Category Archives: Education

Great apps for kids: BASHO and Friends

May 22, 2013

Basho and Friends is one of Reading Kingdom’s recommended great apps for kids. Tim Donovan from YogiPlay explains why:

“At YogiPlay, speaking multiple languages in our office is as common as the average person grabbing a cup of coffee from Starbucks as they head into work; on any given day, you’ll hear French, Spanish, Hindi, Hebrew, Mandarin or Farsi being spoken in conference rooms, hallways and lunchrooms.

These languages reflect the true diversity of our engineers, product managers, developer relations, marketing or business development executives who come to YogiPlay from many wonderful countries and cultures around the world. We can tell you from experience that having multiple native language speakers on our team has been invaluable for partnership discussions and developing new business relationships with leading international mobile learning app developers.

One neat thing we’ve noticed is that the children of our international team members (who we lovingly refer to as “Yogi-kids”) all speak multiple languages, and several of the Yogi-kids can actually go in and out of conversations using up to 3 languages at a time.

Imagine what their language skills will be like when our Yogi-kids are ready to go to university!

Because we really understand the value and appreciate the benefits of being multilingual, we thought it might be nice to recommend a great learning app called BASHO & Friends Language Fun, which teaches young children basic multilingual skills.

With BASHO & Friends, children will experience an interactive, musically-themed edu-game that encourages them to explore new languages and cultures by visiting a fun virtual neighborhood.

Parents, please note that mom or dad should help kids select a game language (language to learn) and then the instructional language (native language to help with instruction) before children begin playing with the app.

Once the app is launched, children can select from any number of BASHO & Friends language activities, including:

★ Dress-up: Children get to dress up BASHO’s main character, Croco, to get him ready for a trip through the virtual neighborhood. This activity contains a learning mode that lets children hear different language words for clothing items and specific colors.

★ Wheel of Animals: Children listen to the sounds of eight animals (horse, bee, dog, chicken, cow, pigs, cat, duck), followed by the pronunciation of animal names in multiple languages. They’ll also see corresponding written words to help with learning reinforcement.

★ Music Videos: Kids will have fun watching a variety of music-themed videos based on popular songs that introduce the ABCs in English, Spanish and Mandarin.

According to BASHO & Friends, the number of languages available and the number of city locations kids can visit will expand greatly with future releases.

If you’re a parent who would like to give your child the gift of language, try BASHO & Friends today! You might be surprised how quickly your child picks up words from new languages.”
When looking for the best apps for kids available, visit us for app reviews and free educational resources. And sign up for our free 30 day trial to see our award winning approach to teaching reading and writing that has thousands of parents and teachers raving!

YogiPlay

YogiPlay is the first personalized mobile learning apps recommendation engine designed specifically for children from ages 3 to 8. YogiPlay provides parents with valuable insight into their child’s learning and play patterns, along with meaningful personalized app recommendations tailor-made to meet each child’s specific learning needs. YogiPlay is available on Apple devices, Android tablets and smart-phones, so look for YogiPlay-boosted apps in your preferred app marketplace.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

About Our Online Reading Program, apps for kids, Education

How to Find Educational Apps for Kids

May 21, 2013

apps-for-kids
With new apps emerging daily, finding the right ones for your kids can be a task as you sort through thousands of already available apps on the market. Julie Laviolette shares some of her favorite places to find educational apps for kids:

“Parents looking for educational apps have to do their homework. With more than 700,000 apps on iTunes alone, searching for quality apps can be overwhelming. But independent app review sites, often run by parents or teachers, can offer much-needed guidance.

“Finding great educational and fun apps for kids can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, unless you have a few trusted and unbiased review sites to rely on,” said Carisa Kluver, a mom and founder of Digital-Storytime.com.

The biggest challenge that educational app shoppers face is that app stores lump apps together in huge categories.

“Shoppers are surrounded by a world of people whose best interest it is to sell them an app with very few clear, knowledgeable voices saying the things we do,” said Ron Engel, who runs SmartAppsForKids.com.

Here are six sites that can help:

Digital-Storytime

With more than 600 reviews of iPad book apps for readers 2-12, Digital Storytime rates apps on educational value, originality, animation and interactivity. Users can sort by category, language, age group and price. The site also has top 10 lists, news of free and discounted apps, and “The Digital Media Diet” blog about digital publishing and parenting in the digital age.

EdApps4Sale

Run by Digital Storytime, this site is a good resource for the bargain shopper. It lists price drops and free apps in the book app, educational apps and game app categories.

SmartAppsForKids

With 1.2 million visits in 2012, this is the kids’ app site with the most traffic. “We give bad reviews and publish them. There are almost no kids’ app review sites that do that,” owner Ron Engel said. “But I think if you truly want to serve your readers, you want to be a resource that they can rely on for honesty and as much info as possible.” The site reviews kids’ educational apps, games and books. There is a “Top 100 Free Apps” list and a “Good Free App of the Day” feature.

AppyMall

AppyMall, a marketplace for educational apps, was launched by Technology in Education, a popular review site, to help teachers and parents find quality children’s apps. AppyMall allows users to search for educational apps by grade level and learning skill, such as math, language arts, or reading. Apps are divided into anchor stores that organize book, game and educational apps into categories such as preschool, elementary school, middle school, speech and language, special needs and apps with lesson plans.

TeachersWithApps

Co-founded by educators Jayne Clare and Anne Rachel, this site offers reviews based on extensive field-testing by parents, teachers and children. “Our site is a top notch, reliable resource for truly educational apps,” Rachel said. “We are currently in the process of developing an App Certification Program. Apps will have to meet certain criteria to earn this honor.”

TheiMums

The iMums are a group of four moms who met online while searching for and reviewing apps for their own children. The iMums are founder Amanda Powell of Australia, Alison Hirst of the U.S., Grace Shirley Chong of Singapore and Mary Mahon, a United Kingdom native now living in the U.S. Collectively, the group has 11 children ages 1 to 18.

“We are all part of one global community of parents, teachers, therapists and developers from around the world who come together to talk about the best children’s apps, and how to make them even better,” Mahon said. “It is amazing to work with the other iMums from around the globe. We have a common goal of ensuring that our children get the best learning opportunities from these devices and are protected from inappropriate content.”

(*Note: Check out two more of our favorite sites that have great apps for kids, Kindertown and YogiPlay!)

If you’re looking for even more great apps for kids, complete with thorough reviews and much more, visit the Reading Kingdom. You can also sign up for our free 30 day trial to see how our award winning approach helps children learn to read and write up to a third grade level.

Julie Laviolette

Julie Landry Laviolette is a mom of two, parenting journalist and founder of Story Bayou, which creates interactive book apps for kids 8-12. Her first book app, Brush of Truth, was named 2012 Media of the Year in Interactive Books by Creative Child Magazine, and has been recognized nationally for its appeal to reluctant readers.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Activities for kids, apps for kids, Education, Kids Learning Websites

20 Classic Books for Children: Part One

May 16, 2013

Reading with children has been a positive practice for many years, and the vast selection of classic books for children guarantees that this tradition will carry on for many generations to come.

We’ve reviewed many children’s books in the past, now we’re counting down 20 of our favorite classics. So without further delay…

Here’s part one of our 20 classic books for children countdown:

20. A Wrinkle in Time

At #20, “A Wrinkle In Time” by Madeleine L’Engle is a classic tale of good vs. evil.

This intricate story of “A Wrinkle in Time” follows main characters Meg and Charles as they venture through the depths of space to find their missing father, a physicist who is believed to have run off. They must rely on their individual and collective strengths as they delve deep within themselves to find answers.

This timeless tale is full of warmth and love that also offers a phenomenal experience in challenging concepts of time and space.

19. The Snowy Day

Waking up to freshly fallen snow is enough to kindle the childhood spirit in us all. Read along with your children as “The Snowy Day” follows a boy who celebrates the snowy day, experimenting with footprints, knocking snow from a tree, creating snow angels, and trying to save a snowball for the next day.

This Caldecott Medal winner by Ezra Jack Keats is one that you and your child can enjoy again and again.

18. Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by his Good Mouse Amos

Find out who the “real” originator of Franklin’s most important contributions is when you and your children read “Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos” by Robert Lawson

This light-hearted biography of Benjamin Franklin as told by his mouse, Amos is perfect for kids ages 7 and older.

17. The Cricket in Times Square
The Cricket in Times Square changes the lives of a host of New Yorkers. Little Chester from Connecticut unwittingly ends up in the Big Apple after jumping into the picnic basket of some unsuspecting New Yorkers.

This story by Garth Williams is a surprisingly suspenseful tale that your children will remember for years.

16. Rosie’s Walk

“Rosie’s Walk” by Pat Hutchins is a book that relies on pictures and offers few words. In it, a rather clueless chicken, Rosie, goes out for a walk. Unbeknownst to Rosie, a fox is following her every move. However, every attempt he makes to capture her fails because she unwittingly does something to put him out of commission.

This delightful book is appropriate for children in the preschool age and for beginning readers.

15. Richard Scarry’s Best Storybook Ever

Children are magically attracted to “Richard Scarry’s Best Storybook Ever” as they’ll surely return to it again and again. From home, to school, to the neighborhood, to the zoo and on and on, this amazing author and illustrator brings the world to a child’s fingertips.

This book also serves as a great aid for adults, including relevant illustrations that can be referenced whenever a child requests an explanation of an unfamiliar name (such as locomotive, shutter, or appliance). Along with being a great book, it is also wonderful for building vocabulary!

14. The Wind in the Willows

“The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame is a wonderful story about friendship and life.

This wonderful story also dives deeper into our lives, including key insights via an enormously rich language that also does wonders for children’s verbal skills.

13. My Father’s Dragon

“My Father’s Dragon” by Ruth Stiles Gannet is an incredible fantasy-filled adventure. This exciting read-aloud for younger readers will also keep adults entertained as it is read again and again.

12. Little House in the Big Woods

“Little House in the Big Woods” by Laura Ingalls Wilder makes history come alive. This classic book for children conveys powerful messages of overcoming adversity through the struggles and accomplishments of a family who works together to overcome difficult conditions.

11. Island of the Blue Dolphins

This children’s book is a perfect example of the ability of a book to take us to places far beyond the ones we know.

Based on a true story, “Island of the Blue Dolphins” by Scott O’Dell follows a teenage girl and her 7-year-old brother in an adventurous tale of survival and mystery on a deserted island after being left behind by their tribe.

Have your kids read any or all of these classic books for children? Share which ones they love most in the comments below!

For children who have yet to learn to read, be sure to visit Reading Kingdom. Our online reading program teaches children to read up to a third grade level, while disguised as a game. Read testimonials of parents and teachers, then sign up for a no-risk 30 day trial to see how Lingo and company teaches children how to read using all six skills needed for literacy success!

Lingo the Owl

I’m Lingo, the owl. You can find me in my favorite game of all time – the Reading Kingdom! Come play with me in the online reading program that’s disguised as a game.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

About Our Online Reading Program, Books, Education, Reading Strategies for Kids, Teaching a Child to Read

Lingo Likes Family Literacy!

May 14, 2013

“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” – Emilie Buchwald

The importance of family reading time cannot be overstated. Years of research has shown endless benefits associated with reading to children and it remains a strong indicator of future academic success. Lingo flies all over the internet to find the best sites for kids, parents and educators alike and that’s why today’s site Lingo likes is The National Center for Family Literacy at Famlit.org. Here’s more about them from their website:
best-websites-for-kids
“Our emphasis is on family literacy for a simple reason – study after study shows that family, home and community are the true drivers of a child’s education. Consider:

• Children’s reading scores improve dramatically when their parents are involved in helping them learn to read.

• Low family income and a mother’s lack of education are the two biggest risk factors that hamper a child’s early learning and development.

Literacy is essential to success in today’s economy, now more than ever. The family literacy approach harnesses the strength of parent-child bonds to help those who are most at risk of failing economically, emotionally and socially. We build success by strengthening their confidence, increasing their ability and broadening their outlook. The results have an impact on a personal level as well as a national one.”

If your children are four or older, they can learn to read at Reading Kingdom. Our award-winning, patented reading software has taught thousands of children to read. Read testimonials from parents and educators, then click here to sign up for a free 30 day trial of our interactive reading program.

Lingo the Owl

I’m Lingo, the owl. You can find me in my favorite game of all time – the Reading Kingdom! Come play with me in the online reading program that’s disguised as a game.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

About Our Online Reading Program, Education, Family, Parenting Tips, Reading for Kids and Kids Learning Websites, Sites we like

Celebrate Children’s Book Week!

May 13, 2013

Children's Book Week

“There is no substitute for books in the life of a child.” -Mary Ellen Chase (1887-1973, an American educator and author)

Sharing a great children’s book with a child can be a memorable moment in his or her life, as well as one that can influence him or her to become a lifelong reader. To celebrate children’s book week, we’re reviewing some of our favorite books for kids, as well as some of the top children’s books you can buy your child. But first, here’s more about Children’s Book Week from the official website:

“Established in 1919, Children’s Book Week is the longest-running literacy initiative in the country. Every year, author and illustrator appearances, storytelling, parties, and other book-related events are held at schools, libraries, bookstores, museums, and homes from coast to coast! Children’s Book Week is administered by Every Child A Reader, a non-profit literacy foundation, and sponsored by the Children’s Book Council.”

Read 5 ways to pick picture books for kids to select your children’s books for the week. Once you know which types of books you’d like to read with the family, you can click here to see seven great, classic books that children love and also see our top 10 children’s books to buy for your child. If you’re looking to read something even more historic with your child, check out our amazing online collection of rare children’s books!

If your children want to learn to read, click here for a free 30 day trial of the Reading Kingdom. Our online reading program has successfully taught thousands of children to learn to read and we have the testimonials to prove it!

Lingo the Owl

I’m Lingo, the owl. You can find me in my favorite game of all time – the Reading Kingdom! Come play with me in the online reading program that’s disguised as a game.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

About Our Online Reading Program, Books, Children's Books, Education, Reading for Kids and Kids Learning Websites, Teaching a Child to Read