovery patients
http://annesigmon.com/blog/i-pad-apps-help-stroke-patients/

Using the iPad 2 in Stroke Recovery – My Family’s Experience---by Janet Cloniger
Article includes iPad apps for stroke recovery as well as information, insights and recommendations relating to the use of the iPad for this purpose.
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/09/30/using-the-ipad-2-in-stroke-recovery-%E2%80%93-my-family%E2%80%99s-experience/

iPad Apps for Stroke Patients---from The Stroke Recovery Blog
Article with brief summaries of several apps for aphasia and other issues resulting from stroke
http://www.neuroaid.com/en/blog/other-information/ipad-apps-for-stroke-patients/

Android Apps for Stroke Recovery

Apps for Stroke Movement Recovery
List of apps that encourage post-stroke movement recovery
http://androidapp.lisisoft.com/android-apps/stroke-movement-recovery.html

Speech Assistant---by ASoft.nl (FREE)
A single Android app that designed to communicate with people who have difficulty speaking but are able to read. This may be in the case of aphasia, after a stroke, in case of vocal cord problems or other speech problems. The app can also be a tool to practice during rehabilitation.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.asoft.speechassistant&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsIm5sLmFzb2Z0LnNwZWVjaGFzc2lzdGFudCJd

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: The Stroke Recovery Blog-http://www.neuroaid.com/en/blog/other-information/ipad-apps-for-stroke-patients/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Educational Apps for Kids with Down Syndrome (for iPad)
Lists of iPad apps for fine motor development, reading, spelling, speech, math and more.
http://www.withalittlemoxie.com/2013/03/educational-apps-for-kids-with-down-syndrome.html

Other Resources (not Apps)

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

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

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

For information on customizable reading tools:
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

When a special needs child becomes part of a growing family, we know that a very “special” kind of dedication will be “needed” of the parents of that child as well as of the other family members.

When new parents receive a diagnosis of Down Syndrome for their new little one, their level of dedication may be particularly "special". At the same time, the rewards for the family could be exceptional as the child will become capable of giving much love and affection. She will also be able to celebrate with her parents as she learns important skills and reaches significant milestones along the way.

For the best possible outcomes, the parents and families of children with Down Syndrome will need all the help, support and resources available in their communities. This week, as we approach World Down Syndrome Awareness Day (Thurs., March 21), our blog article is dedicated to these families, providing this needed information to help them best care for their children, especially in the areas of health care, vision and literacy.

Options for Health Care

For optimal health care of their child, families may wish to locate a developmental pediatrician, a specialist knowledgeable about Down syndrome or a Down syndrome clinic. A pediatric hospital can guide you in this search for such a specialist as well as provide you with a support team of other medical professionals to help you and your child. These specialists can work with your primary care physician. However, it is not always necessary or possible to find an expert on Down syndrome. The most important thing is that the doctor is willing to learn about the condition and collaborate with the family and individual with Down syndrome (also called Trisomy 21).
(Source: National Down Syndrome Society: https://www.ndss.org/Resources/Health-Care/Health-Care-Providers/.)

In addition, local parent groups can also be an excellent resource for learning of health care professionals who have experience with Down syndrome.

To enable parents to care for and help their child with Down Syndrome in the best ways possible, we have gathered together this week a collection of resources to help support these families in the best ways possible.

Vision and Literacy

Also, parents will want to know that Down syndrome can affect the developing eye, which could impact the proper development of vision. Eye disease is reported in over half of patients with Down Syndrome, from less severe problems such as tear duct abnormalities to vision threatening diagnoses, such as early age cataracts.
(Source: National Down Syndrome Society: http://www.ndss.org/Resources/Health-Care/Associated-Conditions/Vision--Down-Syndrome/.)

As particular this attention should be given to vision in people with Down syndrome, we have also included in our resources list below here a group of links related to vision and literacy for parents of children with DS who are challenged with such issues. Please scroll down to see Vision & Literacy Resources for Down Syndrome in the second half of the list to follow here. We hope that these will provide a starting point in the development of reading skills for these children.

Resources for General Information about Down Syndrome

List of Down Syndrome Resources
List includes national organizations, medical resources & more
http://www.downsyn.com/resources.php

National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS)
Organization that offers a special welcome to new parents. Since its inception in 1961, NADS has always believed that parents helping parents is a very powerful concept and most parents find that some of their greatest resources are other parents. NADS is funded by private and corporate donations, fundraising events and by membership dues.
http://www.nads.org/

Health Care Providers and Locator Map
From the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
For optimal health care, families may wish to locate a developmental pediatrician, a specialist knowledgeable about Down syndrome or a Down syndrome clinic. These specialists can work with the primary care physician. Local parent groups are also an excellent resource for learning of health care professionals who have experience with Down syndrome. (Please see NDSS Affiliate Local Support with Locator Map to follow.)
https://www.ndss.org/Resources/Health-Care/Health-Care-Providers/

Affiliate Local Support with Locator Map
From the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
Local parent groups are an excellent resource for learning of health care professionals who have experience with Down syndrome.
https://www.ndss.org/Resources/Local-Support/

University of Michigan Health System Website
General overview of Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) with basic statistics, information about development and more.
http://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/downsyn.htm

Down Syndrome Education Online
Website offers a comprehensive, reliable and up-to-date range of information, resources and services for families, practitioners and researchers caring for, supporting and investigating Down syndrome.
http://www.down-syndrome.org/guide/

Down Syndrome Blog
Blog written by the father of a son with Down Syndrome. An EXCELLENT read with regular posts!
http://noahsdad.com/

List of Other Down Syndrome Blogs
http://noahsdad.com/down-syndrome-blogs/

Vision & Literacy Resources for Down Syndrome

Vision and Down Syndrome
Information on how vision may be impacted by Down Syndrome and resources to help
http://www.ndss.org/Resources/Health-Care/Associated-Conditions/Vision--Down-Syndrome/

Reading Interventions for Children with Down Syndrome
by Kelly Burgoyne
Research with typically developing children has identified successful methods of teaching reading, and recent work has begun to evaluate these methods for individuals with Down syndrome. The aim of this paper is to review this work, and to highlight areas in need of further research.
http://www.down-syndrome.org/reviews/2128/reviews-2128.pdf

Tools for Challenged Readers
Brennan Innovators, LLC provides customizable Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759) for struggling readers of all ages. The company can create special Reading Focus Cards for children and adults who require large fonts (1 to 2 inches in size) for vision issues. Those interested are invited to call the company for specification needs and individual pricing (see website for phone number, please).
www.FocusandRead.com/products

Emergent Literacy in the Homes of Children with Down Syndrome
by Thomas L. Layton, Ph.D., North Carolina Central University
http://triangledownsyndrome.org/cmsmadesimple/index.php?page=literacy

Reading and writing for individuals with Down syndrome - An overview
by Sue Buckley
http://www.down-syndrome.org/information/reading/overview/

The influence of reading instruction on language and memory development in children with Down syndrome
by Glynis Laws, Sue Buckley, John MacDonald and Irene Broadley
This paper reports evidence for the importance of reading instruction for memory and language development in children with Down syndrome.
http://www.down-syndrome.org/reports/52/

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: http://rlv.zcache.com/down_syndrome_butterfly_3_1_mouse_pads-p144494819243887027eng3t_400.jpg

It has been some months since we provided a good list of apps for children and adults with special needs. In April 2012, we posted an article entitled A Basket of Special Needs Apps, which is still accessible at http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/03/basket-of-special-needs-apps.html. Since that time, the article has been accessed more than 2,000 times by our readers. We thought that now would be an appropriate time to provide an updated list of apps, especially as the technology continues to rapidly improve.

So for this week, we have gathered lists of apps and related resources to bring you up-to-date in the world of special needs applications. We hope that those presented here will improve the quality of your life or someone you care about in a significant way. As always, if you know of other recent, technological applications not listed here that may be helpful to others, do please let us know in the comments boxes below here. We will certainly appreciate your input!

Lists of Special Needs Apps & Resources for 2013

Great Apps for Students with Learning Disabilities---Blog article from Prufrock Press that includes website resources for apps to help with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and other learning challenges
http://blog.prufrock.com/blog/2013/2/1/the-best-apps-for-students-with-learning-disabilities

13 of the Best Special Needs Apps of 2012---Blog article from TeachThought published January 1, 2013
http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/1-of-the-best-special-needs-apps-of-2012/

Guide to Special Needs Apps---Presented by the Kaufman Children’s Center---Provides a number of helpful resources for accessing special needs apps
http://www.kidspeech.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=778&Itemid=638

List of Free iPad Apps for Children with Special Needs: Part 1---From eLearning Industry
List that INCLUDES 40 FREE iPad Apps for Kids with Special Needs:
1. General Special Needs---14 Apps
2. Autism---12 Apps
3. Basic Skills---14 Apps
http://elearningindustry.com/free-special-needs-ipad-apps-part-1

List of Free iPad Apps for Children with Special Needs: Part 2---From eLearning Industry
List that INCLUDES 18 Additional FREE iPad Apps for Kids with Special Needs:
1. Behavior---8 Free iPad Apps
2. Books (regular, audio, and interactive)---2 Apps
3. Choice Board and Schedulers---1 App
4. Early Language Development---2 Apps
5. Taking Turns---2 Apps
6. For the Teacher---4 Apps
http://elearningindustry.com/subjects/general/item/347-list-of-free-ipad-apps-for-children-with-special-needs-part-2

Phonics Genius---by Innovative Mobile Apps---Individual iPad app that helps teach phonemic awareness (FREE)
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/phonics-genius/id461659980?mt=8

Sound Literacy---by 3D Literacy---Price: $24.99 (A portion of all proceeds benefit the International Dyslexia Association.)---The first iPad app that brings your letter tiles in to the 21st Century. Now being used in 19 countries across the globe. Named one of the 12 Best Apps for Special Needs of 2012 by Teachers with Apps.
NOTE: The tiles of Sound Literacy do not create audible sounds, but do represent the spellings of the English phonemes.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/soundliteracy/id409347075?mt=8

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: Brennan Innovators, LLC

We understand our readers' need for more educational Android apps and those for the Kindle Fire HD. Unfortunately, these apps are not as plentiful---yet! However, there is every indication that eventually they will be more numerous and may even surpass the number of Apple-compatible apps available today.

For sometime now, having an app selling in the iTunes store was a real accomplishment, but that may be changing, too. Outside the U.S., the use of Android devices is much more prevalent---for Apple, not so much. So, more and more educational Android apps will be developed, tested and released.

As for Kindle Fire HD, it is a new device---so fewer apps may be available at the moment. This, too, will eventually change for the better. Patience for a little longer may be required.

This week, we wanted to provide a collection of spelling apps for Android devices (and 1 for the Kindle Fire). Spelling is very often a serious challenge for struggling readers, contributing to less fluency and poor comprehension. Recently, we have had more than a few requests for Android spelling apps. So we hope this new list of Android spelling apps will address that pressing need.

Android Spelling Apps

Spell Checker (+voice input)---FREE app for Androidsx---Updated January 7, 2013
#1 Spell Checker for Android with more than 2 million and a half downloads! Supports English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and other languages
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.androidsx.checkspelling&hl=en

Kids’ Spelling (Android) Apps---Some apps are FREE here
Short list of Android spelling apps for kids of various age groups
http://www.appszoom.com/android_applications/kids+spelling

Brilliant Spelling with TUTOR (Lite)---FREE Android app
By Effective Objects
Fun and entertaining app---Good for children with dyslexia or dysgraphia
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.effectiveobjects.bspellinglite&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLmVmZmVjdGl2ZW9iamVjdHMuYnNwZWxsaW5nbGl0ZSJd

Brilliant Spelling with TUTOR (FULL version of the above app)---Android app ---Price: $2.99
By Effective Objects
Fun and entertaining app---Good for children with dyslexia or dysgraphia
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.effectiveobjects.bspelling&hl=en

Spelling Bee Android App---Price: $.99
By Socratica, LLC --- For All Ages---Available instantly for Kindle Fire or Android devices
Spelling Bee is an ideal study aid for children, but it's also great for anyone who wants to improve their spelling skills. It features a database of more than 2,300 English words--along with definitions and clear audio clips of each word's pronunciation--so you can expand your knowledge base quickly and easily.
http://www.amazon.com/Socratica-LLC-Spelling-Bee/dp/B007FGM2EE

Happy spelling!

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

Source: USAToday article of January 29, 2013, on the growing popularity of Android devices on U.S. college campuses: http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/01/29/apple-rim-google-iphone-android-samsung/1868775/.)

Image courtesy of:
http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/7397028/KNC+710+PC+Tablet+7inches+Android#imageGallery

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

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

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

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

Low-Tech & High-Tech Tools for Dyslexia

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

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

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

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

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

Other Resources for Dyslexia

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

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

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

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

Happy reading, everyone!

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

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

We want Help for Struggling Readers to be your go-to blog when you need reading or learning resources, strategies, apps and other help for all kinds of learners, especially those who struggle to read and learn.

That is why this week, we’ve decided to provide you with a short list of 3 collections that contain great Android apps for special needs---all kinds of special needs! You’ll find some apps that are FREE and others that are available at various price points.

Choose the apps that will meet your needs and those of your child or your students. You just might want to bookmark this page so that you can refer to it again and again as needed. Help yourself to some awesome special needs apps for your Android devices---a combined total of 78 apps in all!

Android Special Needs Apps

14 Special Needs Android Apps on Google Play-from Friendship Circle Blog
http://blog.friendshipcircle.org/2012/09/04/14-special-needs-android-apps-on-google-play/?goback=.anb_684677_*2_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1

37 Special Needs Apps for Android Devices-compiled by Melanie Vitovsky (Twinkie Babies website)---Titles, prices & links to excellent special needs apps for Android devices---Many of the apps are for children on the autism spectrum, but other special needs apps are also available here.
http://www.twinkiebabies.com/37-special-needs-apps-for-android-devices/

Android Apps for Our Kids—from the Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs blog---Here is a list of 27 Apps for Android devices, visual supports and other resources (especially for children with multiple special needs). Also provides a second short list of app collections at the end of this list.
http://teachinglearnerswithmultipleneeds.blogspot.com/2011/08/android-apps-for-our-kids.html

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

Clipart courtesy of:
http://downextra.eu/mobile/1755283-best-mega-pack-android-apps-and-games.html

The NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities) describes dyscalculia as “a wide range of lifelong learning disabilities involving math. There is no single type of math disability. Dyscalculia can vary from person to person. And, it can affect people differently at different stages of life.

Two major areas of weakness can contribute to math learning disabilities:

• Visual-spatial difficulties, which result in a person having trouble processing what the eye sees
• Language processing difficulties, which result in a person having trouble processing and making sense of what the ear hears

Using alternate learning methods, people with dyscalculia can achieve success.”

As with many learning challenges, specific strategies, accommodations, tools and other resources can enable affected students to experience more learning success. It is no different with dyscalculia. Because of this, and as a result of several inquiries at Brennan Innovators for teaching materials and resources for dyscalculia, we thought this would be a very good time to provide a few apps for teachers and parents of children with this learning challenge.

Apps for Dyscalculia

Math Teacher by Gianluca Puggelli (for iPhone---price $.99)
This is an application that helps kids work with basic mathematical operations. It supports multiplication, division, addition and subtraction tables. The app can be of particular benefit to those challenged with dyscalculia.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/math-teacher/id419156026?mt=8

Telling Time by My Turn Mobile (for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.Requires iOS 3.0 or later---price $1.99)
This app has three levels allowing students to advance their skills. It compares the analog clock to the digital clock.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/telling-time/id346913342?mt=8

Coin Math by Recession Apps (for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.Requires iOS 4.3 or later---price $1.99)
This app begins with identification of coins, counting coins, making change, and shopping. This app allows users to advance levels.
http://itunes.apple.com/app/coin-math/id296596459?mt=8

A Math App: Multiplication Simplified – HD by App-Zoo (for iPad--Requires iOS 3.2 or later--price $.99)
This is a visual app that uses skip counting and is particularly good for those students who have difficulty with memorizing facts.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-math-app-multiplication/id392185727?mt=8

Algebra Touch (for Phone, iPod Touch, iPad--- Price: $2.99)
ALGEBRA TOUCH allows kids to manipulate and solve single-variable algebraic equations and terms in a very creative way. Kids drag their finger on the screen to move terms from one side of the equation to the other, or they can tap to factor or solve. A list of other algebra apps is also under development via this same link, so stay tuned!
http://www.dyscalculia.org/math-tools/apps-4-math/math-apps

A Collection of Multiplication Apps (for Apple, Android, Kindle Fire, & Nook devices-prices vary)
http://www.rocknlearn.com/html/multiplication-apps.htm

Other Resources for Dyscalculia

LDOnline Definition of and information on dyscalculia
http://www.ldonline.org/article/13709/

NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities) Additional information on dyscalculia (includes warning signs and symptoms, treatment options, parent/teacher forum comments and other information)
http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/ld-aamp-language/ld-aamp-math/what-is-dyscalculia

Dyscalculia.org Website with “Math Learning Disability Resources”
http://www.dyscalculia.org/

References
1. LDOnline http://www.ldonline.org/article/13709/
2. NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities) http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/ld-aamp-language/ld-aamp-math/what-is-dyscalculia
3. Dyscalculia.org http://www.dyscalculia.org/

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

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/ld-aamp-language/ld-aamp-math/what-is-dyscalculia

As you may know, we have offered many apps and other resources for dyslexia here in several of our previous blog articles. It is interesting to note that the demand and number of requests for dyslexia apps in particular have been quite significant for our blog, exceeding requests and searches of all other educational apps combined.

Because of the amount of advertising done by Apple for its tech devices, one might believe that there are only such apps for the iPad or iPhone. Not so! In fact, globally there is more widespread use of Android devices than of Apple devices (in Asia, particularly). It is mostly here in the U.S. and in Europe that Apple’s presence is so dominant.

So, with this in mind, together with requests from parents of dyslexic children and the desire on our part to give equal time to Android apps for our readers with this format, we have assembled what looks to be our longest apps list yet. This time, they are categorized Android apps for struggling readers challenged with one or more types of dyslexia. We hope this newest list of apps will help someone you know with dyslexia AND an Android device.

Reading & Writing Apps

Cool Reader - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.5 or later)
Cool Reader is an eBook reader that supports multiple eBook formats. The app has a text-to-speech function and other customizable features.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.coolreader&hl=en

Go Read (Bookshare) - Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.0 or later)
This app is a part of Bookshare, where you can access one of the largest online libraries. This app also has text-to-speech capabilities and is especially made for people with reading impairments.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.benetech.android&hl=en

Vocab Builder - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.6 or later)
Vocab Builder is a great way to learn new vocabulary words and is perfect for preparing for the SAT or GRE. You are quizzed on thousands of words, and a dictionary is included.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hempton.vocab&hl=en

Words Words Words - Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.1 or later)
This app can help you build communication skills. It can teach you new words, how the words are properly used in context, and it can pronounce the words for you. There is even a fun, challenging game included.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.socratica.mobile.words&hl=en

Ghotit Real Writer & Reader for Android - Helpful app for 3 types of dyslexia assistance:
- writing with word-prediction and speech feedback
- reading with dual-highlighting
- spelling and grammar inc punctuation by context and phonetic corrections
https://www.ghotit.com/ghotit-real-writer-reader-for-android/
Ghotit Real Writer & Reader 3 for Android 4 (just released, December 2013)
http://www.interactiveaccessibility.com/news/ghotit-real-writer-reader-3-android-4-just-released

Spelling Apps

Spelling Bee - $0.99 (Compatible with Android devices 1.6 or later)
This app teaches you how to spell thousands of words with clear audio clips and increasing difficulty.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.socratica.mobile.spelling&hl=en

Dictionary.com - Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.1 and later)
This app includes nearly 2 million easily accessible words. You can view definitions and synonyms with dictionary.com and thesaurus.com, with no internet connection required.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dictionary&hl=en

Organization & Study-Skills Apps

AnkiDroid - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.5 or later)
With this app, you can learn just about anything. There are thousands of free flashcard decks available for download, or you can create your own, and it comes with text-to-speech capabilities.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ichi2.anki&hl=en

ColorNote - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.5 or later)
Use this app when you want to jot down memos, emails, or a grocery list. You can return to your notes later and edit them, organize them by color, save them to SD storage, and organize your schedule in a calendar.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.socialnmobile.dictapps.notepad.color.note

Evernote - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.6 or later)
Evernote allows you to easily create text, photo, and audio notes, which can be synchronized to any computer to help you remember important things.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evernote&hl=en

EverStudent - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.6 or later)
EverStudent syncs with Evernote and allows you to easily organize all of your assignments and due dates into one, sleek, customizable planner.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.olegvaskevich.everstudent&hl=en

HomeWork - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.6 or later)
HomeWork keeps track of all of your due dates for you. See how much homework you’ve completed, when your next test date is, and much more.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=klwinkel.huiswerk&hl=en

Mindjet - Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.1 or later)
Mindjet organizes everything from thoughts and ideas to notes and to-do lists. The app contains many customizable features to make your mind maps and lists easy to read.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.thinkingspace&hl=en

My Class Schedule - Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.1 or later)
Use My Class Schedule to track homework due dates, upcoming exams, class schedules, and activities. You can color-coordinate your schedules and customize the app in many other ways.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.rakuun.MyClassSchedule.free&hl=en

myHomework - Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.1 and later)
This app provides an easy way for you to keep track of homework, classes, tests, and projects. It creates a colorful calendar of upcoming due dates and even provides audio notifications.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.myhomeowork&hl=en

Note Everything - Free or $4.19 Compatible with Android devices 1.5 or later)
This app lets you type, speak, and paint notes right into the app, and you can send your notes anywhere.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.softxperience.android.noteeverything&hl=en

Pocket - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.6 or later)
Pocket allows you to safely store important information on your phone. Everything is encrypted and backed up online.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.citc.wallet&hl=en

SaveMeeting - Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.2 or later)
With SaveMeeting, you can record any meeting, lecture, or interview, use audio marks to bookmark the important details, and share the files with others. It can also transcribe important audio files.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.savemeeting.sm&hl=en

StayOnTask- Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.1 or later)
This app will help you stay focused on your work. It is a timer that randomly checks up on you, so you can’t predict when the alarm will sound.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=valavg.stayontask&hl=en

STUDYBLUE Flashcards - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.6 and later)
Use this app to create your own flashcards so you can review class notes in your spare time.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.studyblue&feature=search_result

Sync Voice Note- Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.1 or later)
Sync Voice Note is a note-taker and audio recorder. You can synchronize audio with your own notes, highlight text, and tab over, making it easy to mark your place in a long line of text.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wujie.svn&hl=en

Time for School - Free and $1.49 (Compatible with Android devices 1.6 or later) This app is designed to keep your academic life more organized. The app contains an alarm to notify you of when your next class starts, when your homework assignments are due, or when you should wake up.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.timeforschool&hl=en

Timer (Intuit) - Free (Compatible with Android devices 1.5 or later)
Timer lets you keep track of any daily task. You are also able to run multiple timers at once.
http://timerit.intuitit.mobi/

Resource & Reference Apps

CamScanner - Free or $4.99 (Compatible with Android devices 2.0 or later)
CamScannerHD (tablets) and CamScanner (phone) turns your device into a document scanner. Scan any document and the app will convert it into a PDF.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.intsig.camscanner

SketchBook Express - Free or $1.99 (Compatible with Android devices 3.0 or later) This app is a virtual sketchbook for all of your drawings and doodles.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adsk.sketchbookhdexpress&hl=en

TED - Free (Compatible with Android devices 2.1 or later)
With the TED app, you can access hundreds of talks from some of the world’s biggest innovators.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ted.android&hl=en

Android Math Apps

Collection of math apps for adults challenged with dyslexia and other learning challenges
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/ged+math

Kid Math Game by divmob---Try this app right now on your computer. You control the app with your mouse and keyboard to experience it like you would on your phone. You can test drive this app before you buy.
http://www.amazon.com/divmob-Kid-Math-Game/dp/B0051JBLWQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=mobile-apps&ie=UTF8&qid=1329766279&sr=1-1

Source: Some of the apps in the above list were compiled from the University of Michigan’s article entitled Apps for Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities accessible from http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps.

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

Clip art courtesy of: http://androidcommunity.com/blackberry-playbook-to-lose-android-side-loading-for-fear-of-piracy-20120409/

The most recent statistics regarding the prevalence of ASDs (autism spectrum disorders) in the U.S. and abroad that were published this past March are more than sobering.

Here are just some of the statistics reported (Data to 2008 provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—March 29, 2012):

• About 1 in 88 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network.

• ASDs are reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

• ASDs are almost 5 times more common among boys (1 in 54) than among girls (1 in 252).

Reference: Information and statistics above courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html/. (Add’l. information with data chart for 2006-2008 can be viewed via this URL as well.)

In light of this most recent data, we wanted to provide an updated book list for our readers seeking current information on the topic. We hope this list will offer the information needed to help many on the autism spectrum. I wish to thank Mrs. Noelle Bearer Mador who created the document, Special Needs Books to Read, the basis for the following booklist for autism:

1. How to Teach Life Skills to Kids with Autism or Asperger's by Jennifer McIlwee Myers

2. 10 Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm

3. 1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism or Asperger's by Ellen Notbohm

4. Bright Not Broken by Diane M. Kennedy, Rebecca S. Banks, and Dr. Temple Grandin

5. Different Not Less by Dr. Temple Grandin

6. The Way I See It by Dr. Temple Grandin

7. Thinking in Pictures by Dr. Temple Grandin

8. Emergence: Labeled Autistic by Dr. Temple Grandin

9. Kids Beyond Limits by Anat Baniel

10. Be Different by John Elder Robison

11. Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Other ASDs by Chantal Sicile-Kira and Temple Grandin

12. Between Their World and Ours: Breakthroughs with Autistic Children [Hardcover] by Karen Zelan

Additional Data and Resources for Autism

Data for the prevalence of ASDs by state (from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network -2012) http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/documents/ADDM-2012-Community-Report.pdf

The 2012 data (from 2006 and 2008) in chart format
http://www.stellamarie.com/index.php/2012/03/29/autism-rates-per-state-2008

Austism Services Providers (listed by state)
http://special-learning.com/asp

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

Clip art courtesy of: http://clipart.mrdonn.org/emotions.html

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

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

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

Reading Skills Apps

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.clker.com/clipart-64843.html by: lizsantiago07

Learning does not come easily for every student. Parents and teachers often look for specific strategies and resources to assist struggling readers and learners, especially those with AD/HD, dyslexia, or other issues. Here are just a few that you might consider for the challenged student(s) in your life:

1. Request or allow for course and book content to be available via audiotape, CD, or DVD.

2. Use a portable, hand-held spell checker (such as the Franklin Spelling Ace) for unknown words.

3. Use graph paper or Reading Focus Cards for math to promote accurate placeholder work.

4. Use interactive computer reading programs that require only a limited number of tasks at a time.

5. Underline or highlight important key words in a set of directions BEFORE beginning an assignment.

6. Fold a worksheet so that only a small amount of text, information, or problems is visible at one time. Using individualized tools can help with this as well.

7. Allow for moving to optional work areas with less distraction.

8. Allow for the experience of a variety of sensory learning techniques such as those from the use of a computer, tape recorder, projector, and manipulatives. The more senses you appeal to in the learning process, the more success the student will experience.

9. Use word processors or computers to complete written work, especially when writing is a struggle.

10. Allow for kneeling or standing at a desk (if needed), as long as it does not cause problems or distractions for others.

11. Allow for access to a copy of prepared notes, especially after a teaching session or discussion.

12. Arrange for a second set of textbooks at home so that materials are always at hand when needed.

13. Use very low-volume music (instrumental) or environmental sounds (seashore or other nature sounds) while doing independent work.

14. Allow for student to work cooperatively at times with others as part of a "buddy" system of support.

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

16. Consider the use of colored overlays or the Reading Focus Cards for focus and reading challenges because the white background of a page of text can be visually “offensive” to some readers/learners.

17. Try visiting math.com or www.khanacademy.org as well as other similar free websites for help with specific math and science challenges.

18. Reading Focus Cards can be used with iPads and other e-tablets (Model #002-Longer). They are also very good for use with Kindles, Nooks, and other e-readers (Model #001-Shorter). Recommendation: A non-scratch film should be used to protect tech devices’ screens with this application.

19. List of Android APPS for Special Needs (some pricey/some FREE) http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/special+education

20. List of iPad APPS for Special Needs http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/03/basket-of-special-needs-apps.html

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

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.clipartguide.com/_search_terms/reading.html

We had such an overwhelming response to last week’s post on Struggling Readers + Pinterest = Solutions that we have decided this week to give similar attention and “focus” to dyslexia (please pardon the pun here!)

More Pinterest pinners are aware of the needs of those challenged with dyslexia than you might think. They know that these struggling readers often describe text as “shadowing”, “waving out”, or moving in some other way.

There are other experiences these readers report, too. Often, a developmental optometrist can be the preferred medical professional to test, evaluate, diagnose and prescribe the appropriate therapy or treatment for an individual challenged with these symptoms.

In the meantime, such a reader may very well be served by a collection of resources to bridge that time between scheduling an appointment and the first visit for evaluation. So once again, here we are with Pinterest, helping to provide a collection of “boards” containing resources and information about this vision-related reading challenge called dyslexia. Hope you find them to be helpful to someone you know with such symptoms!

Pinterest Boards with Dyslexia Resources

1. From Wendy Farrell---Board entitled “Dyslexia”
http://pinterest.com/farrellfam/dyslexia/

2. From Alison Seuter---Board entitled “Homeschooling ~ Dyslexia”
http://pinterest.com/aseuter/homeschooling-dyslexia/

3. From Tiffany Vokes--- Board entitled “dyslexia”
http://pinterest.com/tavokes/dyslexia/

4. From Karen Huppertz---Board entitled “Dyslexia Info and Tools”
http://pinterest.com/karenhupp/dyslexia-info-tools/

5. From this blog’s author---Board entitled “Dyslexia Resources and Support”
http://pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dyslexia-resources-support/

Once again, happy “pinning”--- and reading, everyone!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.free-clipart-pictures.net/rainbow_clipart.html