The eReadingToGo! app OR the eReadingPro CD?

This is just a short post to clarify a question that has come in a few times since we released our new iPhone/iPad app eReadingToGo!

Parents are wondering which one they should 'start' using with their child first: the eReadingPro 14-month program OR the eReadingToGo! app. The answer is this:

The eReadingPro CD contains our full 14-month program. This program includes 128 single words that progresses the child from single words to couplets, phrases and finally sentences. The flashcards are meant to be printed off (or shown on the computer if you really want to) and shown to your child three times a day. There is a schedule that is included that shows the parent/educator exactly which cards to show when, every day during that 14-month period. It is very systematic and repetitive, guaranteeing success.

The eReadingToGo! iPhone/iPad app is meant to be used as an 'educational tool'. Kids love using iPhones and iPads as they are new and exciting technology. They are incredibly intuitive with them and love to press buttons, try things and look at what the colorful screen has to offer. There is typically no schedule attached to using an iPad. Kids often use them while they're in a vehicle to keep themselves occupied, or on their beds relaxing. When we created eReadingToGo!, we intended it to be something that would be fun, engaging and interactive, hoping it would be one that a child would pick up and go to as a 'fun' choice. The app guides the child through the sentence-building process, one word at a time, then joining them to the other words within the sentence that they have learned. They go through the 'books' one sentence at a time until they complete each book. They can say the words aloud, play interactive games and enjoy the process of learning at their own pace and interest level.

In conclusion, the app is not meant to replace the full program, but rather to assist with it. It can also be used as an add-on after the child has completed the full 14-month program as a way to introduce new vocabulary.

We thoroughly hope that your child enjoys using our app and that you also enjoy using the eReadingPro 14-month program with your child!

eReadingToGo!

As mentioned in a previous blog, many articles have been written about how beneficial iPads and iPods can be for children - particularly children with special needs. Using an iPad (or something similar) is a stress-free, fun way for a child to learn - and all children tend to be quite intuitive with them - sometimes even more so than their parents! These amazing little gadgets are cheaper than a computer, portable, and most apps can be purchased on iTunes for under $10.

As you may know, eReadingPro is a 'system' for teaching reading that is extremely helpful in teaching children with Down syndrome, Autism, Dyslexia and all other visual learners. In keeping with the trend towards technology, we have created an iPad/iPhone/iPod program called eReadingToGo!

eReadingToGo! follows a similar system as eReadingPro, in that it takes a child from reading single words, then into couplets, phrases and sentences. To my knowledge, it is (as well as our full reading program) is the ONLY app that uses such a system to help a child progress from just learning single words. After all - it is important for children to learn how to use words - not just the words themselves. One of the popular comments I often hear from parents is "my child has a vocabulary of about 75 words, but they just can't seem to use them in a phrase or sentence - they just have single-word utterances". Our system helps a child to overcome that, as it teaches them how words are put with other words in a meaningful way.

eReadingToGo! offers a free sentence so that you can get an idea of how our app works. Then, within the 'free' app, you will see the book options. You can purchase one complete book for $1.99, which contains 5 sentences and 5 matching images. Or, the best deal is to purchase all 5 books for only $7.99. That means 25 sentences with 25 matching images that are clear, colorful and engaging. These books will provide hours of fun and learning for your child.

If you're like me, you don't want your child playing just mindless games on their gadgets all the time. As one of our customers has already said: "With three young children it's always hard to maintain interest while at the same time educate. This app is fun, engaging, and develops reading skills in natural and intuitive way. I would definitely recommend it!".

The app is ideal for those parents who have already been using eReadingPro to teach their child to read, as it has a whole new set of vocabulary. Keep in mind also, that eReadingPro was originally designed for children with Down syndrome - so it is an excellent tool for individuals with special needs. That being said though, this app was intended for use by ALL children learning to read.

If you would like to read more about eReadingToGo!, please visit the website at www.ereadingtogo.com.

CLICK HERE to download eReadingToGo! from iTunes and try it with your child!