Educational Apps for iPad

Using an iPad (or something similar) is a stress-free, fun way for a child to learn. They are cheaper than a computer, more portable, and typically the battery lasts much longer than with a laptop. Once you've gotten past the initial purchase cost (about $550) of the actual iPad, most applications from iTunes are pretty inexpensive.  The majority are under $10 – many are even free to try! The positive stories of how effective they are seem to be abundant.

It is amazing watching children use iPads, iPods and iPhones. Many parents start out by lending their 'gadget' to their child as a way to occupy or entertain them in the car or restaurant.  In fact, a recent article stated that "75 percent of mothers regularly hand their phones over to their kids."

Often children master our phones, iPods or iPads even before we have even gotten past the ‘Settings’ part! Watching a child with special needs use an iPad, however, just makes your jaw drop. They quickly learn what to press in order to get where they want, and manouver through games and educational apps with what seems like ease. Parents are overwhelmed at what their children are accomplishing while using educational apps with them, or on their own.

Multitudes of studies are now being done around the world assessing the effectiveness of iPads and educational apps within the general classroom, within smaller groups of children with varying special needs, as well as on an individual basis with specific children. One study being done by a University of Toronto professor is tracking 36 kids with developmental disabilities while using iPads. Thus far in her study, she sites improvements among students with varying special needs, including those who are nonverbal. She also has noted increasing communication, with social skills improving as children engage with their peers over common interests in the iPad.

Many schools in various countries have already jumped 'on board' the iPad learning curve and outfitted incoming Kindergarten classes - or even entire schools! They believe that using iPads is a great way to diversify learning tools within the classroom.

eReadingPro's Educational App

In keeping with the trend of expansion into iPads and educational apps, eReadingPro decided to create an educational app for reading which is based on our original reading program. Our new app for reading is called eReadingToGo! and has all new vocabulary, following a similar style building-block process as its parent program. 

This app will work hand-in-hand with our existing reading program as an enhancement, or separately as an educational tool. Since there is no defined 'schedule' in using the app, we suggest to still begin with the full program. The consistency and repetition provided in our CD/DVD version is extremely important. The app however, is a fun extra that can only enhance your child's learning. The extra 'games' within our educational app allows your child to move letters around to create the words that they learn via flashcard. This method reinforces the comprehension of the word by showing them how each word is put together.

For a more in-depth description of our educational app for reading, visit eReadingToGo!

To download eReadingToGo! from iTunes click here.