Published On: September 7, 2018
Updated On: November 17, 2022
We live in a world run by technology. There is no denying that kids are much more tech-savvy now than they ever were. I often get the questions, “how much is too much?” and, “what are some good, high-quality apps for kids to use?”
There are some fantastic apps that are available to you that can help support your child learn listening and language skills or their speech and language development and all the skills that go along with it (academic, fine motor, social skills).
Please note these apps are not a replacement for therapy, and while they can complement programs designed by speech and language therapists, they are not standalone “speech therapy” apps.
If you have concerns about your child’s speech and language development, contact us at Ally Pediatric Therapy, and we can help! A skilled speech-language pathologist will conduct an evaluation to determine if language or speech delays/disorder is present and warrants therapy.
Likewise, speech delays are common in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). If your child exhibits other symptoms that can be evidence of ASD, we recommend you contact your child’s primary care physician to receive a proper diagnosis.
While these apps are helpful and educational aids designed for children, too much screen time may mean they aren’t getting the social interaction that is necessary for development. Nothing replaces conversations, reading, and playing with your child. You are an important part of their exposure to this world through the development of communication skills.
In this blog, we will look at the following:
- Receptive and expressive language development
- Following directions and basic concepts
- Vocabulary
- Grammar and syntax
- Early literacy and spelling
- Speech articulation
- Social-emotional and self-regulation
Receptive/Expressive Language Development
My PlayHome apps (Hospital, School, Home, and Store)
These apps are fantastic ways to help kids grow their language and vocabulary, like understanding items in a category, how items go together, making connections in their own homes, and typical places they may visit.
These also help with cause and effect by being interactive, and everything in the buildings “work.” Kids love it and are a favorite amongst my patients here at the clinic. Playing with your child is a great opportunity for you to elicit some expressive and receptive language responses.
Asking “wh” questions while your child plays and creates can help connect the understanding of new vocabulary and concepts. Stick with the basics: who, what, when, where, why, and how.
Understanding spatial concepts (in, under, on, next to) and quantitative (more, less, many, few) are foundational for following directions. Additionally, when you ask your children “wh” questions, you are eliciting expressive language by giving them opportunities to share and respond.
Following Directions and Basic Concepts
One Step Two Step (OSTS) Lite
This app helps children with basic concept knowledge while following 1 and 2-step directions with fun, interactive coloring pages
Lipa Eggs
Use this app to help your child follow directions using descriptive features like colors, categories, and quantities while creating colorful eggs.
Under the Sea
With this app, underwater life comes to your living room! Kids can learn about new animals and objects under the sea while creating scenes with interactive characters.
Farmyard
This app is the same concept mentioned above as the sea app, but farm style.
Vocabulary
Sort It Out 1, Sort It Out 2
With this app, children can put items into categories and group them based on function, description, where they are located, shape, size, and color. This is a great way to practice how objects are related, which in turn helps to build vocabulary.
Opposites 1
Children can learn early opposites with this game; this is a very important beginning vocabulary skill.
Match It Up
While using this app, children match items together based on their relationship to each other, also known as associations (another important early vocabulary skill!)
Categories
This app helps children learn how to describe objects by understanding their characteristics.
Grammar and Syntax
Super Duper Inc “Pronoun”
I have a lot of parents who ask me about pronoun use. Does your child say “My like that” instead of “I like that”? Or do they use he/she or him/her incorrectly? Here is an app that helps children learn all of the main subjective and objective pronouns.
Pronouns With Splingo’s Language Universe
This is a fun and interactive game app. It takes place in a restaurant where characters need to be given their ordered food.
Children follow the directions by giving the pizza, cookie, donut, etc., to the right person. It targets the pronouns: he, she, they, him, her, them, it, ours, his, and hers. Children are also learning to follow 1 and 2-step directions while using the app.
Early Literacy and Spelling
5 Letter Spelling
Interactive spelling is the name here. Kids are given letters and must arrange them to spell common sight words. Great for visual learners! It then repeats the word once you have spelled it correctly for a nice auditory addition.
ABC-My 1st Words
This is an engaging and fun app geared towards kids ages 4-7. It helps them learn early words that are functional to their world while building literacy and spelling skills.
Build a Word Express
This is a great app for positive reinforcement. A balloon pop game reinforces building words correctly. This is great for young children through elementary age.
Spell it Out
The “animal” version of this app gives children the opportunity to learn about wildlife while building their vocabulary and, of course, learning how to spell new words. This app encompasses more than just spelling but puts all early literacy skills into one fun game.
Speech Articulation
Speech Stickers
While using this app, children can listen to and repeat different speech sounds while keeping track of their productions with fun stickers.
Articulation Station Pro
This app was created by a certified speech and language pathologist. It helps children learn to speak and pronounce sounds. The app comes in multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Social-Emotional/Self-Regulation
Sesame Street’s “Breathe” App
This app gives a child real-time help through difficult emotions. Choose the appropriate situation or event, and cute, cuddly monsters help walk you through breathing exercises and problem-solving techniques. Great for preschool or early elementary!
Ally Pediatric is Dedicated to Your Child’s Success
We want to give you the confidence that your child is prepared for their bright future ahead. Our team at Ally Pediatric fully commits to helping you find the best learning styles for your child and their personal goals and needs. Reach out to learn more and get started with us today.
