IPAD and APPS for education

I finally have an IPAD that I purchased largely for educational apps for my child with Ds and in anticipation of the upcoming adoption of our 8 year old with a developmental disability.  While there are certainly plenty of apps available, I was largely disappointed.  While there are lots of games to entertain and there is always some learning in games, I haven't found a great deal of teaching that occurs via apps rather more practice and most with very little repetition opportunities.  There just doesn't seem to be enough intermediate steps between advancing from one concept to the next, rather big leaps are made that most typical kids can handle, but my child needs instruction to be broken down into much smaller steps to progress.  I am longing for a online math curriculum that provides small step by step math instruction with loads of repetition once a student is beyond recognizing numbers and number sense and is ready to add and subtract.  There are so many possibilities and simple alterations that could be made to apps and online programs for typically developing kids that would  make a huge difference for our visual/hands on learners.  What I want is an Explode the Code Workbook and online version but one that teaches Math. 

I do very much like the Bob Book series apps.  Great graphics and the practice and spelling component is fabulous.  If you like these, you'll like Explode the Code Online.
BTW, I receive nothing for promoting Explode the Code; I just really like it.

Explode the Code Online

I have been meaning to post about this wonderful online curriculum for a year now, but have been too busy.  For a year subscription of $60.00 you have a terrific online companion to the explode the code workbooks.  If your child has trouble holding a pencil or writing, but can manage a mouse, this may be the answer for phonics instruction and spelling.  It has all the positive elements of the workbooks but in an engaging online form.  Progress is monitored and the student cannot move on to a new level until complete mastery has occurred within the levels prior.  My favorite part about this curriculum is the high, really high amount of repetition.  While my son is currently in EC Workbook 3, I started him at the beginning of the Explode the Code online curriculum as a review and to help solidify earlier phonic reading and concepts.  One note, it can be frustrating if your student makes alot of mistakes due to inattention rather than lack of knowledge on a particular page, because the student will have to repeat whole sections of levels at near 100% accuracy to move on.  You may be able to adjust this, but I haven't looked into the possibility.  Also, my son loves that he has work to accomplish online like his sibs.  I can't say enough positive things about this curriculum.  I love it and so does my student! www.explodethecode.com .  

Big Number Talking Calculator

I recently added the use of a Big Number Talking Calculator to Sam's tool box for math.  It allows him to be more independent when completing addition and subtraction problems.  Without the talking calculator, Sam requires frequent verbal cueing from me to complete math problems.  The verbal feedback the calculator provides is clear and consistent allowing Sam to correct any entry error he has made on his own.  Also, it makes completing problems like 4+4= easier because he gets immediate verbal feedback that he has actually entered the number 4 twice.  Calculators that provide visual feedback only, do not do this, and often Sam will enter the 4 only once, thus resulting in an error in his calculations.  Sam enjoys working math problems on the talking calculator and beams with pride upon his success.  I ordered from http://www.parentgiving.com/ and the cost was $34.95 with free shipping.  While calculator math does not replace continued work teaching addition and subtraction without the use of such an aid(one does not replace the other).  This kind of funcional learning is beneficial because some day Sam may need to carry a calculator to complete his grocery shopping, etc.  Anything that helps him to function more independently at home(where support is always available)will help him to be more independent in his living when he is moving into a work and leisure environment on his own.

Just in Time for Christmas-Toy Awards

Just in time for Christmas, http://www.playonwords.com/ has announced their Top 10 PAL(Play Advances Language)Awards.   See what play can do to promote language development in your child.

Special Needs Homeschooling Website

I came across a website that promotes and provides information regarding homeschooling children with special needs.  The site is not specific to students who have Ds, but there might be wisdom to glean.  Go to http://www.specialneedshomeschooling.com/

The Down Syndrome Educational Trust

Recently through our local Down syndrome association's lending library,  I discovered some educational resources that were not "new", but were new to me.  They were created by the Down Syndrome Educational Trust http://www.downsed.org/ .  Their website states that the organization "works across the UK and around the world to improve understanding and to improve the quality of support and education for young people living with Down syndrome." It's worth a visit.

Worthy Article about Homeschooling Children with Ds

One of the most helpful articles I have found on the topic of homeschooling children with Ds was written by Amy Dunaway and is on the web(see link under recommended links at the bottom of this site). Amy covers alot of ground from the benefits of home educating a child with special needs to the steps involved in beginning and suggestions for completing the process of homeschooling. This is a must read for those considering homeschooling their child with Ds!