App Reviews
Standard:
Alabama
Preschool Standard:
Domain:
Social-Emotional Development
SED2a: Manage
Feelings: Children will identify, manage, and express their feelings.
·
2aYP-1 Name basic emotions when demonstrated by others
or represented in books
·
2aYP-2 Express own feelings through actions or
words
·
2aYP-3 Seek reassurance from adult in
anticipation of a difficult task
·
2aYP-4 Express concern or interest for others’
needs or feelings
·
App 1: Social Story Creator
https://www.commonsense.org/education/app/social-story-creator-educators
Social Story creator is an app that
is free of cost but has a premium version available for $29.99. The app’s
target audience is professionals who work with students with special needs.
This app is applicable to ages preschool through K12 depending on the cognitive
abilities of the student(s). It can be used on the following platforms: iPad,
iPhone, iPod Touch. The app is intuitive and has preloaded stories that can be
used with students to reinforce positive behaviors or responses in social
situations. It is not intended for students due to low privacy scores. This
tool can be used to generate generic content by an adult to be used in a
controlled setting to address behavior and social-emotional outcomes
individualized to a student. Common sense media website is an online resource nonprofit
organization that has a mission to provide a safer digital world for students.
Parents and educators can use this site as a reliable tool to research digital
content of all types and find ratings including research-based insight, customer
reviews, online privacy, and practical uses in classrooms and homes.
App 2: Daniel Tiger Grrific Feelings
https://www.commonsense.org/education/app/daniel-tigers-grr-ific-feelings
Daniel Tiger Grrific is a
stand-alone app by PBS that costs a one-time fee of $2.99. The app’s target
audience is preschool-aged children. It can be used on the following
platforms: iPad, and Kindle Fire. The
app is engaging and intuitive with stories, songs, and activities that can be
led by a teacher or parent within social-emotional development lessons. It can
also be navigated by a preschooler who is able to use tactile fingers or tools
to respond to questions and guidance. Common sense media website is an online
resource nonprofit organization that has a mission to provide a safer digital
world for students. Parents and educators can use this site as a reliable tool
to research digital content of all types and find ratings including
research-based insight, customer reviews, online privacy, and practical uses in
classrooms and homes.
App 3: Epic Books and Videos
https://www.commonsense.org/education/app/epic-kids-books-and-videos
Epic Books and Videos application is a very popular tool
used by educators and parents. The cost for the app is free and teachers
working in schools are offered free membership. The monthly membership family
account is $9.99. The monthly membership provides access to an expansive
library of eBooks including thousands of texts which range from preschool to
age 12 reading levels. The books are text, read–aloud, audio, and some
accompanying videos. It can be used on the following platforms: Android, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Chrome.
The app is versatile and provides educators the ability to create classrooms,
individual student accounts, and access to educator resources connected to
books in the library. Common sense media website is an online resource
nonprofit organization that has a mission to provide a safer digital world for
students. Parents and educators can use this site as a reliable tool to
research digital content of all types and find ratings including research-based
insight, customer reviews, online privacy, and practical uses in classrooms and
homes.
“Favorite App”
Epic online student library is the best app for any
preschool through early middle school-aged student. The versatility of the app
cannot be beaten by any other online library database. Searching for topics,
genres, age ranges, reading methods, and teaching resources is extremely easy
for an educator, parent, and upper elementary students. I am a proponent of
using literary resources as much as possible in any learning environment. This
app is inclusive for a preschool special education setting because of its
variety of ‘read-to-me’ or audiobook options texts. Teaching standard content
through literacy by connecting with characters, experiencing stories, and
visual/audible input in the special education inclusive environment is a highly
effective and research-based best practice.