In 2013, the Education Support Services Team was awarded an NBTA Grant for an iPads for Intervention project. With the grant money we were able to purchase 2 iPad minis, cases, and apps for resource interventions. Students worked on letter identification, phonemic awareness and story comprehension. Significant improvement was noted in all areas following the 5 week interventions. As a result of the grant, I was able to analyze and review several literacy and numeracy apps, and am pleased to be able to recommend the following apps for teachers and parents to support student learning:
Sky Fish Phonics - FREE
Sky Fish Phonics develops students letter sound knowledge and decoding consonant vowel consonant patterned words. Students navigate their costumed fish through rocket launchers, avoiding spacecraft, objects and creatures. Throughout the game, students earn additional costumes with their achievements. The game increases in difficulty according to the learner's progress through the exercises. ABC Ninja - FREE
Based on the very popular game, Fruit Ninja, students must "slash" the letter or sound that is named. Levels include uppercase letters, lowercase letters and a combination of both. |
Explain Everything - $2.99
A versatile app that can be used by teachers to create short videos explaining and demonstrating concepts to students and by students to plan their stories or projects or demonstrate their understanding of a topic. Images can be imported and manipulated, tools such as laser pointers and arrows can be used to explain ideas, and the user can audio record an explanation. 123 Ninja - FREE
Based on the very popular game, Fruit Ninja, students must "slash" the number or picture representing the number that is named. |
Bitsboard - FREE
A flashcard app that offers a variety of activities and games to reinforce concepts. Many free flashcards can be obtained from the shared library or created by the user. NOTE: Not all of the games or flashcard sets are available in the free version. All options can be obtained through in-app purchases which vary in price. Fry's Word List and Phonics Genius - FREE
Another flashcard app that teachers the high frequency words. Several games are available for students to practise new words. With the sound off, the students can be tested on the basic flashcards. |
Socrative - FREE
A clicker system for teachers to use with iPads. Teachers can create quizzes for students to answer on their student account either on iPads, phones or computers and results are tabulated in real time. Students and teachers have immediate feedback on which concepts students have mastered and which need further work. The app offers a simple log in for students through a teacher code. The teacher app allows the creation of quizzes, managing of results and the ability to create a team race to complete questions accurately. Allows for the uploading of images to include in questions. The only limitation at this time is that the app does not always recognize numerical symbols. Little Writer - FREE
Students trace the letters of the alphabet by following cartoon animal characters. Characters reinforce proper letter formation. |
Notability -$2.99
Another versatile app that was designed for older students. Powerpoints, pdf and other file formats can be imported and manipulated. Allows for voice recording of notes. For students, the app can be used to support note taking skills. It would be especially helpful for students with learning disabilities to highlight and add on to existing notes. As a teacher, I used notability to record student progress with Aimsweb and to track pre and post testing of interventions. |
Mental Case - FREE (For desktop version on MAC $29.99)
This app is designed for middle, high school or college/university students to assist with studying. Students create note cards with questions and answers. The app uses a scientific study method to track and repeat cards based on student success. Study schedules can also be created. I was really impressed with this app, based on personal experience with my son in high school who was preparing for exams. |
Raz-Kids - FREE
Raz-Kids is a levelled book system that improves reading fluency and comprehension. Students are assigned books at their reading level which they listen to, read, and then answer questions about the text. Each activity earns them stars which can be used to purchase items for their "Raz Rocket". NOTE: Although the app is free, you need a subscription to their website. Our Education Support Services Team has a limited number of spots for interventions. If your student is on the Resource caseload, he/she may have an account. Log in information can be obtained by contacting one of the resource teachers if your student is interested in reading the books at home. |