15 of the Best Apps to Support Comprehension
E-books/ Readers:
Storia
Storyline Online - Actors read stories aloud for children
Websites
Starfall - early phonics building skills and games
Funbrain - includes fun reading games and activities, as well as mad libs, comics and books.
TEN FUN WAYS TO ENJOY READING THIS SUMMER (OR ANYTIME)
1. FIND A PEN PAL - use a friend they miss from school or a relative and have them write to one another. Writing helps to reinforce several important literacy skills and what is more fun than getting a letter in the mail!
2. GET BOOKS ON TAPE/CD OR I-POD- Listen to stories together. Most local libraries have a great selection in multiple forms that you can listen to together.
3. SUBSCRIBE TO A MAGAZINE - Highlights for Children, Sport Illustrated for Kids, National Geographic World are all wonderful magazines that can bring some variety to summer reading and give kids something to look forward to in the mail.
4. CREATE A SUMMER SCRAPBOOK - Take pictures of fun outings, trips, etc. and have children write the captions for the pictures. Once again, writing and reading go hand in hand and now they even have something they could share with their new class when they go back to school!
5. LET YOUR CHILD CHOOSE- let your child pick what they want to read. Find topics that interest them, characters they like, etc. It is extremely important for children read things that are interesting to them in order for them to become excited about reading. You can use the "Five Finger Test" to help find books that are at an appropriate reading level for your child.
6. VISIT THE LOCAL LIBRARY - The library is a wonderful resource for books and summer literacy programming. Even if you don't sign up for anything; get you AND YOUR CHILD a library card. They will be even more excited to get books with their own card!
7. USE NATURE OR TRAVEL - Get informational books about a location you are traveling to. Read fun facts, maps, etc. AAA has all kinds of free maps, books, and travel games. If you are staying home, read local bird, plant or books about constellations. It's fun to play detective and learn about things within your own environment.
8. USE MOVIES AS INSPIRATION - Read books from your child's favorite movie or new ones they can both watch and listen to. Talk about the differences between the book and the movie.
9. SET UP AN OUTDOOR (OR INDOOR) READING SPACE - Whether it's a basket under a tree or in a tent; reading can be most fun when you have a cozy space. Who doesn't want to read in a fort or tent?!
10. MODEL A LOVE OF READING - This one is simple. You read. If you don't do it, how do you expect your child to? Talk about what you are reading or even read the same book as your child. Reading is always more fun when it is shared.