5 Apps to Keep Our Students Busy
by Kat Castañeda
Also in this issue
Did you know that screen time could also be good for kids? According to a report from Joan Ganz Cooney Center entitled “The New Coviewing: Designing for Learning through Joint Media Engagement”, learning will take place effectively with multiple people interacting together using digital and traditional media. That said, it is up to us adults to decide on the apps we will be happy to use with and for our students. But before you click the download button, know the characteristics of a good app first.
It should be socially interactive. If there are more taps and swipes rather than just mere viewing, then it’s worth purchasing. Apps that give more questions rather than answers are also great to get adults’ involvement as they help in solving simple tasks with the kids. You may also want to try apps that are of the child’s interest. Is he into dinosaurs? Does he love eating ice cream? There are numerous apps that are theme-based which the child might find appealing. Lastly, there should be no pop-ups in the middle of the game to keep the child’s focus. I’m sure we can all relate to this, right? We’ve listed down 5 apps that students can enjoy to get you started. Plus, they are free!
#1 Math Games: Singapore Maths
Ages 6 to 8, Android and iOS (FREE)
Most schools, if not all, have already adapted the Singapore approach to teaching Math. And like us teachers, we are sometimes puzzled as to how we are supposed to teach the 3-step learning process when we grew up with a different method? While there are numerous textbooks and worksheets you can count on and review before teaching the kids, this app contains videos, songs and interactive games that use concrete objects to understand abstract concepts easier. Download it now and you too can have fun with numbers!
Endless Reader
Ages 4 to 8, Android and iOS (FREE)
Labeled as Editor’s Choice, Endless Reader makes learning new words exciting. When the child has familiarized himself with the letters of the alphabet, introduce the app for independent beginning reading. Cute character monsters introduce commonly used sight words and their context using word puzzles that move. Words will surely stick to your young one’s mind when they see “dog” as a barking dog or the word “up” reaching to the sky! Instead of using flash cards for practice, flash the words with just a tap and see how well your students can do.
Batibot TV
Ages 3 to 9, Android (FREE)
Adults who grew up watching this morning TV program will feel nostalgic as the characters come alive again in their mobile devices. Children will get to watch and download “Kuwentong Batibot” episodes, learn and practice tracing their ABCs, and sing along with Filipino children’s songs. The aim of this app is to promote the development of literacy skills as well as love for the Filipino language. You can also use newly learned songs during “Circle Time” or discussion period in class.
Inventioneers
Ages 9 to 11, Android and iOS (FREE)
Aside from learning scientific facts from this app, kids can make their own inventions! Through the featured games, children are able to learn about air, fire, magnets and simple Physics concepts. Kids will collect over 40 objects they can use to make their most unique and weirdest inventions. This app can also be used for teachers who’d like students to share their work with everyone in the class. Definitely fun and interactive!
MoMa Art Lab
Ages 7 and above, iOS (FREE)
Let budding artists explore their creative side with the features this app has to offer. Art activities include creating your own mobile, drawing from instructions, experimenting with paint, collage-making and collaborating on a group drawing. Discover the works of artists including Henri Matisse, Alexander Calder, Elizabeth Murray and more. Kids are into messy art activities involving paint, beads and other sensory materials, so this app will come in handy if you’re on travel or just plain stuck in heavy traffic. Kids will be able to express their art without really making a mess. For Art teachers, use this to show a demo to the class and create a model before doing the actual art activity.
Adults need to instill healthy digital habits both at home and in school. Show kids that tablets and mobile devices should be used in moderation and be reminded that physical conversations are still best. These apps will develop different skills but gadget-free time and hands-on experience are still your best bet.
For further reading:
Research says screen time can be good for your kids – Forbes
Educational Apps: 6 features that truly help kids learn – OurPact
Enticing Kids Academy Singapore Math App – SoCal Field Trips
