Appy Friday 2/27/15

Appy Friday!
Just a heads up, the apps by Philppa Riddell didn't work on my iPad. Either the app gave me a black screen or just didn't load. I'm not sure if it was just me being impatient, its the version of iOS I have, some bad technology voodoo I have going on, or the apps are just not functioning. But if it happens to you too, I would just delete the app. I left it on my link list in case you have better luck than me.

For the new readers out there, it's a little light on the free educational apps this week, hopefully next Friday will be better!
Happy downloading!
Betsy


This Friday's Reviews:
Early Childhood


A to Z Playful learning by Harry Patsis
Normally $1.99
https://appsto.re/us/3J222.i
This app works on letter matching both in the alphabet and with sight words. I don't like the sight words  activities though. I think its way to young to show sight words in isolation. I would prefer them in a story. Not only that, the sight words the developers chose were way too long for pre-schoolers. (around? always? what happened to a, and, at, any) My recommendation is to just use the very first alphabet activity in the app with your pre-k kiddos and use the rest with older children. For Occupational Therapists, I would use this app to work on visual discrimination, finger isolation, and figure ground.


Elementary


English Grammar -  Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives and Adverbs by Abitalk Incorporated
normally $3.99
https://appsto.re/us/88Tf5.i
This app works on parts of grammar that aligns with common core for 2nd-5th grades. It starts with nouns and asks questions like is this word a person, place or thing. Honestly, it's not a very super exciting app, but if your student/child learns by example, does well with repetition and immediate feedback, it might be worth trying.


Middle-High School


RuledNote by kazuhiko takahashi
Normally $1.99
https://appsto.re/us/G4TCR.i
For some of the students I support, simple is good. This app is for students who still like to use handwriting for note-taking, but need to have it digital to keep things organized (let's just say preventing papers from even entering the abyss that is his or her backpack, is a learning strategy some kids need). It connects to dropbox, but otherwise I don't see any other sharing system. What I found interesting about the app is that has an interesting highlighting feature. When you click the highlighter, it doesn't just swipe around like a drawing app would, it highlights the screen in singular boxes. Therefore occupational therapists, you could use this for handwriting practice (with a stylus of course), where you have them copy sentences onto a screen you already pre-highlighted to work on letter size and spacing!

Also Free Today!
EARLY CHILDHOOD
ABCs PlayTime by Philippa Riddell
Normally $4.99
https://appsto.re/us/1_HtD.i

PopALetter by Philippa Riddell
Normally $0.99
https://appsto.re/us/HlNMB.i
*Free Android version available

Crazy Mad House by Silly Fun Productions
Normally $0.99
https://appsto.re/us/Y0Lj2.i

ELEMENTARY (GENERAL)
Piggy See, Donkey Do! by Clever Goats Media
normally $0.99
https://appsto.re/us/AiYk4.i

Make it kids - let's create & share your games and stories (Premium) by Planet Factory Interactive
Normally $5.99
https://appsto.re/us/lLOc1.i


FINE MOTOR
Writing Cats by Philippa Riddell
Normally $2.99
https://appsto.re/us/ulITE.i

Letter Cats by Philippa Riddell
Normally $0.99
https://appsto.re/us/tA2QE.i


STORYBOOK
Ella Bella Beach Adventure by Rock Pocket AS
Normally $2.99
https://appsto.re/us/6aEhG.i

"The Pinchpenny Mouse 2" winter adventure interactive storybook by Serkan Bakar
Normally $0.99
https://appsto.re/us/U7guU.i
*Free Android version available

Book Playtime The Circus by Philippa Riddell
$1.99
https://appsto.re/us/li1yC.i
*Free Android version available

Messy Mia - Tales and Stories of Ancient Tech by AvatarGeneration
Normally $2.99
https://appsto.re/us/COGw3.i
*Android available, but not free today

Rinky Dinky Rhyme Book by Rinky Dinky Co (pre-k)
Normally $0.99
https://appsto.re/us/J4I0G.i

Suee and the Shadow Pt 1 by B hive, Inc.
normally $4.99
https://appsto.re/us/2hFWH.i

SOCIAL SKILLS
My DPS by The Language Express, Inc (My digital problem solver)
Normally $0.99
https://appsto.re/us/EOWME.i
*Free Android version available

MATH
4th Grade Math by WAGmob by WagMob
normally $1.99
https://appsto.re/us/w1SDG.i
*Free Android version available

Magical Mental Math by Interactive Elementary
normally $1.99
https://appsto.re/us/bRh21.i

Mathseeds Grade 2 by Blake eLearning
normally $7.99
https://appsto.re/us/NXss2.i

Mathseeds Kindergarten by Blake eLearning
Normally $7.99
https://appsto.re/us/53ss2.i

Crackers And Goo - Multiplication and Addition Math Skills Practice by Jerry McFerran
Normally $2.99
https://appsto.re/us/u_K_N.i

UTILITIES
Printer Pro - print documents, photos, web pages and email attachments by Readdle
Normally $6.99
https://appsto.re/us/hVxCx.i

MISC
Make it for Teachers & School - tool for classroom to create & share educational games and activities. by Planet Factory Interactive
Normally $4.99
https://appsto.re/us/2HYdS.i


ANDROID
Youtube kids by google
http://soubundou.com/for_download/download_win.html

Pop a letter
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.wisects.PopALetterLite

Pinchpenny Mouse 2
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.seko.PinchpennyMouse2

Book Playtime the Circus Lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.wisecats.BookPlaytimeCircusLite

My DPS (My digital problem solver)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thelanguageexpress.thesocialexpress.mydps

Grade 4 math by WAGmob
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.quizmine.fourthgrademath

Appy Friday 2/20/15

A big thank you to everyone who has been passing on to your colleagues and parents about this blog! I am so happy I can help folks use their iPads with their children/students. Just a heads up, there are some great elementary level math apps this week and more task-related apps that I normally find. Happy downloading!
Betsy


Today's reviews:

Early childhood


Huffy Dragon by Jack and Jill
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/huffy-dragon/id957424143?mt=8
The app involves increasingly difficult mazes where you need to avoid objects (moving frogs) and if your dragon hits the frogs it becomes angry you have to land it on a calming puddle or it will explode!  The intention of the app is to introduce relaxation tips to young children like breathing, listening to music, etc. Honestly, I just liked it for the mazes since it worked on visual discrimination and also eye tracking (those frogs move around). FYI, this is not an independent activity app. The app doesn't read the instructions when its doing the calming activities, so you need to sit next to your child and read it to them so they know what's going on.


Elementary


Complete the equation by Keith Gardner (ages 6-8)
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/complete-the-equation/id862643444?mt=8
It looks like a typical elementary school math app, but it's really Algebra. Or what I remember Algebra to be like. Instead of finding 'x' it's filling in the blank. It is not a super fancy app. It gives you a problem to solve, if you get it right, you get a smile-y face star.If you get it wrong, a red "x". I tried the speak screen feature and the iPad will read the equation, but does not read the answers. You have to use the onscreen numbers to answer the question, you can't use the onscreen or a bluetooth keyboard to respond.


Middle-High


Tangram Chess for Kids by Transformation Math Game by Justin Holladay (8th grade common core)
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tangram-chess-for-kids-transformation/id664408463?mt=8
The object of the game is you have to move shapes across a chess board, avoiding certain squares along the way. However, you are not doing chess moves (forward, horizontal, diagonal, L) but using geometrical terms of translation, rotation and reflection.  Okay, I'm not a math teacher so I can't speak to how well this app applies to the common core standard or if its challenging or not. However, I see it it as a hands-on activity that works on strategy and applying what you know to a game.



Also free today:
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Jobi's Animal Barn by Yellephant
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id906901157
*Also free on Android

Alphabet KIDS+ by Yedirenk
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alphabet-kids+/id612597804?mt=8

Words with tots by Adsouk
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/words-with-tots/id550076523?mt=8
*Also free on Android but with the similar name Baby's first words flashcards

INTERACTIVE/ELECTRONIC STORYBOOKS
Dinosaur Book HD: iDinobook by Fourfig Applications (ages 6-8)
normally $2.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dinosaur-book-hd-idinobook/id419853249?mt=8

If I were a wizard by Lore Corporation (ages 6-8)
normally $2.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/if-i-were-a-wizard.../id922744309?mt=8

Walter's flying bus by Chose and dearly loved
normally $6.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/walters-flying-bus/id582138770?mt=8

Rolling Pea by KievSeaPirates (ages 6-8)
normally $2.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rolling-pea/id764577890?mt=8

Float Away, Bobby by Megan Chan (Pre-K to K)
normally $ 2.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/float-away-bobby/id876058038?mt=8
*Also on Android (amazon), but not free today

Rinky Dinky Rhyme Book by Rinky Dinky Co (ages 5 and under)
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rinky-dinky-rhyme-book/id550645283?mt=8

Dodo China Pro: the trip of experiencing Chinese culture by MoreChinese
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dodo-china-pro-trip-experiencing/id598851707?mt=8f


MATH
Tenser by Allpha Heuristix (form digits that add up to 10)
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tenser/id537545910?mt=8

SMART adventures mission math by Kata enterprises (ages 9-11)
normally $4.99
*Also on Android (google play), but not free today
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smart-adventures-mission-math/id661633322?mt=8

4 Dice a Fractions game by Justin Holladay (4th grade Common Core)
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/4-dice-a-fractions-game/id583546023?mt=8

Grid lines: ordered pair game by Justin Holladay (5th grade common core)
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/grid-lines-ordered-pair-game/id630187892?mt=8

Ordered fractions: Compare and order fractions game by Justin Holladay
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ordered-fractions-compare/id592036890?mt=8

Skip Math: Skip Counting by Justin Holladay
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/skip-math-skip-counting-games/id651291908?mt=8

Mathseeds Kindergarten by Blake eLearning
normally $7.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mathseeds-kindergarten/id910765561?mt=8

Mathseeds Grade 1 by Blake eLearning
normally $7.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mathseeds-grade-1/id910759849?ls=1&mt=8

Mathseeds Grade 2 by Blake eLearning
normally $7.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mathseeds-grade-2/id910765159?ls=1&mt=8

Jack and the beanstalk a mathematical adventure HD by Justin Holladay (grades K-3)
normally $2.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jack-beanstalk-mathematical/id682232291?mt=8

Place value chart by Ulrich Kortenkamp
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/place-value-chart/id568750442?mt=8

SCIENCE
Small Experiments SD Mega-Science experiments to do at home by Remy Leglise (ages 9-11)
normally $3.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/small-experiments-hd-mega/id626145921?mt=8

Small Physics Experiments HD Mega - Physics Experiments for kids by Remy Leglise (ages 9-11)
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/small-physics-experiments/id848251012?mt=8

Small Chemistry Experiments HD Mega - Chemistry experiments for kids by REmy Leglise (ages 9-11)
normally $3.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/small-chemistry-experiments/id698576595?mt=8

TASK-RELATED/TEACHER TOOLS
Pie time by Prganima (ages 3+)
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pie-time/id534413139?mt=8

Sandbox Web Browser by Float mobile learning (limits users to a list of approved websites)
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sandbox-web-browser/id562054411
*Also free on Android (google play)

Split web browser: fast multitasking and full screen multiple tab browsing by Savy Soda
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/split-web-browser-fast-multitasking/id940094154?mt=8

Visual Routine by Proteon Software
normally $3.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id455706114?mt=8

Pacing Timer by Brian Broom (visual timer)
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/cz/app/pacing-timer/id913208024?mt=8


ANDROID (Google Play)
Jobi's Animal Barn by Yellephant
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yellephant.jobibarn

Baby's first words flashcards by Adsouk
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adsouk.toddlerwords

Sandbox Web browser by float mobile learning
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.floatlearning.sandbox.activity

Appy Friday the 13th! 2/13/15

Appy Friday the 13th! It might be a unlucky day for some, but it looks pretty lucky day for apps for Occupational Therapy.
Happy Downloading!
Betsy

Reviews!
Early Childhood


Connect Numbers by Babybus
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id905157040?mt=8
This app is great for introducing dot to dot activities and counting. The animations are a little busy on the main page, but it is better for each individual drawing. Occupational Therapists can work on finger isolation and visual discrimination.
*Also free for Android on Google Play


Elementary


iTrace - handwriting for kids by iTrace
normally $3.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/itrace-handwriting-for-kids/id583678381?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Handwriting apps do go free, but they tend to be bare-boned apps that don't provide a lot of features. Not this week! iTrace has a lite version, so make sure you are getting the full version for free today. The app works on tracing upper case, lower case, numbers and words. You can decide on manuscript or cursive as well as the letter styles of Zaner Bloser, Handwriting Without Tears or D'Nealian. I also like that you can pick left handed orientation. It is pretty straightforward, you trace letters and do a puzzle in between I would not use the word cards for cursive, the letters are not connected.  Not enough iPads to go around or need some practice using real utensils? No worries, you can make printable worksheets too!


Middle-High School


Knots 3D by Nynix
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/knots-3d/id453571750?mt=8
Great for your boy scouts, kids who like to do outdoor activities or a fun Occupational Therapy activity. It includes history of the knot and alternate names. It has slow motion videos to show you how to make the knots and you can move the picture around 360 degrees.
*Also available on Android, but not free today

EARLY CHILDHOOD
Five little ducks…sing, count, play by Tammy Nieling
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id794718783?mt=8

GoNumbers by Cavan Mannenbach
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id832033909?mt=8


VISUAL PERCEPTUAL
Number Rush by Guava7
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id505946077?mt=8

Schulte Table - improve your fast reading and attention by Artem Tselikov
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/schulte-table-improve-your/id944389249?mt=8


ELECTRONIC STORYBOOKS
Chicken Little by You tell me stories
normally $3.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id718443975?mt=8

Harry and Lulu by You tell me stories
normally $3.99
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/harry-and-lulu/id777405636?mt=8

The Stub by Bo Wennberg
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id951306551?mt=8

Oscar finds a home by You tell me stories
normally $3.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/oscar-finds-a-home/id671135618?mt=8

Goldilocks and the 3 bears by you tell me stories
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/goldilocks-and-the-3-bears/id650117052?mt=8


LANGUAGE ARTS
Harry Phonics 2 by Nessy Learning Limited
normally $2.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hairy-phonics-2/id938109205?mt=8


MATH
Inclusion by Daniel Raftery
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/inclusion/id597281126?mt=8

Doppio by iDoopio
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/doppio/id567412750?mt=8

Capture Math by Mind4Learning
normally $2.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/capture-math/id631750729?mt=8

Place Value Chart by Ulrich Kortenkamp
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id568750442?mt=8
*This was free back in April and I reviewed it then. Check it out:
http://nowtechthat.blogspot.com/2014/04/4414-appy-friday.html?q=place+value


ANDROID
Sparky Shark by Biscuit Interactive
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sparky.bookapp.sparkytheshark

The Allen Adventure by Queensland Government
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.au.gov.qld.dete.allenadventure

Dinosaur Discovery by Western Australian Museum
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.gov.wa.museum.dinodisco

Connect Numbers by Babybus
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sinyee.babybus.numberconnect&hl=en

Appy Friday 2/6/15

It's a light day for free apps, but this means you have extra time to enjoy the nice weather!
Appy downloading!
Betsy

Today's reviews:
Early Childhood



Dragonfly learning game for kids by Indigo Kids
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id837226884?mt=8
You get a dragon fly and you fly it around by tilting the iPad with the ground and objects whizzing underneath (for some reason it reminded me of that vintage arcade game Galaga). Your job is to fly the insect on to the letter or number to either match letters, build words letter by letter or do basic math. It starts with material appropriate to age 3 but goes up from there, so it's good for younger elementary students as well. It works on upper body strength and visual motor integration skills on top of those basic academics skills.


Elementary


Cut the buttons by Open Name Ltd
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id474137540?mt=8
OTs: download this now. This is a great app that works on pincher grasp. I have personally used this in Occupational Therapy many times. It can be difficult for some younger kids so I would not rely on this to work on pincer grasp but is great for practice and working on stamina. It has several modes: single and multi-player and it has classic and arcade. I prefer the arcade version which is timed and is more forgiving. The classic mode the game is over after so many mistakes.

Middle-High
*I didn't find much for this section this week that looked amazing. I will try again next week!

Also free today:
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Toy Brush 3D by Croco Studio
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/toybrush-3d/id946457726?mt=8
*also on Android (Google play), but for $1

Forest Animals: Children's Encyclopedia by Indigo Kids
normally $2.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id836571889?mt=8
*also on Android (Google play), but for $2.84

Wee Kids Puzzle by Ebooks&kids
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wee-kids-puzzle/id649760558?mt=8
*Lite version available on android

Giggle Tree by Gigglebug entertainment
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id821554898?mt=8

Animal Vocab by Claire Young
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/animal-vocab/id923535472?mt=8


SOCIAL SKILLS
Emotions with Felix by Synapse Apps
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id604085042?mt=8


INTERACTIVE STORYBOOKS
A Very Special Snowflake by Brightline Interactive
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id932131214?mt=8

Old McDonald had a farm by Totes Bananas
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id951218826?mt=8

Mitzi's World by Auryn
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id536082002?mt=8

Renewable Energy Sources by Simopt
normally $4.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/renewable-energy-sources/id683085336?mt=8
*Also available on Android (Google Play)

Lenka - a beautiful children story about friendship by award-winning by Gyula Simonyi
normally $2.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lenka-beautiful-children-story/id920145760?mt=8

LANGUAGE ARTS
iSpell that! by Laura J White Mobile Development
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id546349254?mt=8

ABC Phonics Rhyming Words by Abitalk inc
normally $2.99
https://appsto.re/us/JNxeA.i
*Lite version also available on Android (Google Play)

MATH
Math Bingo Games - A Racing Game for Kids by Tap to Learn
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id415231843?mt=8

Number Dots Pro: A game about addition by Simple Fun
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id781448980?mt=8

Number Order by Smarter Learn
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/number-order/id613227035?mt=8ao
*Also available on Android (google play)

SCIENCE/SOCIAL STUDIES
Chemio - a Student's chemical reference by AppBit software
normally $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id700723947?mt=8

TASK-RELATED
LiveTodo - Tasks, Reminders & To do list (visual to-do list) by yan xixue
normally $0.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/livetodo-tasks-reminders-to/id924352510?mt=8



ANDROID/AMAZON APPS:
GS kids! Shapes and Colors Pro!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NR3KSJU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00NR3KSJU&linkCode=as2&tag=smaappforand-20&linkId=5XIWDSGJKWP3VP6X

Number Toys
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FCYINEO/ref=mas_ty

Wee Kids Puzzles
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ebooks_kids.WeeKids.PuzzleFree&hl=en

Renewable Energy Sources
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cz.simopt.amos.renewableenergysources&hl=en

ABC Phonics Rhyming Words Free by Abitalk
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.abitalk.funrhymingfree&hl=en

Number Order
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.SmarterLearn.TempleOrder&hl=en