Allowing young readers to read all types of media will help them engage fully in the reading process. Do you have a reader that is disengaging from regular text? Try adding some music or finding a website/app that includes music or sound effects. Here is one I created that students could listen to/watch while they read along with the story.
A Few Apps/Sites to help with this endeavor.
Duck Duck Moose Reading (Ages 3+)
What it offers: This cute game helps teach phonics and reading skills in a fun zoo-themed adventure. Based on Common Core State Standards, kids can learn by playing with flamingos, monkeys, lions and more. A reporting section tracks student mastery of different concepts.
Why get it: This app is a winner of the Parents’ Choice Gold Award and Children’s Technology Review Editor’s Choice Award.
Grade range: Pre-k to 3.
Cost: App is free and includes some free activities, or unlock all content for $35 USD per year.
Availability: Available in the Google Play Store, Apple App Store or access directly from your web browser.
Starfall has been helping kids learn to read since 2002. The app’s activities are based on years of research and align with Common Core standards.
But the best part — Starfall keeps learning fun with play-based, interactive games and animated songs. Your child will be excited to learn and read!
Raz-Kids
Grade range: K to 5.
Cost: App is free to use for students at participating schools.
Availability: Available in the Google Play Store, Apple App Store and Amazon Appstore.
Raz-Kids is a great app in the Learning A-Z family. It offers hundreds of titles, grouped into 29 different levels — with new ebooks and quizzes added every month.
Raz-Kids tackles reading from all sides. Your child can read and take quizzes to show comprehension, record themselves reading aloud or listen to a recording with highlighted text.
Blake Siskavich 