Hi iPad/Android users!
This week's free apps seem to have a focus on elementary level students. I am going to try something new this week. I am adding a section in my reviews of an app that is always free and that I personally recommend to my IEP teams on a regular basis. Also, I would like to sincerely thank all of my readers who have been telling their colleagues and community members about my blog!
Appy Friday!
Betsy
Reviews:
Early Childhood
NumberShapes Line by Andrew Fenner
normally $0.99
This app is a number line manipulative for numbers 1-20 that is simple, clean and without ads. As someone who works in Special Education, I recommend real objects for counting. However, you may consider this app for a student who has a physical impairment or other disability that prevents the child from using typical counting objects. To use the app, you either move a slider or swipe to add manipulative to the number line. This app is actually good for both pre-K and Kindergarten. Preschool students would use the counting feature. Kindergartners can use the addition/subtraction feature. OTs can use this app for working on left-to right eye tracking and finger isolation.
Elementary
Numbees and the world of math by Sompom
Normally $1.99
In my opinion, practicing math facts is a great iPad activity. Most students can do this independently and who doesn't need practice? Numbees works on basic math facts where you pick your answer from a grid. The app is in a game format where you get levels and star ratings like I'm playing cut the rope. It's timed, so I wouldn't use this with a student who has slow processing or who find timers anxiety producing. For OTs who have students whose math skills are a strength/favorite activity, this is a fun way to work on visual scanning and visual discrimination.
Middle/High School:
Ruminate by Toward Entelechy
normally $4.99
Most of the graphic organizing apps for the iPad seem to just be web makers of bubbles with lines. I typically recommend Inspiration Maps (there is a lite version) because it comes with education templates and it has this great brainstorming feature. However, if your student prefers to make his or her own from scratch, Ruminate is definitely worth looking into. The strength of this app is the integration of the internet research. You tap a globe icon and it pops you into google search box. Then there are two buttons where you can add information into a bubble and to your bibliography. The other thing I like about it is that you can back up a text version to almost all the different cloud storage apps I like to use (Google Drive, DropBox, Evernote, Push Bullet) and 'open in' word processing/note-taking apps like Pages, Notability and Paperport notes. Just beware of ads!
Always Free & Always Awesome Pick of the Week:
myHomework Student Planner by Rodrigo Neri
Free but with ads and in-app purchases
MyHomework is a homework organizing, device agnostic app. When I say device agnostic, it means its available on iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, and Chromebook. You start by starting a free account, then adding your classes and then homework. It syncs to the account in the cloud, so you can use this on your school computer, public library, chromebook, phone, whatever! The great part is you can set reminders and categorize your assignments/projects by priority level. There are a bunch of other features, but honestly, I focus on the basics for my Special Education students.
Also free today:
EARLY CHILDHOOD
GazziliPuzzles by GazziliWorld LLC
Normally $1.99
Brainy Bugs' Preschool Games for iPad by Busy Bee Studios
Normally $2.99
Kiddy Reader - Learn to read by Waclaw Rosicki
Normally $2.99
Sea Slugs & Sea Stuff by HubCatDesigns
normally $1.99
LOW VISION
PocketBraille Reference by Michael Doise
Normally $1.99
FINE MOTOR
The Amazing Type-Writer by Doormouse Mfg.
normally $1.99
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL
S.E.E. by saym basheer
Normally $2.99
ELECTRONIC STORYBOOKS
Bufo’s Music by Kite Edizioni Srl
Normally $4.99
Play With Tales: Little Red Hiding Hood by Ebooks&kids
Normally $1.99
Anton and Mille by Bo Kalvslund
Normally $2.99
LANGUAGE ARTS
Spelling Star by Top Class Apps, LLC
Normally $0.99
MATH
Mathlingz Geometry 1 - Educational Math Game for Kids by YELLOW DOT Sp. z o.o. Sp. K.
normally $1.99
*Also on Android, but not free today
Basic Calc Pro - Focusing on the most basic calculation system! by SuperDG Inc.
normally $1.99
Hoo-Doo 7x7 by Hoodoo Informatique Inc. (logic game)
Normally $1.99
*Also on Android, but not free today
SCIENCE
Nature Maestro Expedition by Earth in Concert
Normally $4.99
Animal Groups and Their Nouns of Assemblage - Troops, Pods & Parades by HubCatDesigns
Normally $1.99
Animal Groups - Troops, Pods & Parades II by HubCatDesigns
Normally $1.99
Baby Animals - Pups, Cubs & Joeys by HubCatDesigns
normally $1.99
ELEMENTARY GENERAL
Complete Grade 3: Math, English, Science by WAGmob by WagMob
Normally $1.99
*Also on Android, see Android links at end of email
TASK-RELATED/STUDENT TOOLS
Orderly - Reminders, Tasks & To Do Lists by Tekton Technologies
normally $0.99
Android:
EARLY CHILDHOOD
NomNomNom Nomad
ELEMENTARY GENERAL
Complete grade 3
TASK-RELATED
MyHomework
