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How to Use iPads/Tablets to Build Skills
How to Use iPads/Tablets to Build Skills
The American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA] has a comprehensive list of recommended paid and free apps [click here]. The Inspired Treehouse also has their own list of Occupational Therapy Apps. Below are my recommendations!
* Remember to use good posture and body mechanics when using the phone or tablet, to prevent muscle and/or eye fatigue.
*If you have access to a stylus use that to promote mature grasp or ensure your child uses an isolated pointer finger when using the iPad
*Change position [i.e. lay on your stomach to build core strength, sit at the table, prop up the iPad, etc.] and take breaks when using technology!
Typing Apps
Typing Apps
Tap Typing
Tap Typing
[Get it here for Apple only]
Use the game and timer on this simple app to find out your typing speed per minute.
Snap Type
Snap Type
[Get it here for Apple]
Many students use this to complete worksheets at school regularly! This OT app helps students with difficulties writing by allowing them to take a picture of a worksheet and use the iPad keyboard to type in answers.
Adobe Fill & Sign
Adobe Fill & Sign
[Get it here for Apple]
Very similarly to Snap Type, Adobe Fill & Sign, is a newer [& FREE!] app that may be easier for students to navigate. It allows the same type on pictures of worksheet features.
Fine/Visual Motor & Dexterity Apps
Fine/Visual Motor & Dexterity Apps
Magic Piano
Magic Piano
[Get it here for Android & Here for Apple]
Play popular songs effortlessly on this piano game. A large catalog of songs allows users to play the piano by tracking and tapping colored dots on the screen!
Doodle Buddy
Doodle Buddy
[Get it here for Apple]
This is a clean and simple drawing app that offers different colored pens, stamps, shapes, text, and all kinds of colored/textured backgrounds for kids to draw on. Joy Doodle has similiar offerings.
Dexteria
Dexteria
[Get it here for Apple]
This app offers three different activities that may be suited best for older kids. The app includes a finger isolation activity, an activity to encourage grasping, and a writing/tracing activity. There is also an option to enter multiple users to store and track data and progress. This is a paid app [$3.99] Dexteria Jr. is also great!
Handwriting & Tracing Apps
Handwriting & Tracing Apps
Writing Wizard
Writing Wizard
[Get it here for Apple]
This would be my #1 recommendation for a tracing app as it is very engaging, customizable and motivating for children, however, this app costs $4.99.
LetterSchool
LetterSchool
[Get it here for Apple]
Alphabet tracing and words spelling app recommended and used by parents, teachers, and occupational therapists! There is a free (limited vesion as well as a paid full version).
HWT Wet Dry Try
HWT Wet Dry Try
[Get it here for Apple]
This app uses the language and stroke sequence taught in the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum that many of our OT students have been using to learn letter formation. There is a free (limited vesion as well as a paid full version).
Visual Perceptual Skill Apps
Visual Perceptual Skill Apps
Hidden Pictures Puzzle Play
Hidden Pictures Puzzle Play
[Get it here for Apple]
Highlights’ world-famous Hidden Pictures puzzles! Target visual figure ground, scanning, and visual discrimination skills in this fun game!
Letter Cross Tracking
Letter Cross Tracking
[Get it here for Apple]
The Letter Cross Tracking App improves visual tracking skills, visual discrimination skills and spatial relationship skills. Developed by an Occupational Therapist.
Unroll Me
Unroll Me
[Get it here for Apple]
Guide the white ball to the red GOAL block by moving the slots. Unroll Me is the smash hit puzzle game that is easy to learn but hard to master.
Executive Functioning Apps
Executive Functioning Apps
Rush Traffic
Rush Traffic
[Get it here for Apple]
Challenge your problem solving, frustration tolerance, planning, visual percetpual skills and concentration in this fun FREE game.
How to Make Origami
How to Make Origami
[Get it here for Apple]
Pair some direction following. sequencing, sustained attention and self momnitoring skills with this fun fine motor activity that is easy to complete at home!
Visual Timer
Visual Timer
[Get it here for Apple]
Help manage time, indicate the start and end to tasks, and improve independence in self monitoring and time mangement with the use of visual timers.
Life Skills Apps
Life Skills Apps
Ready Set Dial
Ready Set Dial
[Get it here for Apple]
Ready Set Dial! helps cover the basics of both phone usage and safety with a working phone simulator. Kids can go through the actual steps to learn how to call home, 911, or any other important phone numbers.
iDo Hygiene
iDo Hygiene
[Get it here for Apple]
iDo Hygiene is an innovative and comprehensive app for learning the most common personal hygiene daily activities (teeth brushing, shampooing , hand washing, toilet training, taking a shower , public bathroom, etc.).
iDo Getting Dressed
iDo Getting Dressed
[Get it here for Apple]
Helps individuals getting dressed independently. Visual and audio prompts on how to put on clothing and proper dress for situations. Can be customized to include the individual’s actual clothing.
Self Regulation & Sensory Apps
Self Regulation & Sensory Apps
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
[Get it here for Android or Here for Apple]
Help a Sesame Street monster calm down and solve challenges with this research-based app.
Super Stretch Yoga
Super Stretch Yoga
[Get it here for Apple]
Super Stretch is a fun, interactive yoga app created for kids, used by the whole family!
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