I picked up an iPhone almost as soon as they came out, because I’m a geek like that.  It was a while before I started exploring all the iPhone applications you can download though.  These are little programs that can help you with daily tasks, everything from keeping track of sports scores to playing games to reading with your children.  Yup, you can use your iPhone to teach your kids how to read!

While a computer gadget probably isn’t going to replace all the traditional books and tools designed to make reading with children fun and educational, an iPhone certainly has the convenience factor.  When you’re stuck somewhere without a pile of activities for your child, you’ll likely at least have your cell phone handy.

iPhone apps don’t cost a lot either.  They can be anywhere from free (my favorite) to a few dollars.  Often there’s a free-to-try kind of version with some basic features, and then you can upgrade for more advanced features.  You can search for apps in the iTunes store.  

Now let’s look at some that are specifically designed to help you teach your kids to read.  

ABC Pocket Phonics

This inexpensive () iPhone app has received several awards, plus a number of favorable reviews on iTunes.  The primer helps children sound out letters, gives them the opportunity to practice writing, and teaches 170 simple “first words” in an enjoyable, game-like style.  

First Word Animals

If it’s time to teach your children what cats and dogs are (and how to spell them), then this game could be a fun way to do it.  The app is designed to develop fine motor skills, teach children to recognize and match letters, teach the names of letters, and show how to spell basic words.  The illustrated animals (which make the appropriate animal sounds) help make the learning fun.

If your children have already mastered letters and basic reading skills, you may want to check into some of the picture book iPhone apps.  These basically turn your cell phone into an e-reader, allowing you to take numerous stories along to entertain the kids without requiring a backpack for carrying books.  

There are several children’s books in the iPhone apps store (again, prices are reasonable, ranging from free to a couple of dollars).  Here are a couple you can check out:

Sesame Street

Yup, the folks who have been bringing us the children’s television show for decades are on your iPhone, too.  The organization offers a number of original picture-book stories you can download for your children.  Just look up Sesame Street in iTunes.  

KidsReader

This is an ebook reading program designed for children, and it comes preloaded with a full-length, illustrated kid’s story (The Toy King).  The developer promises updates with more stories to come.

As you can see, between ebooks and educational games, there are a number of ways iPhone apps can help you get your children reading.  Just head to the “App Store” in iTunes to find these titles as well as lots of others.

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