APPS for FREE: GET ON THEIR MAILING LIST!
As Good As It Gets
In August I wrote about some helpful apps for our kids; but the sites I’ll point you to today are just about as good as it gets. Smart Apps for Kids is a wonderful site that sends frequent email alerts of which app is going to be a free download just for that day. On their home page, top right, you’ll see “FREE APP ALERTS”; type your e-address in there and click “join.” That’s it. On some days, their email alert will lead you to a free app on a related special needs site, www.smartappsforspecialneeds.com.
The Appy Ladies
As if that’s not good enough, check out www.theappyladies.com. Staffed by a host of special educators/moms, this is a great resource for apps that might perfectly suit your child’s needs.
Stay On Task!
Fun Timer: you can upload a picture of the reward to replace the word “FUN.”
My most recent freebie through “Smart Apps for Kids” is the “FUN TIMER.” It’s customizable: you can upload a picture of the reward, whatever the child is working for, and replace the word “FUN” with that; or type another word in its place.
The moment the child starts horsing around and gets off task, the adult triggers the reward’s disappearing act. Great for our visual learners…talk about seeing immediate consequences!
Description: The Fun Timer has been designed specifically for kids who have little sense of time or weak time management skills. Place an image or word at the center of the timer reflecting the reward or fun to be experienced after their chore or task. When they get off task or start goofing around, just start the timer and the kids will see concretely that their fun time will disappear if they don’t get back to business. The adult controls all the features to be able to use the timer at each child’s developmental and cognitive levels. It’s a FUN way to teach kids not to waste time!
Features:
● Words, drawings, or imported images can be placed in the center of the timer to create relevance for each child or group.
● Customizable for speed and sound.
● Encouraging face pops up when kids achieve their goal.
● Congratulatory words and sounds can be recorded to suite your child’s need or interest.
● Music is recorded at 1 beat per second and can be turned on or off
Keeping Up
With the onslaught of apps being produced today, it’s great to have these more specific resources to check out. They can be a real time saver. You could even use the Fun Timer on yourself, especially when you find yourself wandering all over the internet when all you wanted to do was quickly check your email. Put a picture of a mocha latte in the Fun Timer clock, and watch it disappear when you get distracted. Ha!
