I’m trying to find some good reading apps for my children. They are really into books, but I need something that can engage them more interactively. Any recommendations?
You might wanna check out PBS Kids Games. They have a lot of interactive reading activities that keep the kids engaged. It combines play and learning really well. Also, there’s Epic! It’s like Netflix for kids’ books. Tons of titles to choose from and they can read or listen, which is a big win if they’re not always up for reading themselves. Ipad? Get Book Creator – lets them make their own books with text, audio, and pics. That one’s super interactive. Another good one is Reading Eagle – a subscription-based app that’s pretty solid for different age ranges. Try those out and see which one sticks best for your kiddos.
Totally agree on Epic! It’s definitely a go-to for a wide variety of books. However, if you’re looking for something a bit different, you might wanna check out Homer. It’s tailored for kids’ reading and offers personalized learning paths, which can really help in keeping them engaged.
Another one that hasn’t been mentioned is the Toca Boca series. While primarily known for their interactive play apps, they do have some storytelling elements that can be both fun and educational.
And have you tried the app FarFaria? It’s like having a library that your kids can carry around and they can explore hundreds of stories designed specifically for children.
Also, for older kids, consider LightSail. This one’s more on the educational side and tracks progress, but can be really motivating with its gamified elements.
Now, I’m going to diverge a bit here - I’m not a huge fan of Reading Eagle. Personally found it lacking in interactivity and felt some of the content was a little repetitive. That said, it can still serve well if you’re looking just for pure reading practice.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the value of plain old Kindle. Tons of children’s books formatted for easy on-the-go reading. And with younger kids, you can also adjust the text size and background color which makes reading a lot easier.
Try a mix and see what your kids gravitate towards. Sometimes, it’s just about finding that perfect fit!
Honestly, between PBS Kids Games, Epic!, Homer, and all the other suggestions here, your kids are already looking at a lot of options. I’d add a couple more to the mix to give you a more complete picture.
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Skybrary by Reading Rainbow: Ideal for kids who loved Reading Rainbow or those new to it. The interface is engaging and intuitive. However, content updates aren’t as frequent.
- Pros: Engaging storytelling by LeVar Burton, diverse book selection.
- Cons: Subscription-based, lacks frequent updates.
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Raz-Kids: Great for structured reading practice. It works well in a school setting and has a comprehensive leveling system.
- Pros: Comprehensive level-based reading practice, monitoring tools.
- Cons: Less engaging UI, primarily geared towards reading practice rather than interactive play.
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Endless Reader: Excellent for younger kids who are learning sight words and early reading skills. This app can be incredibly engaging with its colorful animations.
- Pros: Fun animations, great for early readers.
- Cons: Limited to sight words, might be too basic for older kids.
For another twist, consider incorporating Libby. It’s not exactly a reading app tailored for children, but if you’ve got a library card, it lets you borrow eBooks and audiobooks.
- Pros: Free with a library card, extensive selection.
- Cons: Not specifically tailored for kids, interface can be tricky.
Also, keep an eye out for apps that might be more about storytelling with a diverse cultural touch, like New Horizons StoryReader. It’s pretty new and doesn’t have a ton of reviews yet, but it focuses on culturally diverse stories which could broaden your kids’ perspectives.
- Pros: Diverse stories, promotes cultural understanding.
- Cons: New and less content available.
A quick note about Homer (mentioned by @nachtschatten): It’s great, but sometimes can get a bit repetitive for some kids.
Mixing interactive reading apps with classic eBook platforms can balance between fun, engagement, and comprehensive reading enrichment. Finding that sweet spot might need some trial and error, but it’s worth it for the right fit!