Discover the magic beyond the screen! While iPad apps are fantastic, your child's reading journey doesn't stop there. Dive into proven strategies and free apps, revealed in this guide, to supercharge learning beyond the iPad.

There are some excellent iPad apps to help teach children learn how to read. Digital apps can be a great tool for learning. However, are apps by themselves enough? No, they're not. While apps are valuable and highly effective, there are ways to make your child’s learning even better.

So, how can you do this? In this article, we will explore examples of how to use reading apps, such as the free apps mentioned in our previous article titled “Top 2 Free Apps for Learning to read.”

Preparing for Learning Beyond the iPad

Before we dive into the strategies, pay attention to the specific reading skills each app game or book focuses on. These may include, for example, high-frequency words (words we often read), word patterns (e.g., words ending with -at or -ing), the magic 'silent e,' and dealing with challenging words by breaking them into smaller chunks (syllables, like di-no-saur). Also, think about understanding the story and being able to tell it back. Knowing these reading goals will make it easier to follow the step-by-step guide.

Let's follow an example of how to help a child in the early reading stage. Keep in mind that you can adapt this approach to any learning stage, from pre-reading to advanced reading.

⬇️Scenario sample: Parent & Child

Step 1: Learning through Play

• Parent: Selects a Starfall App game
• Child: Plays the Starfall App reading word game. This game involves matching letters to form words ending with "ig and ip," which emphasize the short 'i' sound.
• Parent: As the child plays the game, you take note of the words they're learning. Write down these words and cut them out.

Step 2: Creating a Personalized Workbook

• Child: Reads each word card and glues it into their workbook.
• Parent: Notice which words your child needs more practice with and which ones they've mastered. You and your child have created a learning workbook.

🌟Remember, making a personalized learning workbook with your child holds more value than any store-bought workbook!

Step 3: Reinforcing Learning through a Short Story

• Parent: Selects the App book to read
• Child: Reads the short story, "A Big Hit," which focuses on the words they've just practiced in step 2.
•Parent: Take note of any words your child might need extra help with while reading.

Helpful Tips for Reading, Understanding, and Writing
• Ask your child to draw a picture about the story. If they can, they can write about it. If not, you can help. The key is to provide opportunity for the child to use the words they have read from the book and use them with meaning in writing providing extra practice.
• Another good idea is to have your child connect the story to their own life. They can draw a picture and write about it. For example, 'This book reminds me of when I play soccer.’

You don't have to do these activities right away. Use the information for tomorrow's lesson, like making matching cards to play matching memory game or practicing writing tricky words in their personalized workbook.

As you can see, you can help your child learn beyond the iPad game. You can make lessons that are just right for them. Personalized education is a powerful tool, and you, as a parent, can do this even if traditional school cannot. 

So, have fun learning together! Make lessons that your child likes, and remember, learning is not just about knowing things; it's also about really enjoying the process. When you make lessons that fit your child's interests, you're not just helping them with school; you're also fostering a love for learning that will stay with them always.