Apps

There are so many choices out there! We do enjoy using apps with our kids because they are usually so motivating! However, we also want to be sure to communicate our underlying philosophy, which is: Apps are great to use in a mindful way. When carefully chosen and used interactively, apps can create many rich learning opportunities. For example, they can support reciprocal interactions, they can motivate children to master fine motor movements, they can teach language concepts or expand vocabulary, and they can provide problem solving opportunities. We appreciate all that technology brings to our world. However, we also believe strongly that apps do not replace in any way true 1:1 interaction with another person. So, when we do use an app, we use it thoughtfully, with a clear purpose, and for a set amount of time. With this in mind, here are some apps that we like to use .... in a mindful way!

Zone of Regulation - Reinforce and review ideas related to self regulation and emotional control taught through the Zones curriculum with the help of this app!

Rush Hour - a favorite for problem solving and turn taking! There is a free version too.

Wet Dry Try (Handwriting without Tears) - practice those letters at home - no chalkboard necessary when you use this app.

Scribblenauts - Very fun way to encourage thinking outside the box and problem solving. Challenges are presented and there are often many possible solutions.

SGM (Story Grammar Marker) - More practice forming narratives using components of the SGM by Mindwing Concepts.

iMovie - We love to make movies and trailers with kids using this app. Your kids will love it too!

Toca Boca (Monsters, Toca Train, Hair Salon, Toca Robot) - All great for vocabulary development, turn taking, and guaranteed laughs.

Duck Duck Moose (Fish School, Wheels on the Bus, Peekaboo Barn to name a few) - We like these for beginning talkers. Music and animation help to build vocabulary and increase spoken phrase length.

Toontastic - Another great app for creating stories and narratives

My Play Home is the original and best dolls house app. Massively interactive, your kids can explore and use everything in the house. The characters eat, sleep, shower, brush their teeth and more. Want the room to be darker? Close the drapes! Fancy a change in music? Pop a different CD into the stereo! No other doll house app comes close in interactivity, detail, ease of use and just plain fun!

Pogg is a great app to teach and practice verbs with kids.

Phonics Studio makes learning how to say words fun!

Speech Tutor lets you see how our mouths make each and every sound.

We also like Jane Farrall's site as she lists great apps for AAC and keeps up to date.

Here is a longer list of other apps that we like to use, please ask your therapist for appropriate apps for your child's needs.