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By Stefan Dubowski
This magical app helps children aged four and up practise spelling through a handful of mini-games like the talking Moving Alphabet (move the letters on the screen to make words) and Scrambled Letters (unscramble the letters to spell the words). There are lists with a range of consonant-vowel-consonant words, Dolch (or sight) words, and others arranged by category such as clothes, food or sports. Use the built-in lists or make your own. Add images to go with the words — it’s as easy as waving a wand. Aligns nicely with Grade 1 and 2 English and French spelling.
DEVICE: Apple, Android
SOURCE: Apple App Store ($6.99), Google Play (free)
RATING: 4+, Everyone
The makers of this app note it can be tough for children to learn to tell time. So they created games to teach youngsters about night, day, light and shadow to coax them into understanding how time passes. Gameplay begins with Nathan, a Canadian beaver who walks players through activities and draws connections so students start to see how time-telling works. Eventually the games become more sophisticated and the next thing you know, players are reading clocks and telling time. Aimed at five-to-eight-year-olds, Tic Toc Time complements the Grade 1 curriculum.
DEVICE: Apple, Android
SOURCE: Apple App Store ($5.49), Google Play ($5.99)
RATING: 4+, Everyone
Can’t take your class to see world-famous art in person? Try this app. Google worked with more than 1,200 museums, galleries and institutions. The result: a rich art storehouse for children 12 and up. Users access thousands of pictures. Browse by time period, or take virtual tours of museums around the world. Save your favourite pieces in a personal collection. Use the popular Art Selfie to compare your portrait with masterpieces. It’s fun, informative and supports strands associated with analyzing and evaluating in the elementary and high school arts curriculum.
DEVICE: Apple, Android
SOURCE: Apple App Store (free), Google Play (free)
RATING: 12+, Everyone