Appy Hour!

It feels strange to have missed the class last week. I had a prior engagement that meant I couldn’t be there, but thanks to technology, I am able to keep up with the information! While the link for the video wouldn’t work, it was very helpful to have a detailed class agenda to keep up with. I cannot get over how many steps there are in the Reading Task Analysis! I knew that when I compiled my own list, I was nowhere near the total, but I can’t believe how complex it is. I didn’t really factor in repeating steps, such as attention to task, and all of the times that processing comes into play. Reading this analysis made me think about a book I read in another course, called “A Mind at a Time” by Mel Levine. It went into depth about all of the neurodevelopmental processes that make up an individual, and the Biology major in me still finds the brain to be a fascinating thing. I enjoyed looking at how the eye, ear and neurons work as well - it made me miss teaching Biology! I found this image of the difference between average readers, and struggling readers with the example of dyslexia.

If you click the photo, it will take you to the article. This is just one example of the different regions that are activated inside brains of different readers. When you consider how much is happening inside the human brain at any given time, it’s no wonder that the reading process is considerably complex!

I enjoyed looking through some of the apps and websites that are available for readers, especially Duck Duck Moose - I use Khan Academy for some lessons with my students, and I will let my teaching partner know about some of these websites, as she teaches English. I think that Tar Heel Reader would be another one to keep in mind, as it would be beneficial for students to create their own books, much like the Book Creator app, but without needing an iPad! It also allows them to find books quickly and easily - and looks like this!

When it came to searching for apps in each of the different platforms, I found it tricky to search in order to get what I wanted, so it took me a little bit longer than anticipated. However, I think I found some good options, which are as follows:

Chrome Store:

• SAS Reading Records - this app allows students to record themselves reading different passages, and also gives them a space to complete comprehension activities about what they have read. As a teacher, there are varying levels of texts to provide students with, and it allows you to monitor their progress very easily, and complete a running record easily.

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• Read With Me - this app allows students to develop their reading skills, and is targeted for younger readers. There are illustrated stories, and it incorporates speech recognition, so students can read aloud and practice pronunciation. It gives them areas to improve in, and they work through different levels, so it is engaging for them. Teachers can monitor their progress easily as well.

Microsoft Store:

• Fun With Words - this app provides students with an opportunity to practice vocabulary. It gives them a chance to hear the words read aloud to them, and to choose the picture that is appropriate for the word from a selection of four words. I think this would be a fun way to practice vocabulary for students.

• Endless Alphabet - this app would work well for young readers. It incorporates cute monsters to help students build their vocabulary. The words include interactive puzzles with talking letters, and they have small animated videos to give students the definition. This could also be used as a precursor to the app Endless Reader.

Google Play Store:

• Fluency Tutor - this app allows students to record passages, and to practice pre-recorded ones. Students can pick passages to work on at their own pace. As a teacher, you can assign certain readings to students, as well as to provide feedback to them as they progress.

• Starfall Learn to Read - this app is part of the Starfall program, where young readers work on different vowel sounds and related spellings. Students can interact with this program by hearing, touching and reading, and completing different activities, songs and movies. It strengthens the connections between written and spoken language for students.

Apple Store:

• Red Apple Reading - this is the beginning of a series of apps that teach students how to read. There are multiple books that are 3-D and pop-up, and they practice different blending and vowel sounds. Students can read along, or they can choose to have the stories read to them. The stories increase in difficulty, and this is a great app for beginning or struggling readers.

• abc Pocket Phonics - this app teaches letter sounds in small groups and encourages blending them to sound out words. It has students play games that build their skills in reading by teaching them the sounds letters make.

I enjoyed looking into the different apps with this activity - I can see the value in using all of them with students who are struggling to read. I am looking forward to being back in class next time!!