Apps and Tech We Love for Homeschool
There are LOTS of amazing resources available for learning at home, including curriculums and programs online and with tangible materials.
While I have talked about things to consider before choosing a curriculum or program, should you choose that route for your children, I didn't discuss the possibility of taking on homeschooling yourself.
I don't mean completely by yourself, but as the curriculum captain.
Setting up topics, unit studies, and activities aligned to topics of your learner's interests as opposed to utilizing a ready-made system.
There are many reasons we chose this path for our home education experience. You can check out this video if you want to know a little more about that.
We enjoy learning via various avenues, including board games and field trips, but I have to share our top technology picks for learning at home!
Devices
I was hesitant to get my 4-year old a device. I didn't want to "give in" just yet, but then I came across this gem. Let me tell you why we love this thing!
Amazon Fire HD Kids Edition
• Your child can independently explore audiobooks, games, safe apps, and educational videos,
• A super neat colored kid-proof case is included.
• ALSO, there is a 2-year worry free guarantee if it breaks or has issues for any reason.
• You can also set time limits for learning based content, which I utilize each day, and parameters for the device to lock and unlock so your child can become familiar with appropriate screen time limits.
There are two options, one with an 8" screen or a 10.1" screen
Seriously, get one!
It is a great tool for learning and game wrapped in one.
Apps
*Since we use an Android-based tablet, these apps are available on similar devices.
Tracing
Yes, as simple as it sounds, this is one of the best number and letter form recognition apps out there!
This fun, interactive tool allows kids to practice forming - uppercase letters
- lowercase letters - numbers - shapes
This helps with practicing letter and number recognition, a key foundational skill.
By allowing your learner to practice using a stylus, he or she has the opportunity to strengthen fine motor skills as well!
Think: technology meets writing practice.
Yes, please!
Number Blocks
Make numbers come alive for your learner, with these cute and bouncy math blocks.