Tag Archives: Apps for speech therapy

New Articulation App: Apraximations – Mouth Cues by Alissa Holloway

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New Articulation App: Apraximations – Mouth Cues by Alissa Holloway

I was thrilled to see that the full version of this app was finally released! I especially like the matching game and the free build option. It’s great to have another tool in my speechie toolkit to help kids who are at the very early stage of learning about production of speech sounds. I used the “free build” screen to show a patient side by side differences between his target sound vs. error sound. I saw him have an “ah ha” moment and get a couple of correct productions in imitation. Having the voice output paired with each visual was what helped. He kept tapping, looking and listening and then on his own imitated the target sound. He sustained attention much longer than I’ve ever gotten him to look at my mouth.

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Wishes for a future app update: It would be cool to have short video clips of each sound in addition to the pictures and then be able to select which you want to use on each activity screen.

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App Store: iPad only, iOS 10.2 or later, $14.99, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apraximations-mouth-cues/id1310186235?mt=8
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga (note: Facebook frequently changes the link to messaging so if this one doesn’t work head over to my page and click on the “Send Message” button)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 28 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

Top 7 SLP Therapy App Updates in 2017

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Many app developers spent 2017 focused on updating their apps to be compatible with iOS 11. Some updated their entire line of apps, some only updated a few apps and a few totally abandoned their apps. It’s always sad to see good apps disappear from the App Store. It’s why I have not updated most of my iPads to iOS 11. But there are a few bright spots to share where app developers actually added some exciting new features to apps in 2017. Here are seven of my favorite updates (listed in alphabetical order):
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Articulate It! Pro by Smarty Ears: added several fun new themes & improved existing themes, added the option for manual turn taking, added the option to switch the activity without having to start over, etc.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/articulate-it-pro/id391296844?mt=8
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Articulation Scenes by Smarty Ears: added /sk/ scene & on “Find the Hidden Items” activities the pics disappear when tapped.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/articulation-scenes/id498857302?mt=8
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Articulation Test Center Pro by Little Bee Speech: added automatic marking of phonological processes, option to add your own customized norms & option for continuous recording.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/articulation-test-center-pro/id700440156?mt=8
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Avaz FreeSpeech: added Spanish language option, support for multiple phrases, improved vocabulary organization and the ability to bypass prediction to create a wider variety of sentences

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/avaz-freespeech/id1047763490?mt=8
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Boo Articulation Helper by Bildligt talat AB: at my request they added the option for VC combinations to this new app.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/boo-articulation-helper/id1216642311?mt=8
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Feed Maxi Pro by Speak Eazy Apps: added new food items, optional hints, home button & two speed options (regular & double).

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/feed-maxi-pro/id706581884?mt=8
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Language Therapy 4-in-1 by Tactus Therapy Solutions Ltd.: has a fresh new look with more built-in supports for using the app.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/language-therapy-4-in-1/id525278822?mt=8
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Hoping to see a few more apps updated to be compatible with iOS 11 in 2018 and that app developers can then focus on creating more new apps for SLPs to use in therapy 😊
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga (note: Facebook frequently changes the link to messaging so if this one doesn’t work head over to my page and click on the “Send Message” button)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 28 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{Best 17 in ’17} Top 17 new apps for SLPs released in 2017

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{Best 17 in ’17} Top 17 new apps for SLPs released in 2017:

Here is a list of my top 17 favorite new apps released in 2017. Ranked based on being helpful with the most patients seen in OMazing Kids speech therapy this year. Prices are in the USA App Store (will vary elsewhere based on the exchange rate):

#1: Boo Articulation Helper by Bildligt talat AB, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/boo-articulation-helper/id1216642311?mt=8, $9.99. This app has motivated countless kids to imitate vowels, consonants, CV & VC combinations. Kids absolutely LOVE the Boo character. This app is worth it’s weight in speechie gold. Excited to hear they have more features being added in 2018. They offer a free lite version for those who want to try before you buy.

#2: Snap + Core First by Tobii Dynavox LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/snap-core-first/id1072799231?mt=8, FREE – has no voice output but ASHA certified SLPs can now get free access to the voice output. See these posts for info about how to activate the free voice output in the free version of the app:

They also have this free companion app filled with videos, tutorials and tips. It’s a very large app so make sure you have plenty of free space and a strong WiFi connection before downloading: Pathways for Core First by Tobii Dynavox LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pathways-for-core-first/id1187433636?mt=8

Tobii Dynavox has finally started an official Facebook group for users and several of their staff are quick to answer questions & troubleshoot issues: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tobiidynavoxcommunity

#3: Speech Tutor Educational by Synapse Apps, LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speech-tutor-educational/id1323272450?mt=8, $39.99. So many fantastic features packed into this new app (including their unique placement videos, minimal pairs, etc.). Includes kid-friendly & clean modes which makes the app suitable for any age patient. They also offer a subscription-based version of the app.

#4: Inference Pics by APTUS SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPY LTD, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/inference-pics/id1270407967?mt=8, $12.99. Includes the option to show or hide possible answers. When choices are shown there is a button on each choice that can be tapped to have it read aloud before selecting an answer. I love this feature! This makes the app customizable to a patient’s specific needs and accessible to those who may not be able to read. They offer a free lite version for those who want to try before you buy.

#5: Social Detective Intermediate by Social Skill Builder, Inc., https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/social-detective-intermediate/id1079442478?mt=8, $22.99. This app picks up where the Beginner leaves off and focuses on decoding the thoughts and emotions of people students interact with. Using this information, students will make smart guesses to predict what those people might do or say next.

#6: Conversation Starters: Social Skills for ASD Kids by Janine Toole, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/conversation-starters-social-skills-for-asd-kids/id1238325614?mt=8, $7.99. This app provides over 200 conversation-starting questions on a variety of topics. They offer a free lite version for those who want to try before you buy.

#7: Say It.. Or Not? Social Filter Skills: School Ed. by Janine Toole, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/say-it-or-not-social-filter-skills-school-ed/id1177251535?mt=8, $14.99. I am loving the content in this app! The scenarios provided are diverse and relatable. Although it takes a little longer for the app to load if you toggle on the “voice on” option, I highly suggest doing so. It will add the option for you to tap a speaker button on each item which then reads it to you. The voiceovers are very well done with great tones of voice. I appreciate that the developer included a way for the SLP to unlock all the content and go directly to an area they want to target. They offer a free lite version for those who want to try before you buy.

#8: Minimal Pairs for Speech Therapy by Innovative Investments Limited, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/minimal-pairs-for-speech-therapy/id1207483809?mt=8, 99 cents. ‘Cause a speechie can never have too many options for minimal contrast pairs. Love the large pics & it’s only 99 cents so great when parents ask for recommendations for apps for carryover at home.

#9: Sounds Essentials by Nabeel Ahmed Khan, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sounds-essentials/id1264473472?mt=8, FREE with $1.99 in-app purchase to unlock all the content. Fun app for auditory discrimination.

#10: Lively Letters – Phonemic Awareness & Phonics by Telian-Cas Learning Concepts Inc, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lively-letters-phonemic-awareness-phonics/id1217971701?mt=8, $24.99. A unique app that targets phonemic awareness, phonics, and speech production.

#11: aacorn Plus – Advanced AAC by aacorn, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aacorn-plus-advanced-aac/id1167373769?mt=8, $119.99. This version of the app includes over 7,000 SymbolStix symbols. I love that they are high contrast against a black background. I’ve found this app helpful for modeling sentence creation as well as for AAC.

#12: Make a Choice – AAC Buttons by pkclSoft, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/make-a-choice-aac-buttons/id1295966224?mt=8, $4.99. I enjoyed helping to beta-test this new simple AAC app. Very simple to use and affordable.

#13: Past Tenses With Splingo by The Speech And Language Store LLP, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/past-tenses-with-splingo/id969065228?mt=8, $2.99. Kids love learning regular & irregular past tense verbs with the Splingo character.

#14: Animal Fun Park Family Version by Filimundus AB, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/animal-fun-park-family-version/id1218307760?mt=8, $1.99. This app includes 15 fun mini games that are nice to use as short reinforcers during therapy. They offer a free lite version for those who want to try before you buy.

#15: Care for Our World by Sunbreak Games, LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/care-for-our-world/id1097364668?mt=8, $2.99 -> currently on sale for 99 cents. The beautiful rhyming words flow easily as you read or listen to it being read to you & inspire kids to think about all the gifts of nature and living creatures from forest, jungle, or sea that live in our world and a plea to take care of them. The illustrations are breathtaking! Really more works of art than just illustrations. This app brings them alive in an amazing way. I love the gentleness of both the words & illustrations. Both evoke feelings of calmness & kindness. I love that the message of caring for the earth is done in a kid-friendly way.

#16: Apraximations – Mouth Cues by Alissa Holloway, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apraximations-mouth-cues/id1310186235?mt=8, $14.99. This is the long awaited full version of this app. It just came out but I’ve already found it helpful with several patients.

#17: LudiTab Spatial Recognition by SEJER, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/luditab-spatial-recognition/id1275104117?mt=8, FREE. One in a series of eight new free apps that are well designed and have lots of great opportunities for targeting vocabulary, spatial concepts, sizes, colors, shapes, identifying sounds, following directions, etc. See this post: http://bit.ly/2CuTgD9.
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Honorable Mentions: Seventeen more apps released in 2017 that I loved using in OMazing Kids speech therapy (listed in alphabetical order):

* Alphabet Essentials – ABC App by Nabeel Ahmed Khan, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alphabet-essentials-abc-app/id1227619439?mt=8
* AR Talking Cards 4D by Nabeel Ahmed Khan, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ar-talking-cards-4d/id1287378112?mt=8
* Articulation Cards by Innovative Investments Limited, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/articulation-cards/id1242446215?mt=8
* Balloon Pop for Toddlers and Kids by Ozgur Erdem Cinar, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/balloon-pop-for-toddlers-and-kids/id1232794567?mt=8
* Big Break: The Acting Game by Emote Play Apps Inc., https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/big-break-the-acting-game/id987251778?mt=8
* Daniel Tiger for Parents by PBS KIDS, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/daniel-tiger-for-parents/id1185651115?mt=8
* First Words Checklist: Teacher Edition by Cognitive ToyBox, Inc., https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/first-words-checklist-teacher-edition/id1142675436?mt=8
* Five Big Dinosaurs by Inclusive Technology Ltd, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/five-big-dinosaurs/id1116604087?mt=8
* Good Night, Little Foresters by Fox and Sheep GmbH, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/good-night-little-foresters/id1300717402?mt=8
* Kuca Senses by Kuca Boom, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kuca-senses/id1258342667?mt=8
* Max & Meredith: The Search for Percival by Move On Pluto LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/max-meredith-the-search-for-percival/id1135323982?mt=8
* Mighty AAC by DANIEL M DUARTE JR, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mighty-aac/id1210591921?mt=8
* Outloud Citymals by Outloud, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/outloud-citymals/id1202245004?mt=8
* Reading Train – My First Books by The Learning Station, LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-train-my-first-books/id1201673979?mt=8
* Sago Mini Friends – Go on a playdate! by Sago Mini, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sago-mini-friends-go-on-a-playdate/id1245748156?mt=8
* Sweet Home Stories (Full) by PlayToddlers, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sweet-home-stories-full/id1201347351?mt=8
* Toontastic 3D by Google, Inc., https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/toontastic-3d/id1145104532?mt=8

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga (note: Facebook frequently changes the link to messaging so if this one doesn’t work head over to my page and click on the “Send Message” button)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 28 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{30 Free Kids Game Apps}

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{30 Free Kids Game Apps}

Here are 30 free kids game apps that have enough content to be helpful in therapy sessions. A few have in-app purchases or ads so be sure to have proper safeguards in your iPad settings. Some are older apps and may not work with iOS 11. Some may not always be free so be sure to double check prices before downloading.

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Looking for more great apps to use in therapy? Check out this blog post of apps for SLPs listed by goal areas: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2016/12/31/the-ipad-the-slp-in-2017-app-list-for-slps-sorted-by-goal-area/

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Be sure to “like” and follow my Facebook page where I post everyday about good apps that are either free, on sale for a great deal or new that day.
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga (note: Facebook frequently changes the link to messaging so if this one doesn’t work head over to my page and click on the “Send Message” button)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 28 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{App Review} Reading Train series of apps – great for early literacy and targeting core vocabulary for AAC

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Looking for high quality apps specifically designed for early readers? To go with classroom themes? Or to target core vocabulary for kids using AAC? Then check out the well designed series of apps by Libby Curran, an award winning teacher, at The Reading Train. Of course these apps will need to be on a separate device than the one being used for AAC.

Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead Books, Songs, Games by The Learning Station, LLC
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-train-full-steam-ahead-books-songs-games/id962171685?mt=8, $19.99

• over 200 books organized into 10 categories (story park, colors, shapes, numbers, animals, animal groups, creature features (body parts), life science, physical science & earth and space). The inclusion of science STEAM topics in early readers will be particularly helpful for those of us looking for age respectful resources to use with older patients/students who are still at an early reader level.
• Levels A, B & C. It’s great to have these levels within early readers so you can start off very easy and work up in small steps.
• listen, read and record modes
• tap and hold to have a word highlighted and read to you
• built in picture word dictionary with over 450 words. This area can be sorted alphabetically or by categories/subcategories. I’ve used this dictionary area to help teach kids vocabulary and simple definitions.
• 20 songs
• set up unlimited number of users
• fun train game at the end of each book
• high quality voiceovers and music
• nice graphics and large font against a plain white background
• can easily toggle off the intro song on the home screen
• intuitive app interface
• secured parent/teacher area

Just a few examples of Core Vocabulary in these books:

* Here & come: Level A – Colors – The Gray Book, Blue Vehicle Book

* Is: Level A – Colors – The White Book, The Red Book

* See: Level A – Colors – The Green Book, The Yellow Book

* Look: Level A – Colors – The Black Book, The Orange Animal Book

* Like: Level A – Colors – The Pink Book, The Purple Book

* Am: Level A – Colors – The Brown Book

(Free lite version to try before you buy: Reading Train Starter Books, Songs & Quizzes by The Learning Station, LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-train-starter-books-songs-quizzes/id702227884?mt=8)

They also offer an app specifically geared towards the earliest readers: Reading Train – My First Books, Songs & Games by The Learning Station, LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-train-my-first-books-songs-games/id1201673979?mt=8, $19.99

It is similar to their first app but has over 140 books. Most are also found in the first app but there are 4 categories unique to this app: ABC, animal homes, story town & story land.

Their third app has 72 books with a sole focus on the alphabet themed books. Alphabet Park is the same as the ABC section in the Reading Train – My First Books app. But this app also offers level 2 (Alphabet Town) and level 3 (Alphabet Land) sections that are unique to this app. It also contains a picture word dictionary and the section of 20 songs. Reading Train: Alphabet Books, Songs & Games by The Learning Station, LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-train-alphabet-books-songs-games/id903741015?mt=8, $3.99

(Free lite version to try before you buy: Reading Train Free Alphabet Books, Songs & Games by The Learning Station, LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-train-free-alphabet-books-songs-games/id957316999?mt=8)

They also offer a Christmas themed app: Reading Train Christmas Books, Songs & Games by The Learning Station, LLC, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-train-christmas-books-songs-games/id1056021768?mt=8, $1.99

See the app developer’s website for more info about the apps and how to use them: http://www.readingtrain.org

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Wishes for future updates for all of the apps in this series:
• add the ability to adjust the length of time a user has to tap and hold to have a word highlighted and read aloud.
• add the option for auto page turning when a book is in “listen” mode

The FAQ section on their website indicates that they have plans for this. These features would make the app more special needs friendly.

It would also be nice to have a couple of songs added that would be more interesting to older users who are still functioning at an early reader level.
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readingbuds
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Note: Prices are from the USA App Store at the time this review was posted. App prices can vary greatly over time. You can search for the pricing history on any app on the AppShopper website. Prices will vary outside of the USA based on the exchange rate. This post does not contain affiliate links and I do not get paid to post reviews about apps.
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/174264525957894
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with over 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{App Review} Big Break: The Acting Game by Emote Play Apps Inc.

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{App Review} Big Break: The Acting Game by Emote Play Apps Inc.

This app is a fun twist on video modeling for learning and practicing expression of emotions. There are 14 movies to choose from. They are color coded into 4 levels (easy, medium, hard & hardest). The themes currently included are primarily geared towards older kids & teens (Broadway, Sci-Fi, Rock Opera, Comedy, Bollywood, Superhero, Fantasy-Comedy, 50’s Musical, Time Travel, Western Musical, Shakespeare, Fosse Musical, Punk Show & Circus). The app uses the iPad forward facing camera to show the user alongside the video model.

About the app: Big Break Bobby needs actors for his movie production studios. That’s where you come in. Act out lines along with game characters, guess emotions of the characters, and even see yourself in a movie. Earn points based on your acting and observation skills. This game provides a fun way for kids to practice their social communication skills through modules that require listening, watching, acting, and singing.

App video: 

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Wishes for a future app update:

* For the app to rotate when you flip the iPad. I always use my iPad in landscape orientation with the home button to the right. This app is currently upside down if I have my iPad in that orientation.

* Add some even easier movie options with themes suited for younger kids.

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App Store: https://appsto.re/us/cre26.i, iPad only, $5.99

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Website: http://bigbreakgame.com
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/174264525957894
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with over 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{50+ Fun Food Apps} Expanding AAC opportunities with kids cooking & food themed apps

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{50+ Fun Food Apps} Expanding AAC opportunities with kids cooking & food themed apps

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One of the first motivators for many beginning AAC users is to request food. But then sometimes kids get stuck there. One way to move on is to tap into that high interest area by using food and cooking themed apps on a second iPad. Many of these apps are filled with opportunities to target verbs, adjectives, emotions and core vocabulary on their AAC device all centered around a food theme. I went through my app collection and compiled this list with a wide range of ages in mind:

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/174264525957894
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with over 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

 

{App Review + Giveaway} Boo Articulation Helper

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{App Review + Giveaway} Boo Articulation Helper is a fun new addition to my collection of apps geared towards early speech skills! The Boo character is cute & fun to imitate as he models consonants, vowels or CV combinations. The recent update added the option for American English so the vowels are now appropriate for my patients. I have three iOS app codes to giveaway so keep reading…. giveaway details are at the end of this post 😃.

More about the app: Boo is designed to entice spontaneous repetition of individual speech sounds and simple syllables. At the same time, he phonological awareness, by showing what actions happen in the mouth during articulation.

In the app, you put one or two sound cards in corresponding fields, building a sound or a simple consonant-vowel syllable. Then, Boo articulates the sound or syllable, clearly showing mouth and tongue movements during articulation. This may be enticing for the child to imitate and recognize how the sound syllables are made by tongue and lips. You can record and playback your own sound production for comparison. You can also make Boo go slow, repeat successively, or articulate sound noiselessly. Behind a parental lock you can disable or enable sounds as well as read instructions and tips.

Includes consonants P B T D K G S Z SH CH F V M N L W and vowels EE AH OO as well as British English AW ER and American English EH ER. The very first time you start the app you get to choose between British and American English — after that you can switch between dialects in the settings.

App Store: Boo Articulation Helper – Train Speech Sounds by Bildligt talat AB, https://appsto.re/us/h0hHib.i, $9.99 (price in USA App Store)

There is also a free lite version: Boo Articulation Helper Lite – Train Speech Sounds by Bildligt talat AB, https://appsto.re/us/lV_Mib.i

An Android version is also available. See their website for details: http://www.bildligttalat.nu/en/booen/

Be sure to “like” their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bildligttalatab

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App Giveaway: I have three iOS app codes to giveaway.

Enter by 1-2-3:

1) “liking” the original post directly on the OMazing Kids Facebook page: http://bit.ly/2thf0QK

2) “commenting” on that post about why you would like to win this app. Please be specific. I will be choosing winners based on these details to ensure this therapeutic app gets put to the best use.

3) sending a private message to the OMazing Kids Facebook page mentioning “Boo Articulation Helper”

All 3 steps are required to enter.

Entry Deadline: Thursday, 6/29/17 at 5:00pm CST. Depending on the number of entries received, it may take a day or so to verify them and to announce the winners and distribute the codes.

Tips:

* First tap this picture to go to the post directly on OMazing Kids and then like/comment there. I often share posts in groups to spread the word about giveaways but comments posted in a group or likes on those posts do not show up on the original pic and do not count for the giveaway.

** Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga

*** Note: If you encounter any difficulty in sending a private FB message or posting comments, please try another means of getting on Facebook (FB app, getting on FB via Safari on an iPad or getting on Facebook via a computer.)
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with over 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{App Review & Giveaway} Lively Letters app

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{App Review & Giveaway} I’m loving the multisensory approach and customization options in the new Lively Letters app! It was exciting to hear that the company decided to keep the app priced at $19.99 so that it will be affordable for teachers, therapists & parents. I have one app code to giveaway so keep reading…. giveaway details are at the end of this post 😃.

There are three activities included in the Lively Letters App:

* The Flashing Activity introduces and teaches letter sounds and speech production. Hear the letter sound, the song, and the letter sound story in English or Spanish. Also see the associated hand and mouth cue photo and practice tracing the letter.
* The Tracking Activity develops letter sounds, phonics, and phonemic awareness skills to improve reading and spelling.
* The Matching Activity is a fun way to practice letter sounds and speech production.

All three activities allow you to select the letters you want to work with, as well as the type of letter. The types of letters are Lively Letters pictures, in lowercase and uppercase, and plain letters, in lowercase or uppercase.

The app offers several options for backgrounds: 6 fun themed backgrounds, 8 solid color backgrounds & the option to import a picture from your device. The solid backgrounds are especially of interest to those of us working with kids with special needs who need a high contrast or clutter-free background. I can also envision the option to import a picture as a custom background being helpful in tapping into kids high interest areas (see pic where I imported Thomas the Train as a background).

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This is a well-designed app that I highly recommend! For those wondering about the $19.99 price, think about what you would spend on letter cards, letter songs, letter tracing apps, a memory match game, etc…. and you will quickly understand the value of the features included in this app and that it is well worth every penny. The app has high quality pictures, illustrations, music & voiceovers. It contains both simple and detailed instructions, the option to set up several users, data collection & option to e-mail results.

I only have three wishes for a future app update:
1. For the entire app to be in “landscape” mode. Currently the app set up screens are in “portrait” mode and then the app switches to “landscape” mode when the user is doing an activity.
2. It would also be nice to have an easy way to toggle between various background options without having to end an activity and start over going though the settings.
3. There needs to be a way to delete a user from the app.

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App Store: Lively Letters – Phonemic Awareness & Phonics by Telian-Cas Learning Concepts Inc, https://appsto.re/us/1xmMib.i, iPad-only, requires iOS 9.0 or later, $19.99 (pricing outside of the USA will vary depending on the exchange rate).

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App overview video:

More about the app: http://readingwithtlc.com/livelylettersapp.html

Social media:

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/readingwithtlc

Facebook users group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/203873323445553/

Twitter:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/readingwithtlc/
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App Giveaway: I have one iOS app code to giveaway. It’s an iPad-only app.

Enter by 1-2-3:

1) “liking” the original post directly on the OMazing Kids Facebook page:

2) “commenting” on that post about why you would like to win this app. Please be specific. I will be choosing winners based on these details to ensure this therapeutic app gets put to the best use.

3) sending a private message to the OMazing Kids Facebook page mentioning “Lively Letters”

All 3 steps are required to enter.

Entry Deadline: Friday, 6/23/17 at 5:00pm CST. Depending on the number of entries received, it may take a day or so to verify them and to announce the winner and distribute the code.

Tips:

* First tap this picture to go to the post directly on OMazing Kids and then like/comment there. I often share posts in groups to spread the word about giveaways but comments posted in a group or likes on those posts do not show up on the original pic and do not count for the giveaway.

** Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga

*** Note: If you encounter any difficulty in sending a private FB message or posting comments, please try another means of getting on Facebook (FB app, getting on FB via Safari on an iPad or getting on Facebook via a computer.)
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids:  http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with over 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

“TherAPPy Tools: iPad Tips for Pediatric SLPs” at the 2017 Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Conference on 9/15/17

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Heads up Okie SLPeeps….. I will be presenting “TherAPPy Tools: iPad Tips for Pediatric SLPs” at the 2017 Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Conference on September 15th at the Reed Conference Center in Midwest City.

See the OSHA website for registration info:

http://www.oslha.org/site_event_detail.cfm?pk_association_event=14614

I’m almost finished with my presentation slides. Pretty cool to create the whole thing in the Keynote app on my iPad. It was super easy to do and syncs in the cloud across all my devices. Even bought an adapter so I can run the presentation directly from my iPad & a locker stand so I can use one iPad or my iPhone as a camera from above to project app demos from another iPad.

Hope to see y’all in September 😃
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: http://m.me/OMazingKidsYoga
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
YappGuru: http://yappguru.com/user/omazing-kids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with over 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.