Brook and Robyn attended the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention in Atlanta this year. While many sessions were attended, we walked away with a wealth of new technology information we would like to share in this issue of our newsletter. We have highlighted a few of our favorite apps for the iphone/ipad but have linked to the complete list of favorites with our own personal reviews on each one. We hope you find this information useful and are able to check out our individual websites, Facebook page etc for more information, highlighted articles, TIPS OF THE DAY and useful resources.
Favorite apps:
Brook and I have found many of these apps useful in more ways than one. We have found that children are motivated by the iPad and the games beyond their intent. Kids can “earn” time to play the games and/or they can use the apps to work on following directions, vocabulary and building language skills. Below you fill find our individual highlighted / favorite apps and a more extensive list linked to each of our sites as well.
As far as $cost$ goes, many of the apps listed are either free or .99 yet there are some that range from $4.99 to $9.99 or even higher. Some allow you to try the app out for free under the ‘lite’ version but then require you to pay an ‘in app’ fee to upgrade to get more content or buy a completely different fuller version. Be aware of sales and “free app friday” from a group called “Moms with Apps” to assist with getting more apps for free. Note: Many apps do updates for free and you benefit from additional content within the app with each update as well as any bug fixes.
Monkey (Lunchbox/Math)
This series works on PK skills including math, patterning, shapes, counting, following directions etc. This is an all around super app to address independent learning and mastery of necessary skills at an early age.
Monkey Preschool Lunchbox in App Store
Articulation Station/Little Bee Speech
*Worth buying the whole set if you have a child that needs to work on more than just a few sounds* Good variety of words, matching game/repetition, sentences, recording, email option to send to parents for carryover. Collects data as well.
Articulation Station in App Store
Click here to see full list of our Favorite Therapy Apps.
Therapist Highlight…
Michelle Falco has been working with special needs children since 2005, implementing programs that utilize ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and Floortime techniques. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Kennesaw State University in 2006 and is in pursuit of Board Certification in ABA. She has provided supplemental therapy, reinforced IEP goals in the home, and obtained extensive experience with children working as a Homeschool teacher, Tutor, Nanny, and Therapist.
She addresses behavioral and emotional needs specific to the child, and executes activities practicing life skills and social development. She also administers fine/gross motor mobility exercises, audtory/visual processing activities, as well as oral motor/language exercises. Her expertise includes working with diagnoses such as; A.D.H.D., Autism, Aspbergers, Down Syndrome, Cornelia De Lange Syndrome, and developmentally delayed individuals ages 6 months to 16 years old.
She is familiar with American Sign Language and has obtained Level 1 Handwriting Without Tears Certification.
[email protected]
(678) 887-0449