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It's that time of year when "Football Frenzy" reaches its highest point. For some diehard football fans, the fast-approaching tribute to the two best teams in football can even eclipse other holiday celebrations like no other. It's time for the annual SUPER BOWL Game!

Why not harness some of that frenzy and use it as an excellent opportunity to entice a reluctant reader who loves football or a chance to provide reading and learning activities for your children as you prepare for a SUPER BOWL event at your home? No matter what the situation, you'll keep 'em reading all weekend long---AND longer!

We've gathered together a timely list of links to help you. The following resources will save you considerable time in locating just the right reading activities for your children or students. We're even publishing the article earlier than usual so that you can take better advantage of the resources it includes. We hope you'll find these resources helpful enough that you just might save the list for next year's big game, too!

Enjoy---AND may the BEST team win! Happy Reading, everyone!

Reading Resources for Football and the SUPER BOWL

Going to the Super Bowl (for Grade 3) from Reading A-Z
This informational text tells all about one of America's favorite championship games: the Super Bowl. The author explains how the famous football game began, how it got its name, and how it's changed through the years. Also included is a collection of game highlights, complete with a timeline of "Super Moments in Super Bowl History." Includes related vocabulary and a guided reading lesson plan.
http://www.readinga-z.com/book.php?id=1384

Top 12 Super Bowl Activities for the Classroom by Kim Haynes of TeachHUB.com
How can you take advantage of Super Bowl enthusiasm in the classroom or with your own children? These football-related activities are guaranteed to bring a winning attitude to your classroom or your home.
http://www.teachhub.com/super-bowl-activities-classroom

Super Bowl Activities from The Teachers Corner
These Super Bowl Activities will provide you with great resources that will help you bring the "Big Game" to life for children.
http://seasonal.theteacherscorner.net/super-bowl/

Superbowl & Football Theme / Unit - from Teaching Heart Teachers
Teaching Heart Teachers share some football ideas: Lessons, printables, links & more!
http://www.teachingheart.net/football.htm

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

Image courtesy of:
1. Dreamstime.com at http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photography-american-football-field-nfl-eps-image16200012
2. Sweet Clip Art at http://sweetclipart.com/rugby-ball-or-american-football-217
3. Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

At the time of this writing, a growing number of states in the U.S. either have passed or have pending legislation for the appropriate identification and the timely treatment of dyslexia. Unfortunately however, many states, have yet to develop such laws and guidelines. To date, this state-by-state process has been very slow and time-consuming for those whose lives are affected by some form of dyslexia.

On January 10, 2014, however, Congressmen Bill Cassidy, M.D., the Co-Chair of the House Dyslexia Caucus, submitted a resolution (H.Res. 456, 113th Congress) calling for the U.S. House of Representatives to acknowledge the impact of dyslexia and urge schools and educational agencies to address its impact on students. Dr. Cassidy released the following statement:

Dyslexia affects millions of Americans, including many students. We know that many with dyslexia are among our brightest and most successful. If dyslexia is identified in elementary school and the appropriate resources are given to these children, America can produce more teachers, more scientists and more entrepreneurs. This resolution pushes schools and educational agencies to address this challenge and provide evidence-based solutions for dyslexic students.

Rep. Cassidy’s resolution represents a giant step forward for the many who care about dyslexia — parents, teachers, dyslexic children and adults. This Resolution has the potential to impact the country, not just one state. For this reason and others, the effects of this legislation would be historical---and so helpful to many. Science has brought understanding and clarity to dyslexia in recent years. This Resolution by Representative Cassidy now calls for educators and testing agencies to catch up and put this powerful knowledge to work so that the 15-20% of U.S. children with dyslexia, their families and our entire nation may benefit. Please contact your local congressperson to express your opinion on this issue. (See the Find Your Representative link to follow.)

With the potential for passing such a resolution with national implications, there would arise an even greater need for more assistive technology---both low-tech AND high tech solutions for helping students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. However, these solutions will be required to provide evidence of appropriate research and proof of the technologies' successful use in the field. In other words, they will need to be research-based tools, strategies and methods.

On a related matter, the most current statistics from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, November 2013) indicate that approximately 11% of children 4-17 years of age (6.4 million) have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011. In addition, the percentage of children with an ADHD diagnosis continues to increase, from 7.8% in 2003 to 9.5% in 2007 and to 11.0% in 2011. All too often, children challenged with the symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) experience focus, tracking, comprehension and retention problems when reading. For them as well, the need for appropriate, research-based tools and strategies is growing.

One such group of these research-based tools is called the Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,859). With 2 independent studies of the tools completed, they have been shown to not only improve focus and tracking for students but also measurably improve some students' reading rates, a surprising outcome of the formal and more recent focus study conducted in a Central Missouri high school. In addition, the Reading Focus Cards have shown that they help many readers with ADHD, dyslexia and other issues that impact reading success (Apserger's, autism, stroke/TBI recovery, low vision, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's).

For more detailed information about the 2 independent focus studies of the evidence-based Reading Focus Cards, visit http://www.focusandread.com/page/481317852.

For actual, unsolicited testimonials for the Reading Focus Cards, please visit http://www.focusandread.com/rfc-testimonials.

Sources & Resources

Urge Your Congressional Rep. to Support House Resolution on Dyslexia, #456. Contact Your Representative Now! by Sally Shaywitz, MD & Bennett Shaywitz, MD of The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/CassidyHResJan2014.html

Cassidy Calls For Schools To Help Dyslexic Students---Jan 10, 2014---Press Release (Link to a copy of the Resolution is included here.)
http://cassidy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cassidy-calls-for-schools-to-help-dyslexic-students

Find Your Representative (in the U.S. House of Representatives)
http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/

Dyslexia Laws in the USA by Martha Youman & Nancy Mather
http://www.academia.edu/3075019/Dyslexia_Laws_in_the_USA

The International Dyslexia Association
http://www.interdys.org/

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)---Data & Statistics (in the U.S.)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

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

Image courtesy of:
Devereaux Cannon and Dave Martucci: http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us-16.html and
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

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

We’re saying “good-bye” to October and LD Awareness Month. At the same time, we’re also concluding the busiest month in our company’s history! More Reading Focus Cards were ordered by parents, teachers and catalog distributors in the past month than in any other month on record for Brennan Innovators. There is increasing evidence that many children, teens AND adults continue to struggle with reading.

For this reason, we thought we would begin this month’s articles with one that includes resources for a variety of challenged readers. Because we receive many requests for Android tech resources to help these readers, we are providing here a current and sizable list of Android apps for struggling readers of various age groups.

From the many parent phone calls, emails and orders we receive for our research-based Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), most involve a request or concern for a young, challenged reader that is between the ages of 8 and 11 years. As stated in a previous article in this blog, prior to this age range, children are “learning to read”. From age 8 or 9, children are “reading to learn” and must utilize skills (hopefully developed earlier) to learn the content and information presented via printed media. However, if those reading skills have not been developed properly---or at all, focusing and tracking issues can be just two of the ramifications. For this reason, the first resource listed below here should be helpful to some of these readers (Apps (Android) by Bugbrained---from AppsZoom.com)

The other links provided here may be helpful to other age groups. The second resource listed will provide an extensive list of some of the very best Android apps for challenged readers in various age levels, including those for adults. Many resources throughout the listing are FREE.

We hope that what is provided here will help you or someone you know who struggles daily to read with more success. Happy reading---EVERYONE!

BEST Android Apps for Struggling Readers

Apps (Android) by Bugbrained---from AppsZoom.com
Reading apps for children (up to & including the Grade 3 reading level)
http://www.appszoom.com/android_developer/bugbrained_cmcef.html

100+ Top Apps for Struggling Readers (Android)---from AppCrawlr
Excellent listing of the top 100+ Android apps for challenged readers of all ages
http://appcrawlr.com/android-apps/best-apps-struggling-readers

Blackberry Playbook and BB10 Android Apps---from Good e-Reader
Good e-Reader has over 6,000 apps and games for Blackberry 10 and the Playbook. Download the latest BAR Files for Blackberry 10 and the Playbook
http://apps.goodereader.com/playbook/playbook-android-apps/?did=348

FREE Kindle App for Android Devices---from Amazon (NO Kindle device required!)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=165849822 (via Amazon.com + FREE e-book links!)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en&id=com.amazon.kindle (via Google Play Store link)

Go Read (Android)---from Bookshare
A FREE, accessible e-book reader for people with print disabilities; based on the open-source FBReader project.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.benetech.android&hl=en

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: techradar.phones at http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/70-best-free-android-apps-2013-687252 and Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

The second in a series of 5 articles with specific special needs resources

In last week’s article, we mentioned that this month was ADHD Awareness Month, and we provided our readers with some helpful ADHD website resources to commemorate the next 31 days---BEST Websites for AD/HD. That same article was the first in a series of five this month of October, also designated as Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. To continue our series AND address the needs of other learning disabilities, this week’s article will address some helpful resources for two other learning challenges---dyslexia and dysgraphia.

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a lifelong challenge. This language-based processing disorder can hinder reading, writing, spelling and sometimes even speaking. Dyslexia is not a sign of poor intelligence or laziness or the result of impaired hearing or vision. Children and adults with dyslexia have a neurological disorder that causes their brains to process and interpret information differently.
(Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities---NCLD: Please see website link to follow below here.)

Studies show that individuals with dyslexia process information in a different area of the brain than do non-dyslexics. Many people who are dyslexic are of average to above-average intelligence.
(Source: The International Dyslexia Association---IDA: Please see website link to follow below here.)

What Is Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing, which in itself requires a complex set of motor and information processing skills. Dysgraphia makes the act of writing difficult. It can lead to problems with spelling, poor handwriting and putting thoughts on paper. People with dysgraphia can have trouble organizing letters, numbers and words on a line or page. This can result partly from:

• Visual-spatial difficulties: trouble processing what the eye sees
• Language processing difficulty: trouble processing and making sense of what the ear hears
(Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities---NCLD: Please see website link to follow below here.)

We hope that the website resources listed below for dyslexia and dysgraphia will be helpful to you or to someone you know.

BEST Websites for Dyslexia

National Center for Learning Disabilities---Dyslexia
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyslexia

The International Dyslexia Association
http://www.interdys.org/index.htm

The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
http://www.dyslexia.yale.edu/

DyslexiaHelp at the University of Michigan
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/

BEST Websites for Dysgraphia

National Center for Learning Disabilities---Dysgraphia
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/what-is-dysgraphia

LD Online---Dysgraphia
http://www.ldonline.org/article/5890/

LDA---Learning Disabilities Association of America---Dysgraphia
http://www.ldanatl.org/aboutld/parents/ld_basics/dysgraphia.asp

Handwriting Problem Solutions, LLC
http://www.handwriting-solutions.com/dysgraphia.asp

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

If you are a teacher or parent, you may already know the value of audio books and stories that are able to be downloaded from the Internet. If you are the teacher or parent of one or more auditory learners, you probably consider audio books to be one of the most important resources you can provide for struggling readers. However, teachers and parents of children with special needs will very often look at audio books as priceless.

Student learning styles that benefit most from listening must be addressed in the classroom and at home. Doing so will help these students reach more of their academic goals in ALL content areas.

As promised in our last blog article, we wanted to provide our readers with a list of current online audio book and story resources for auditory learners as well as others who struggle with traditional reading or informational media. This would include children, teens and adults challenged with various types of dyslexia, ADHD, autism, low vision, stroke recovery, TBI issues or other conditions that can impact reading success. As always, we hope you will find these resources helpful for the individuals you serve or care for each day.

BEST Audio Books & Stories for Children

Random House Audio Listening Library (for Young Children---Pre-K - 2nd Grade)
Various platforms (some FREE)
FREE and individually-priced audio selections for very young listeners
http://www.randomhouse.com/audio/listeninglibrary/catalog/results.php?grade_range_in=0-2&sort=best_13wk_3month

Random House Audio Listening Library (for Middle School---Grades 3 – 6)
Various platforms (some FREE)
FREE and individually-priced audio selections for middle school listeners
http://www.randomhouse.com/audio/listeninglibrary/catalog/results.php?grade_range_in=3-6&sort=best_13wk_3month.

Audiobooks - Kids (FREE)-by Audiobook Pop! LLC
Platforms: for iPhone and iPad
The Story of the Three Little Pigs, The Velveteen Rabbit, Anderson's Fairy Tales, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Adventures of Reddy Fox
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/audiobooks-kids-free/id537856546?mt=8

FREE Audio Stories for Kids (great for shorter attention spans or younger children)
Here is a list of audio stories created especially for children. Listen by clicking on the story title to visit the story’s page where you can read along by downloading the audio file provided.
http://lightupyourbrain.com/stories/

Books Should Be Free-for Children
Platforms: iPhone, Android, Kindle & mp3 players
Many FREE public domain audio books & e-books for children
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/genre/Children

BEST Audio Books for Teens

Random House Audio Listening Library (for Young Adult---7th Grade & up)
Various platforms (some FREE)
FREE and individually-priced audio selections for teen listeners
http://www.randomhouse.com/audio/listeninglibrary/catalog/results.php?grade_range_in=7-up&sort=best_13wk_3month

Books Should Be Free-for Teens & Young Adults
Platforms: iPhone, Android, Kindle & mp3 players
Many FREE public domain audio books & e-books for teens and young adults
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/genre/Teen_Young_adult

Books Should Be Free-Short Stories (great for shorter attention spans)
Platforms: iPhone, Android, Kindle & mp3 players
FREE public domain audio books & e-books for teens & young adults
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/genre/Short_stories

BEST Audio Books for Adults

Books Should Be Free-Non-fiction Selections
Platforms: iPhone, Android, Kindle & mp3 players
FREE public domain audio books & e-books for adults (some for teens & young adults)
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/genre/Non-fiction

Books Should Be Free-Top 100 Audio Book Selections
Platforms: iPhone, Android, Kindle & mp3 players
FREE public domain audio books & e-books for adults (some for teens & young adults)
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/Top_100

Audiobooks.com
40,000 mystery, romance, bestsellers and other selections via membership
FREE 7-day trial available
http://www.audiobooks.com/

BEST Audio Books for Everyone

Podiobooks (FREE)
Podiobooks has over 70,000 free audio books over every subject you can think of and includes audio books for adults and kids. Download the free audio books directly from the website or receive them like podcasts from an RSS feed. There is no need to register to get a free audio book from Podiobooks but if you do, and registration is free, you'll get a custom podcast feed that will make enjoying your book a whole lot easier.
http://freebies.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=freebies&cdn=hobbies&tm=96&f=00&su=p284.13.342.ip_&tt=3&bt=4&bts=22&zu=http%3A//www.podiobooks.com/

LibriVox (FREE)
For computers, iPods or other mobile devices, or to burn onto a CD
LibriVox has a huge selection of free audio books that are recordings of volunteers who have read chapters from books that are in the public domain. You can find a free audio book by searching by title, author, or status. You can also browse all the titles in the catalog or view only the most recent audio books. The free audio books can be downloaded directly from LibriVox or you can subscribe to them as podcasts.
http://librivox.org/

Project Gutenberg (FREE)
Project Gutenberg makes audio e-books available for some of the same great literature available in plain text. Listings are divided into two categories: Human-read and computer-generated audio books. These files can be very large, so are not well-suited for people using a modem or other low-speed connection.
http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Gutenberg:The_Audio_Books_Project

AudioBooksForFree.com (FREE)
All types of literary genres including non-fiction are available here.
http://www.audiobooksforfree.com/home

Audible.com
Audible has a 30-day free trial going which means that you can download any audio book of your choice for free during that time. Audible has a great selection of audio books and you'll be able to find just about any audio book you are looking for, including best sellers and new releases.
http://www.audible.com/t1/30trial_at?source_code=COMGB900TWS022912&AID=1644783&PID=6448496

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: William Milner Photography: http://www.milner-photo.com/images/people/headphone_kid.jpg

For Apple, Android and Other Platforms

During the past week drove by one of the middle schools in our local district where the marquis on the front lawn read “Progress Reports due the week of September 16th.” Are we really approaching the mid-point of the first quarter? Yes, we are!

If you are like most parents and teachers, you may already be wrestling with the issues of homework and long term projects for your children or students. In fact, many students have already received their first book report assignments of the school year. How can you make these book report projects less “painful” and actually more enjoyable for students?

We think one good option might be to include or allow more e-books and audio books in the offerings made to the students. In fact, e-books, apps and audio books very often do an excellent job of addressing the needs of students' different learning styles, especially those of struggling readers and learners. The tech devices on which these digital books and apps are read can sometimes compensate for the issues frequently associated with florescent lighting (which can cause issues for some challenged readers) or allow for other text manipulation to improve reading comfort and success. Audio books have long been known to benefit auditory learners in a significant way.

This week, we are presenting here what we believe are some good resources for FREE and low-cost e-books and book apps for children and teens. With school budgets as they are right now and families wishing to be frugal in the current economy, these lists and selections (for various digital platforms) may be just what are needed for the current and future book report projects your children or students are assigned.

Note: Please stay tuned. Next week’s article here will offer online resources for audio books.

Happy reading, everyone!

BEST Book Apps & e-Books for Kids

Best Book Apps for Kids (for Pre-School through 14 years-Prices vary)
Platforms: iPad, iPod, iPhone, Android, Kindle Fire and others
You’ll find classic tales as well as interactive science books and much more here.
http://m.commonsensemedia.org/mobile-app-lists/best-book-apps-kids

Best iPad Children’s Books (Various prices & FREE)
With your iPad, children's books truly come to life. No longer do you have to worry about making silly character voices yourself or accidentally skipping a page. Your iPad is the ultimate, interactive reading device.
http://appadvice.com/applists/show/children-ipad-books

50 Best Apps for Kids from 2013 That Parents Can Trust (Some FREE)
Platforms: iPhone, iPad and Android
These apps won't leave you with a big bill, but will provide stimulating education, creativity and entertainment for children. (UK)
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/appsblog/2013/jun/19/50-best-apps-kids-iphone-android-ipad

Read Me Stories: Kids’ Books (FREE)
Platform: Android
A new book EVERY DAY develops your child’s love for books and reading. Help establish a daily reading habit for your child---and you!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.interactive8.readmestories&hl=en

6 Great Reading Apps for Kids (Some FREE & others via monthly subscription)-by Scholastic
Platforms: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Google T, Windows Phone and Android
These phone and tablet apps will enrich storytime at home or on the road.
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/developing-reading-skills/6-great-reading-apps-kids

Teens Book Apps & Games for Kids (Ages 13 to 19-Some FREE)
Platforms: Android, iPad & iPhone
Get reviews and download book apps for teens.
http://www.famigo.com/teens-book-apps/

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

Sure enough! As soon as the July 4th weekend was history, the “back-to-school bosses” got busy. In a visit this week to several of our local stores, we witnessed quite a few sales associates stocking shelves with the latest school supplies, backpacks and even some “goodies” for Halloween! Aren’t they rushing things? Phew!

We certainly know that many families (and even teachers!) are still enjoying the summer break and will continue to do so for the next couple of weeks. However, we also know of a few families (and teachers!) who have incorporated some learning opportunities into their summer vacation time. One family told us that a trip to Washington, D.C., is planned so that the kids can see for the first time the Washington Monument, the Senate and House, and other landmarks so important to American History and Government. An experienced teacher mentioned to us that she and her husband had just returned from Charleston, SC, and had gathered Civil War information, materials and literature for her middle school students when the new academic year begins in mid-August. So, you see, the summertime can present an excellent opportunity to gather the right materials and resources to “kickstart” the skills needed for the new school year. At the same time, you and your family can still enjoy the great days of summer.

Consider ways to help your child or student hone and further develop these important skills, especially if reading and learning challenges are involved (ADHD, LD or other learning issue). To help you in this effort, we have collected some special resources here and have divided those resources into specific categories to make it easier for you to locate and access what is needed. We hope the children and teens you care about will benefit from these special resources and be ready to start the new school year better prepared for ALL subjects!

Kickstart Reading Skills for Challenged Readers

17 Ways to Teach Vocabulary Skills to Students with Special Needs
by Thomas Armstrong
http://institute4learning.com/blog/2013/02/12/17-ways-to-teach-vocabulary-skills-to-neurodiverse-students/

Reading Together: Tips for Parents of Children with ADHD
by Reach Out and Read
If your child has ADHD, paying attention for long periods of time can be a challenge. So, meet the challenge head-on — make reading time fun time for you and your child.
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/41119/

Kickstart Math Skills for Challenged Learners

10 Helpful Dyscalculia Resources
by National Center for Learning Disabilities' Editorial Staff (NCLD)
Dyscalculia refers to a wide range of lifelong learning disabilities (LD) involving math. There is no single type of math disability. The resources in this link can help those struggling with significant math challenges.
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/helpful-math-resources

More resources (on same site): http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia

Math.com---Website that presents FREE resources for practicing mathematics from basic math to calculus. Takes a student of any ability at his present level and allows him to “level up” as math skills are developed. (A student-driven resource)
http://math.com/

Kickstart Organizational & Study Skills for Challenged Learners

A Toolkit for School Success: 15 Study Tips for Students with ADHD
by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2011/a-toolkit-for-school-success-15-study-tips-for-students-with-adhd/all/1/

Apps for Students with LD: Organization and Study
by Darla Hatton and Kaila Hatton (NCLD)
http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education/apps-students-ld-organization-study

Other Related Resources for Challenged Learners

Back-to-School: Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
by Kandace Wernsing (LD Online)
http://www.ldonline.org/article/38406/

8 Skills That Can Help Your Special Needs Child in School
http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/01/22/8-skills-that-can-help-your-special-needs-child-in-school/

Teaching kids with special needs interdependence skills through play
by Ellen Metrick
Helping with meals is just one way to help build skills
http://www.chicagoparent.com/magazines/special-parent/winter-2013/in-our-shoes/day-of-play

Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
by Reading Rockets
Our Top 8 back-to-school tips for parents emphasize communication, organization, and staying up-to-date on special education news.
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/38405/

Handouts and Resources for LD/ADD (for Secondary and College Levels)
Many FREE printables and links to a wide variety of resources related to academics and student life, including resources on LD/ADD in college. In addition, there are numerous publications on LD/ADD and the college student which you may find helpful.
http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k73301&pageid=icb.page416014

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 www.brennaninnovators.com

As many of you may know, we are all about finding resources and connecting parents and teachers with information they need most to help children and teens with reading challenges. Because of the requests and questions we have received recently about summer programs for LD (and more specifically dyslexia), we thought it would be of interest to our readers to publish an article this week with resources and information on this topic.

So, here is our list to help you choose a good summer program or to locate specific resources for your child or student with dyslexia (and other LD). As always, we hope you find the list of links beneficial to a challenged reader you wish to help.

Summer Programs & Resources for Dyslexia-2013

Dyslexia Summer Camps (Listed by State)
These learning programs that specialize in dyslexia understand the way your child thinks and learns and they teach accordingly. They will teach your child educational skills that will help them during the regular school year. Many of these programs teach dyslexic children or teens by using a multi-sensory approach to learning.
http://www.dyslexiclikeme.org/schools-2/summer-camps/

Dyslexia Summer Programs (Provided by the The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity)
A partial listing of summer programs on the East Coast is provided here to help parents begin the process of finding a situation that best suits their child with dyslexia.
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/PAR_summerprograms.html

FREE Help for Dyslexic Students---by Kyle Redford (The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity)
The Children's Dyslexia Centers currently have 50 Centers in 13 states. Centers provide tutoring at no charge to children from early elementary through high school who have been diagnosed as dyslexic
Visit this link to find a location near you.
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/childrensdyslexiacenters.html

Rocky Mountain Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA-RMB)
This branch of The International Dyslexia Association provides a forum where parents, educators, individuals with dyslexia and researchers share their knowledge about a disorder that affects up to 20 percent of the U.S. population. The IDA-RMB provides workshops and resources to increase public awareness of dyslexia.
http://www.dyslexia-rmbida.org/

Tips for Choosing a Summer Camp for Your LD Child---by Ann Cathcart
Article with great tips to help you choose a good summer camp for your child with learning challenges!
http://www.ldonline.org/article/6124/

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://www.specialneeds.com/children-and-parents/dyslexia/film-raises-dyslexia-awareness-sundance

It really is hard for many of us to come to grips with the fact that summer is almost here! For parts of the U.S. this past winter, we never thought we would ever see spring, let alone summer. Yet, here we are with only a few school days remaining for many students and talk of vacations, picnics, pools and barbecues is beginning to be heard everywhere, even on social media sites.

For parents and teachers, this summer vacation time may be fast approaching, but it will be a great opportunity for children, teens as well as adults to continue to include reading in their daily activities. Reading for pleasure can be a wonderful way to spend a summer afternoon. You can be pretty creative in how you incorporate it into your children’s or your own lazy summer days, too.

We have gathered here in this week’s article what we think are some great ideas and resources to help you and your family establish this summer as The Season to Keep on READIN'. Hope you like these ideas and find them and their resources good options for you and your child! They should certainly help to keep your child off the summer slide and much more prepared for the next fall term. Happy summer reading, everyone!

Summer Reading Ideas & Resources for at Home

1. Cool Read-Alouds: Set aside one afternoon each week (or more often, if you like) when you and your child(ren) can read aloud to each other. Choose a cool, comfortable place like a covered front porch, a window seat in an air-conditioned room, or under your favorite tree in the backyard. Take turns reading aloud during the same reading session or plan on one reader for each time. Finish the reading session with a discussion about what you read together. Add cold milk and wholesome oatmeal cookies for extra good memories.
How Do I Use Read Alouds As a Strategy for Teaching Reading?-by Karen Hollowell
http://www.ehow.com/how_6882911_do-alouds-strategy-teaching-reading_.html#ixzz2T0jA0gxo

2. Cozy Reading Tent: There’s nothing like enjoying a book in a shady but cozy spot outside. Safely tie a clothesline or rope to two trees or poles. Place a very large sheet, light blanket or other sizable piece of sturdy material over the clothesline. Fasten the corners of the material to the ground with clothespins or other safe option. (Modifications can be made for an “indoor” tent, too.) Then, just crawl in with a pile of good books, some lemonade and a handful of pretzels. Your child can enjoy a great afternoon while improving his reading skills. Of course, you can join him there, too! In any case, remember to always monitor your children when they are playing or reading, particularly when they are outside.
Outdoor Tent Option: http://www.ehow.com/how_12127180_build-tent-sheets-kids.html
Indoor Tent Option: http://www.ehow.com/how_2105403_make-blanket-tent.html

Summer Reading Ideas & Resources for Away

1. The Gift of a Library Card: The very BEST way to begin any summer vacation is to make sure you and your child have an updated library card for your local or community library. This is a FREE passport to reading about other worlds, other cultures, imaginary characters, famous people and so much more. Be ready for a summer filled with reading---get that library card TODAY!
Resource to help locate public libraries near you: http://www.publiclibraries.com/

2. Literary Vacation Destinations: Plan a family vacation or day trip that includes a stop at a famous author's hometown. Here are just 2 examples:

Journey to Hannibal with FREE Mark Twain Resources
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/02/journey-to-mark-twain-country.html

Hometown of Frank Baum, Author of The Wizard of Oz---Chittenango, N.Y
Frank Baum's life and work is the centerpiece of Chittenango, N.Y., from antique shops to the annual "Oz-travaganza," a three-day block party and parade that attracts Baum fans from around the globe. The village also has its own yellow brick road, and if you follow it all the way, you'll end up at All Things Oz, "where Oz all began." This year’s Oz-Stravaganza! is scheduled for May 31–June 2, 2013
http://www.oz-stravaganza.com/

3. Presidential Library and Museum Visits
Discover if your state is the site of one or more U.S. Presidents’ Libraries. Then plan a visit complete with interactive exhibits, interesting and fun public programs, important educational events and vast archives available for scholarly research.
http://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/visit/

Other Summer Reading Ideas & Resources

1. Neighborhood Book Fair or Swap: Organize a book fair or exchange in your locale. Involve the children in choosing which books they have read to sell or trade for new ones. Think about pricing reasonably so that all can participate in your community. Invite others to do the same and provide your garage, driveway or other appropriate location for the event. Ask your children to create flyers and ask to post them at your local library or supermarket (usually at no charge.) You and your children will love the event and experience some great literary conversations with your neighbors at the same time.
For more information: http://www.momready.com/articles/content.asp?ID=486

2. 10 Weeks of Summer Reading Adventures for You and Your Kids-by: Reading Is Fundamental (courtesy of Reading Rockets) Many ideas for adding reading activities and literacy to your summer fun!
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/391/

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://www.ivillage.com/ivillage-pbs-kids-summer-reading-community-challenge-1/6-a-462200

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

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

Includes Digital Text Resources for ALL Readers in Various Platforms

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

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

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

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

Works of Mark Twain for ALL Readers in Various Platforms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Area and Historical Resources

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

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

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

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

For iPhone, iPod touch & iPad

Last week's published article here included apps to help challenged spellers with Android devices. Since that time, we have been receiving requests to give equal time and attention to those struggling spellers with Apple-compatible devices, such as iPhones, iPads, etc. There is a significant need for educational apps compatible for both platforms, but spelling apps currently appear to be in particular demand.

As a result, we have been researching well-reviewed and recently-updated, Apple-compatible apps for those of you who need frequent help with correct spelling. So, without further ado, here is our "BEST" list of these apps for you:

BEST Apple-Compatible Apps for Challenged Spellers

Spelling Bee Challenge---by Galaxyreach, LLC (ALL Ages)
Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later ---Over 13,000 words on 10 different levels with increasing degrees of difficulty---The words are split based on word length. Words are arranged in groups of 4-5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 or more letters.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spelling-bee-challenge/id435201514?mt=8

Sight Words & Spelling with Pixopop HD---by Marcel Widarto (Price: $2.99)
Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. Appropriate for younger children. This app will help your child learn sight words through seeing, hearing and spelling. The three different game modes (Flash Card, Word Challenge and Spelling) will guide your child through the different stages of learning the sight words.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sight-words-spelling-pixopop/id520191544?mt=8

American Wordspeller---by i.m. Press (Price: $4.99) (ALL Ages)
Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad & requires iOS 4.3 or later.
Looking up a word in a dictionary isn’t that simple if you have no idea how to spell it. This app removes that problem and employs a method that lets you much more easily pinpoint how to spell just about any word.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/american-wordspeller/id397617771?mt=8

Typ-O HD-Writing is for Everybody!---by SecondGuess ApS (Price: $14.99) (ALL Ages)
Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad & requires iOS 5.1 or later.
This app is optimized for iPhone 5. Updated: Feb. 2, 2013---Poor spellers can rejoice over this great application that helps spell words correctly in any typing-related program for iPhone or iPad.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/typ-o-hd-writing-is-for-everybody!/id372971659?mt=8

A1 Spelling App---By Power Math Apps (Price: FREE) (ALL Ages)
Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
This application is a great way to help poor spellers begin to learn the correct spelling of common words, increasing difficulty as kids master words.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a1-spelling-app-free/id438784501?mt=8

Rocket Speller---by Little Big Thinkers (Price: FREE) (Ages 3-7)
Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5. Updated: Jan. 23, 2013--- Rocket Speller is a fun and engaging spelling app for 3-7 year olds now with 5 levels of difficulty. Educators, occupational therapists, special education teachers, and parents agree that kids are engaged and learning with this app.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rocket-speller/id492504689?mt=8

SoundLiteracy---by 3D Literacy, LLC (Price: $24.99—expensive but could be worth it with a portion of the proceeds from this app going to the Dyslexia Association) (ALL Ages)
Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later.
This app is incredibly useful to many, employing the Orton-Gillingham method to help students recognize the spellings of English phonemes.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/soundliteracy/id409347075?mt=8

Spell Trekking---by Centra Professional Services Limited (Price: $1.99) (Ages 5-12)
Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 5.1 or later. Updated: Dec 13, 2012
The multi-sensory lessons in this app make reading and spelling easy and fun, even if your child has struggled with learning before. Based on a proven system developed and used successfully over the last 25 years, this simple but brilliant intervention app will build independent learning and improve self-confidence for every user.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spell-trekking/id547625622?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Merriam-Webster Dictionary---by Merriam-Webster, Inc. (Price: FREE) (ALL Ages)
Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.
When spelling is a problem, it’s always a good idea to have a really great dictionary on hand. This app from Merriam-Webster can provide that.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/merriam-webster-dictionary/id399452287?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: http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTM4ODAyNzI1OV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMDAyOTY4OA@@._V1.jpg

Did you know that over 68% of America's 4th, 8th and 12th graders are not reading at grade level?(Source: National Center for Education Statistics) Yes, this current statistic indicates that we actually have a “reading crisis” in our country today. Why is this?

If you are a parent or teacher, there is a very good chance that when you were growing up, you engaged in different play activities from what children engage in today. You enjoyed more physical activities such as running, jumping, bike riding, playing hop-scotch, building make-shift tents or forts and much more. Those activities not only provided physical activity and healthy exercise, but they also helped you develop good, vision-related skills---proper balance, good eye-hand coordination, appropriate tracking of an object, peripheral vision skills, left-to-right discrimination and eye progression and more.

Today, children often do not have the same opportunities to develop these skills, certainly not to the level required for the building of good reading skills. Where you may have played dodge ball in the street at age 10, today’s 10 year-old boys and girls are often spending long periods of free time in a very different way. Television viewing and playing video games are at the top of their list of “activities” today. When this is the case, not only do youth obesity rates increase, but the vision skills needed for appropriate development of good reading skills may not properly develop.

Current statistics show that the average child in the U.S. spends 1,480 minutes per week watching television (more than 24 hours per week). Even more disturbing, when asked to choose between watching TV and spending time with their fathers, 54% of 4-6 year-olds preferred watching television. As a group, children under age eight spend an average of 25 minutes per day playing video games. (Sources: Statistic Brain, 2012 and Media Statistics - Children’s Use of TV, Internet, and Video Games by Dr. Brent Conrad, Clinical Psychologist for TechAddiction)

So, if you have a young child, seriously consider finding appropriate ways to increase the amount of time your child spends engaged in good, physical activity. Frequent walks to the park or just kicking a ball in the backyard are great, yet simple promoters of good balance, peripheral vision skills and much more.

If your child is of school age and actually experiencing reading challenges, there are options that can help in addition to encouraging increased physical activity. First, rule out the possibility that a vision-related reading challenge is causing the issues experienced. To do this, consider making an appointment with a developmental optometrist who is the preferred medical professional for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for these vision-related reading challenges (visit http://covd.org/ to locate such a medical professional in your area).

You might also want to check out helpful resources such as http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/05/strategies-tools-apps-more-for.html and other articles here that can offer good tips, strategies and resources (apps, etc.) to help struggling readers.

In the meantime, please also keep in mind that reading to your child no matter the age will also enhance his development and attitudes toward reading and literacy in general. It will do much to develop your relationship with your child, too! What a great plan of “action” that is!

Happy reading, everyone!

Sources: Statistic Brain (2012) http://www.statisticbrain.com/television-watching-statistics/ and Media Statistics - Children’s Use of TV, Internet, and Video Games by Dr. Brent Conrad, Clinical Psychologist for TechAddiction --- http://www.techaddiction.ca/media-statistics.html

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

Jan. 29, 2013 ONLY! iPad Mini GIVEAWAY by Smart Apps for Kids http://www.smartappsforkids.com/2013/01/celebrate-our-second-birthday.html

Photo courtesy of: Liberty Books Blog at http://libertybook.wordpress.com/2012/09/26/parents-and-children-prefer-reading-print-books-together-over-e-books-study-finds/