Whirly Word It helps with reading and especially spelling. I use Whirly Word as a quick time filler if there are just a few minutes remaining before the end of class. I think I could have students complete a certain number of words on each puzzle and chart their own progress.
I hadn't heard of this app either, but looked it up because 1 of my teachers has an older student who really, really struggles with spelling. I'm definitely going to suggest this to her, as this student seems to respond best to 'gamey' stuff, and I think it looks like she'd enjoy this for a change of pace every once in awhile, rather than just always doing her same spelling word lists.
This isn’t a reading app, but something I tried the other day at school. When you turn on the computer (PCs) in the bottom left corner of the screen is an icon. If you click that icon, it’s an ease of access button for the computer. It can be set to ‘read’ the screen – the entire screen aloud. The entire screen includes the web address along with all the toolbars, but when students need something read – if it can be found on the internet, the computer can read to them. It’s machine language, which isn’t wonderful to listen to, but it makes students a little more independent. They can always set the computer to read to them and become more independent!
I also use Whirly Word in my reading classes as a filler if I have extra time at the end of class. On the students IPad I have MeeGenius. It is an app that has children's books. There are a few that are free and the ones that are not do not cost much. Students can read the stories themselves or it will read the stories to you. I have a student that will occasionally use it when it is AR time. He plugs in his headphones to the IPad and will listen to stories. I have 11 free books downloaded. There is a built in bookstore and you can listen to samples of the books before you buy them. The app is free.
Jerrie's review of Whirly Word convinced me to try the app. Surprisingly, it is my student with a fourth grade reading level who really, really likes this app. She has difficulty getting the four, five, and six letter words on a regular basis, and has to try really hard to get all the two and three letter words, but stays with it over several days. She won't end the game until she gets the two and three letter words. This has introduced her to many words she has not seen before, and offers a way to increase her limited vocabulary.
One of my most favorite reading apps for younger kids is StoryBots. These are books that you can download the 1st one is free the rest are for a small price each. You take a picture of your student and you type in their name and they become the main character of the book. This was great for one of my students with Autism he loved seeing himself in the books and hearing his name.
Can you customize the type of story in any way??? Or do you just get to add in the student's name and picture on several that are preloaded??? I was thinking this could be really awesome to use with our kiddos when we need to make up social stories for them. Thanks for sharing!!! =)
I have used Bluster in my class. It is a game where students play against each other or by themselves. They learn to use figurative language, synonyms and compound words. They like learning the new vocabulary and it gets them involved. It was also a way to go paperless and still introduce the concepts.
I like the ease of access icon Jerry was talking about. That would make using the computer so much easier for some students.
I haven't used Bluster - but plan to after hearing about it here, downloading it and using it. Vocabulary Builder has versions 1,2,3 and 4 and is interactive as students learn vocabulary by dragging the correct word to the corresponding picture which results in hearing the word spoken. This would work w/ ESL students. All four versions are free. Pretty basic vocabulary, but could be used through junior high.
One app that I use on a regular basis for reading is called Montessori Crosswords. It is an app that I use to help students with decoding CVC words. It has includes a picture, moveable alphabet, and sounds to really engage the students. The students really enjoy working with it. It can be expanded to work on consonant blends and digraphs. None of my students have gotten that far yet.
Whirly Word
ReplyDeleteIt helps with reading and especially spelling.
I use Whirly Word as a quick time filler if there are just a few minutes remaining before the end of class.
I think I could have students complete a certain number of words on each puzzle and chart their own progress.
I've never tried this app, but I just looked it up and it looks great! I will have to try it next year! :)
DeleteI hadn't heard of this app either, but looked it up because 1 of my teachers has an older student who really, really struggles with spelling. I'm definitely going to suggest this to her, as this student seems to respond best to 'gamey' stuff, and I think it looks like she'd enjoy this for a change of pace every once in awhile, rather than just always doing her same spelling word lists.
DeleteThis isn’t a reading app, but something I tried the other day at school. When you turn on the computer (PCs) in the bottom left corner of the screen is an icon. If you click that icon, it’s an ease of access button for the computer. It can be set to ‘read’ the screen – the entire screen aloud. The entire screen includes the web address along with all the toolbars, but when students need something read – if it can be found on the internet, the computer can read to them. It’s machine language, which isn’t wonderful to listen to, but it makes students a little more independent. They can always set the computer to read to them and become more independent!
ReplyDeleteI also use Whirly Word in my reading classes as a filler if I have extra time at the end of class.
ReplyDeleteOn the students IPad I have MeeGenius. It is an app that has children's books. There are a few that are free and the ones that are not do not cost much. Students can read the stories themselves or it will read the stories to you. I have a student that will occasionally use it when it is AR time. He plugs in his headphones to the IPad and will listen to stories. I have 11 free books downloaded. There is a built in bookstore and you can listen to samples of the books before you buy them. The app is free.
Jerrie's review of Whirly Word convinced me to try the app. Surprisingly, it is my student with a fourth grade reading level who really, really likes this app. She has difficulty getting the four, five, and six letter words on a regular basis, and has to try really hard to get all the two and three letter words, but stays with it over several days. She won't end the game until she gets the two and three letter words. This has introduced her to many words she has not seen before, and offers a way to increase her limited vocabulary.
ReplyDeleteOne of my most favorite reading apps for younger kids is StoryBots. These are books that you can download the 1st one is free the rest are for a small price each. You take a picture of your student and you type in their name and they become the main character of the book. This was great for one of my students with Autism he loved seeing himself in the books and hearing his name.
ReplyDeleteCan you customize the type of story in any way??? Or do you just get to add in the student's name and picture on several that are preloaded??? I was thinking this could be really awesome to use with our kiddos when we need to make up social stories for them. Thanks for sharing!!! =)
DeleteI have used Bluster in my class. It is a game where students play against each other or by themselves. They learn to use figurative language, synonyms and compound words. They like learning the new vocabulary and it gets them involved. It was also a way to go paperless and still introduce the concepts.
ReplyDeleteI like the ease of access icon Jerry was talking about. That would make using the computer so much easier for some students.
I haven't used Bluster - but plan to after hearing about it here, downloading it and using it. Vocabulary Builder has versions 1,2,3 and 4 and is interactive as students learn vocabulary by dragging the correct word to the corresponding picture which results in hearing the word spoken. This would work w/ ESL students. All four versions are free. Pretty basic vocabulary, but could be used through junior high.
ReplyDeleteOne app that I use on a regular basis for reading is called Montessori Crosswords. It is an app that I use to help students with decoding CVC words. It has includes a picture, moveable alphabet, and sounds to really engage the students. The students really enjoy working with it. It can be expanded to work on consonant blends and digraphs. None of my students have gotten that far yet.
ReplyDelete