As technology becomes the vehicle though most transactions occur, it is often also the portal through which we are exposed to new information. It’s similar to the way it has been for many decades, only now kids are learning about shapes and colors through interactive games than from a talking bird on Sesame Street. With education reform shifting toward new standards, students need to be practicing the creative skills that will help them better their understanding of core concepts. Let’s look at some mobile apps that address some of the expected learning skills of the Common Core Standards.
Scootpad
Scootpad offers activities in both math and English, specifically designed to meet the benchmarks set by the Common Core Standards. Aimed at elementary students, this app breaks concepts and activities down into a format which is easy to understand. Teachers and parents can connect to this app and check each student’s individual progress toward the class goals, highlighting the areas which need to be reviewed in class or at home.
Alphabet Zoo
This app is aimed at students who are just entering or are about the enter school for the first time. According to Alphabet Zoo’s description, the app’s literacy activities are aimed for students who are between the ages of two and six. This way, students are able to familiarize themselves with the Common Core skills before they ever set foot in a classroom. Through animated characters and word association patterns, kids are able to begin reading at a very early age.
Virtual Manipulatives
This is helpful for students who are having a difficult time grasping the concept of fractions. Through a series of colorful combinations, Virtual Manipulatives offers an interactive way to understand math. Its simple design makes it easy for even the youngest students to use. Virtual Manipulatives has probably shown up in your app store even if you aren’t a student or a teacher, because it frequently finds its way onto the list of Apple Staff Favorites. Oh, did I mention that this app is free?
Word Wizard
Word Wizard allows students to move words around on a grid after hearing them spoken aloud, giving them practice with both spelling and basic word association. Kids love the flashy excitement and fun games which make them choose this educational game. They might not even realize that they are learning, but the skills will become imprinted in their mind to give them a headstart with the Common Core Standards. Word Wizard is only $0.99 in the App Store.
iTooch
With nearly 20,000 activities surrounding the Common Core Standards for learning in math, language arts, and even science, it is no wonder than parents and teachers continue to rave about this resource. iTooch is easily customizable and makes tracking a student’s progress easy. All of the exercises are directly correlated to the standards and have an application factor outside the classroom as well. This is definitely an app to mention to your students.