Interactive Literature

I have recently become very interested in the interactive children's literature that I stumbled upon on Apps Gone Free.  My first "book" was written by Jamie Lee Curtis called "Where Do Balloons Go?". With it being free for the day, I didn't mind downloading the book and giving it a test drive. That's what I love about free apps! If it isn't for you, just delete it!

So I open the "book" and was greeted by Jamie Lee's voice, a beautiful illustration and a cute little song that just encouraged me to "turn the page". The very first page had me hooked! Jamie Lee read the story and each page had a wonderful interactive page to explore with just a touch of a finger. I followed along as each word lit up with her voice. I was able to make the balloons blow in the breeze. As I swiped my finger across the screen, all sorts of things happened and voices of the people in the pictures came alive. I also loved that I had the option to turn off the read aloud.

The story truly did come alive! I was completely inspired to search for more "books" and provide my students with something new to explore during their free iPad time or even to make it as a station activity with a little journaling thrown in there.

When I returned to Apps Gone Free the next day, I found another "book" to download. And, of course, I downloaded that one, as well.  I started a folder for literature on my iPad because the "book" is not purchased through iBooks.  In this new quest to play with these stories, I looked into the Auryn company that provides the stories. They have quite a few books for students of all ages. Most of the stories can be purchased for $1.99 to $3.99, which I don't think is a bad price for a lovely interactive experience with literature. Auryn also has "lite" versions of some of their books.

I am quite sure this interactive approach to reading will move our children into a different form of comprehension. There are so many companies that assist our children in the early stages of reading development. With these types of new approaches, I can see the effect this will have on how our children enjoy literature in the future. I know I have moved into the digital age of reading with my Nook.  Although my books do not come alive with interaction like these stories do, I do enjoy the idea that reading is as quick as downloading my next book. 'Reading is Fundamental' just takes on a whole new meaning now.

APPy Reading everyone,