Kindergarten Readiness Archives - I Can Teach My Child!

Top 10 Reading Apps for Kids

May 16, 2013 by Jenae — 4 Comments

Summer is nearly here! As parents, we all worry that much of the learning that has taken place over the last year will somehow dwindle during the long, lazy summer days. Aside from creating meaningful hands-on learning experiences for your child, you can also encourage a child to keep up their skills using technology during down time! I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 Reading Apps for Kids, broken down into four sections: Phonics and Decoding, Comprehension, Sight Words, and Readable Books.

Most of these apps are appropriate for beginning readers (or those learning how to read), but a few are still applicable for proficient readers as well (especially the apps focusing on comprehension).

Oh, and by the way…this isn’t an app, but it is a great time to tell you about my eBook titled I Can Teach My Child to Read. Chances are if you are looking for reading apps for your kids, you may also be trying to teach him/her how to read! Consider this my shameless plug! :)

Okay, back to the apps: I have only included apps for Apple products, not because I am intentionally trying to leave Android or Kindle users out in the cold…but simply because they are the only apps that I personally have experience with and therefore the only ones that I feel I can honestly endorse. If you have a Kindle Fire or Android tablet or smart phone, you can always search for the apps listed below for your platform. They are often identical to the Apple versions. I am sorry in advance for any inconvenience this may cause you.

This post is not sponsored in any way (although it does include my affiliate links). I bought each app with my own money and all opinions are based on my personal experience with each app. I have spent many hours (and more money than I typically spend on apps in an entire year) trying to find the best reading apps for young readers. I hope that you find this list to be beneficial to you and your family!

Apps that target Phonics and Decoding

Reading Raven (compatible with iPhone and iPad- $2.99, or get the HD iPad version here- $3.99)

I really love this app. It is totally customizable for the age and ability of your child from 3 years only (and letter/sound correspondence) to 5+ years and decoding. On the five-year old section, your child can record his/her voice while decoding a simple 3-letter word. Next, they trace all of the letters in the word as well, which reinforces letter formation. Finally, a child can record him/herself reading a simple sentence! If you buy one app off this list, this should be it.

Montessori Crosswords (designed for both iPhone and iPad- $2.99)

This app is great for teaching letter SOUNDS (which is WAY more important than learning their names). It also adds a cognitive component of mini-crossword puzzles as well as consonant blends and digraphs (although they aren’t labeled as such). This app is completely customizable and includes a special section for parents. I was initially hesitant about the crossword component of this app (because I don’t want to confuse a child that he/she could be reading a word up –> down instead of left –> right), but this doesn’t seem to be a problem.

Marbleminds Phonics (designed for both iPhone and iPad- $2.99)

Marbleminds Phonics is a relatively simple app that encourages phonics skills while also rewarding the user with marbles for completing the tasks. This app includes a memory game, an onset game (where a child has to choose the sound/letter that goes at the beginning of the picture represented), and a “sounds like” section where a sound is spoken aloud and the child must choose the corresponding letter. I was a little disappointed that this app didn’t include a rhyming component or any word families.

Apps that Target Comprehension Strategies:

Question Builder (iPad only- $5.99)

Appropriate for children who are already reading, this app helps a child develop critical thinking skills and comprehension. It also encourages abstract thinking and inferring, a difficult skill to reinforce at such a young age. There are two main issues with this app that almost made me not recommend it: (a) It is pretty pricey and might be the most expensive app I have purchased, and (b) your child must be a relatively proficient reader because he/she has to read the “answers” him/herself. I wish there was an option to have the answers to the questions read by the app itself. It is one of the only apps I have found that focuses on inferring and abstract thinking, so it managed to make it on the list despite its shortcomings.

Speech with Milo: Sequencing (Designed for both iPhone and iPad-$2.99)

Sequencing, or being able to recall the events of a story in order, is an important component of reading comprehension and cognitive development. This app is a sequencing game, appropriate for Pre-K through 1st grade. Your child will put a series of pictures in order. Once they have been placed in order correctly, your child can then watch a very short animation watching the sequence uninterrupted. This app is also widely used by Speech Pathologists as they work with children who are receiving speech services. The only downfall to this app is that some of the scenarios (like hitting a baseball, for example) require real-world experience to understand the sequence.

The Land of Me - Story Time (iPad only-$2.99)

This app, created in the UK, lets your child create their own story by choosing one of three heroes, story lines, and endings (happy, sad, or funny). Our boys are fascinated with this app and love making different stories with their very own selections. The stories themselves are very short and simple (which is one of the only negatives), but I love it because it shows children how easy it is to make up a story…and I happen to adore the British accent. :)

Apps that Target Sight Word Recognition

Reading Eggs Sight Words (iPad only or get the version compatible with iPhones and iPod Touch here-$2.99)

Unlike most sight word apps, this one goes beyond the basic flashcard method and makes learning sight words a little bit more interactive and fun. There are three levels based upon a child’s ability (turtle, chicken, and penguin levels…according to the size of their eggs). A sight word is shown (and said aloud) and the child must then crack the egg with the same word on it (by touching it). Other random words, animals, and objects also fly through the air and will be splatted if you touch them and they aren’t the selected sight word. Not sure you want to purchase this app? Try the free version first.

Readable Books:

Dr. Seuss’s ABC’s

This is basically an electronic version of the beloved classic by Dr. Seuss. There are three variations to this app: Read to Me, Read by Myself, or Auto Play. There is also a voice recording option where your child can read it aloud and record his/her voice (or a parent can record also). There are several other Dr. Seuss books available as apps: Mr. Brown Can Moo Can You?, Yertle the Turtle, and And to Think I Saw it on Mulberry Street. There is also a collection of 5 stories (including The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, The FOOT Book, Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? and Fox In Socks) all in one app for $14.99.

BOB Books ($3.99 for the iPad or $1.99 for iPhone/iPod Touch)

BOB books are famously popular with parents of beginning readers. I personally have a love/not-so-much love relationship with the BOB books brand (as I’ve shared before). I think they can be very beneficial for helping children learn to decode, but the illustrations in the paper books are pretty boring. The app adds a bit more interaction, which makes it more appealing (in my humble opinion). You can get the lite version for free to try it out before you pay the full price for the app. You can also buy Bob Books #2 (HD for the iPad or for the iPhone/iPod Touch)

Subscription-Based Programs: Farfaria ($3.99/month) or Reading Rainbow ($9.99/ month or $29.99/6 months)

Farfaria is basically like a digital library of books. The app is free to download and you can get a trial that allows you to read 1 book per day for free, but beyond that you will have to subscribe (similar to a service like Netflix but for eBooks). There seems to be a fairly decent amount of books available, although I didn’t see very many familiar book titles. You can also choose books based on your child’s reading level. The app allows the book to be read aloud, auto play, or for your child to read it to him/herself.

Reading Rainbow has a similar subscription service, although it is quite a bit more expensive ($9.99 per month as opposed to $3.99 per month). You can receive a significant discount if you prepay for 6 months ($29.99). This service has over 200 books, narrated by the infamous Lamar, with new books being added weekly.

Free Apps:

Read Me Stories: This FREE app features a new book every day!

iDiary for Kids Lite: Although this isn’t technically a “reading” app, reading and writing go hand-in-hand and this is a great diary option for young writers.

Sight Words List

Sight Words

Phonics Genius

Reading Eggs Sight Words (free version): Similar to the Paid Version, but with some restrictions

BOB Books #1 (free version)

Honorable Mentions (from my Facebook friends):

Monkey Word School Adventure ($1.99)

Meet the Sight Words ($0.99)

Starfall Learn to Read ($2.99)

WordWorld ($1.99)

Be sure and check out my favorite apps for preschoolers and toddlers as well!

A FINAL WORD: Please remember that iPhones and iPads are just like computers–meaning that you must be vigilant about ensuring your child isn’t exposed to any inappropriate content. SecureMama shares a step-by-step guide for ways to secure your iPhone or iPad. Read and implement these suggestions!

*Please note: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. Go here to read my full disclosure.

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Filed Under: 3-5 years, Kindergarten Readiness, Language Development, Phonics, Reading, School Age, Sight Words, Technology

Homeschool Preschool

February 8, 2013 by Jenae — 8 Comments

Guest Post by Rachael of Nothing If Not Intentional

In our state, kindergarten is not mandatory. Yet not only do most of my friend’s kids go to public kindergarten, but it also often seems as though preschool is no longer optional either.

However, sometimes the cost of preschool is prohibitive, children (or parents!) aren’t ready for school, or, if you’re like our family, you want to try homeschooling to see if it’s a good fit. In these situations, homeschool preschool may be a good alternative to a formal preschool class.

Here are a few ways to have a great homeschool preschool experience:

:: Join a group. Preschool classes teach children how to follow directions, function in a group setting, and learn from someone other than mom or dad. We accomplish this by immersing ourselves in group situations. We regularly go to Tot Time at our local science museum. During these lessons, our toddler must sit quietly, listen to the teacher, and follow instructions for the craft or experiment. Similar opportunities include story time at the library and Sunday School class at church. We also use our weekly play group as a chance to practice taking turns, using good manners, and handling conflict well.

:: Take a (field) trip. Public and private school classes take field trips. So should you! We venture to pet stores, a nursing home, the library, museums, park nature centers, and the airport. (In our family, Daddy is a pilot. However, many small towns have regional airports that would be happy to have a toddler stop by to watch the airplanes come and go. Call and ask!) When the weather warms up, we’ll visit an orchard, the big local fountain, a fire station, and a pumpkin patch.

:: Play. Our daughter is only two and a half, so our “curriculum” is centered on play. However, even older toddlers learn well from playtime. Learn about weather and rain while jumping in puddles. Explore nature by pointing out a sunset, a colorful bird, or a feisty squirrel. Introduce architecture with a blanket fort. Discover music and rhythm by banging on pots and pans. Enjoy chemistry by squeezing drops of vinegar on baking soda. Let your P.E. class consist of somersaults and hopscotch.

Teach (and model) responsibility. Our daughter likes to help around the house. She gets the silverware at dinner, rinses dirty dishes, and helps Daddy unload (unbreakable) dishes from the dishwasher. She puts on her coat, gives her baby sister her pacifier, puts dirty clothes in the laundry basket, helps feed the dog, and stirs the batter when we bake. Responsibilities at home will give your child confidence and enable him or her to function independently if or when they enter the classroom.

:: Use the Internet. There are tons of free resources available online. Our current favorite online activity is to watch the live animal cameras from SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo. PBSKids.org has free Curious George, Sesame Street , and Dr. Seuss printables and coloring sheets. I will often search for free printables that go along with the books we’re reading.

To help you stay on track, check out this inventory of preschool skills. Resources like these will help to ensure your child’s at-home preschool is truly preparing him or her for whatever schooling option you chose to pursue in the future!

Nothing if Not Intentional started as a blog to share stories from Nate and Rachael’s ten trips to Guatemala . It has since grown to become an outlet for Rachael’s writing (she’s a former English major), and a place to share stories from their travels (Nate’s a pilot) and life with their two young girls (ages six months and two years).

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Filed Under: 3-5 years, Kindergarten Readiness, Parenting

33 Ways to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten

June 18, 2012 by Jenae — 26 Comments

Back in March, I shared a post called “71 Things a Child Needs to Know Before Kindergarten” based entirely on an end-of-the-year assessment given in the Pre-K program where I student taught more than 6 years ago. This post sparked a heated debate and there were a lot of strong opinions expressed in the comments.

Because of the questions and concerns from this post, I thought it would be helpful to create a checklist for parents with some things YOU can do to help ensure your child is prepared for kindergarten. And the best part–no flashcards or drill-and-practice memorization!!!! These are simple, everyday things that you can do with your child for just a few minutes at a time to ensure that he/she is ready for school!

Just so that we are clear…if your child cannot do everything on this list, it does not mean that he/she is not ready for kindergarten! You are the parent and you must decide what you feel is best for your child. Public schools are equipped with professional educators who will take your child where they are and help them grow and learn from there. Although it would certainly make things easier for your child (as well as the teacher and the other children in the class), this is NOT a pass/fail kindergarten entrance exam! This is just something that should guide what you do with your child prior to kindergarten.

So here’s the list. Print it out and hang it on your refrigerator, office, or wherever you can be reminded of the simple, easy ways you can help your child succeed. :)

Thoughts? Any tasks I should add or take away???

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Filed Under: 2-3 years, 3-5 years, Kindergarten Readiness

71 Things Your Child Needs to Know Before Kindergarten

March 6, 2012 by Jenae — 807 Comments

Have you ever wondered what exactly your child needs to know before kindergarten? Here is a list based upon a Preschool Inventory given to children at the very end of our local Pre-Kindergarten program. I was looking through my old student-teaching notebook and came across this list (granted, it is six years old). It was used as both a guiding document as well as an assessment at the end of the year. I did not come up with this list.

Please keep in mind as you look over this list that kids learn best with hands-on experiences, not memorization or drill practice! These early years with our children should be about fostering a love to play, explore, and learn! Also, it is important to note that our children are all different and gifted in unique ways. Obviously, if your child has special needs, exceptionalities, or is delayed in a particular area, this won’t necessarily be relevant to your child. This is simply a guide…not something to stress about! Finally, all areas of development are of equal importance to young children! Gross motor and social development tasks are just as important as cognitive and pre-reading tasks at this age.

Also, it is important to note that there is no prerequisite (besides age) for children to go to public schools here in the United States. Although it would be ideal for each child to come into kindergarten already mastering this list, this is obviously not the reality for many children. Schools are prepared to meet the needs of individual students, regardless of their current ability.

Have fun learning together through games and various experiences while still encouraging your child’s natural creativity!

Personal and Social Development

Approach to learning

Shows eagerness and curiosity as a learner
Persists in task and seeks help when encountering a problem
Is generally pleasant and cooperative

Self-Control

Follows rules and routines
Manages transitions (going from one activity to the next)
Demonstrates normal activity level

Interactions with Others

Interacts easily with one or more children
Interacts easily with familiar adults
Participates in group activities
Plays well with others
Takes turns and shares
Cleans up after play

Conflict Resolution

Seeks adult help when needed to resolve conflicts
Uses words to resolve conflicts

Language and Literacy

Listening

Listens with understanding to directions and conversations
Follows one-step directions
Follows two-step directions

Speaking

Speaks clearly enough to be understood without contextual clues
Relates experiences with some understanding of sequences of events

Literature and Reading

Listens with interest to stories read aloud
Shows interest in reading-related activities
Retells information from a story
Sequences three pictures to tell a logical story

Writing

Uses pictures to communicate ideas
Uses scribbles, shapes, and letter-like symbols to write words or ideas

Alphabet Knowledge

Recites/sings alphabet
Matches upper-case letters
Matches lower-case letters
Identifies upper-case letters
Identifies lower-case letters

Mathematical Thinking

Patterns and Relationships

Sorts by color, shape, and size
Orders or seriates several objects on the basis of one attribute
Recognizes simple patterns and duplicates them

Number concept and operations

Rote counts to 20
Counts objects with meaning to 10
Matches numerals
Identifies by naming, numerals 0-10

Geometry and spatial relations

Identifies 4 shapes- circle, square, rectangle, triangle
Demonstrates concepts of positional/directional concepts (up/down, over/under, in/out, behind/in front of, beside/between, top/bottom, inside/outside, above/below, high/low, right/left, off/on, first/last, far/near, go/stop).

Measurement

Shows understanding of and uses comparative words (big/little, large/small, short/long, tall/short, slow/fast, few/many, empty/full, less/more.

Physical Development

Gross-Motor Skills

Pedals and steers a tricycle
Jumps in place, landing on two feet
Jumps consecutively- 7 jumps
Balances on one foot for 5 seconds
Hops on one foot 2-3 hops
Hops on one foot- 6 ft.
Throws a ball with direction- 5 ft.
Catches a thrown ball with arms and body
Climbs a playground ladder
Skips smoothly for 20 feet

Fine-Motor Skills

Stacks 10, one-inch blocks
Strings 4 1/2″ beads in two minutes
Completes a seven piece interlocking puzzle
Makes a pancake, snake, and ball from playdough
Grasps pencil correctly
Copies: vertical line, horizontal line, circle, cross, square, V, triangle
Copies first name
Prints first name without a model
Grasps scissors correctly
Cuts within 1/4″ of a 6″ straight line on construction paper
Cuts out a 3″ square on construction paper
Cuts out a 3″ triangle on construction paper
Cuts out a 3″ circle on construction paper
Uses a glue stick appropriately
Uses appropriate amount of glue for tasks

The Arts

Creative Arts

Identifies 10 colors: red, yellow, blue, green, orange, purple, black, white, brown, pink
Uses a variety of art materials for tactile experience and exploration

Music/Movement

Participates in group music experiences
Participates in creative movement/dance

Creative Dramatics

Makes believe with objects
Takes on pretend roles and situations

Parents, if you’re looking for some suggestions on things you can do to prepare your child for Kindergarten, check out 33 Ways to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten. You can download and print a list with simple, easy activities that will help to ensure your child is ready!

Do you agree with this list? Is there anything that needs to be added (or taken away) based on your experience???

Interested in learning more? You might be interested in reading all about the seven domains of early childhood development and 10 tips for teaching your child to read!

71 Things Your Child Needs to Know Before Kindergarten

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Filed Under: 3-5 years, Kindergarten Readiness, School Age

Copying and Cutting

October 3, 2011 by Jenae — 17 Comments

As a former first grade teacher, I can tell you that generally boys struggle much more with fine motor skills than girls. Holding a pencil correctly, cutting with scissors, and legible handwriting are all skills that prove more difficult for the male gender. That’s why I wanted to make a concerted effort on providing my guys with fine motor practice early on to make these important skills easier down the road.

The only problem is, I’ve fallen down on the job. We haven’t busted out the scissors (for Big Brother) in quite some time and life has been so crazy lately, I haven’t spent much time creating fine motor activities for either of the boys. Big Brother is working on cutting with scissors in preschool this week, so I figured this was a great time to get some at-home practice as well!

I always sorta giggle to myself when I see “cutting skills printables”…unless you are teaching a class full of children (and need to make copies). If you are working with your child(ren) at home, it is so much easier (and less wasteful of ink) to simply draw a variety of lines on a piece of construction paper!

I then asked Big Brother to copy the lines I drew directly underneath. I just drew a small dot with a different colored marker as the starting point for each line.

"What?"

Next, it’s time for the scissors. We attempted to use our first “big kid” scissors, but eventually resorted back to the Melissa & Doug scissors since Big Brother is more comfortable with them (and so am I…they don’t cut anything but paper).

This was a bit of an exercise in patience for both of us. And the term “I can’t do it” has now officially been banned from our home!!

We finally finished (although Big Brother didn’t really cut on all the lines). It certainly was a good reminder of how I need to be focusing a little more on providing fine motor practice for the boys.

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