Reading is the most effective way for students to develop literacy and language skills in all areas: word recongition, decoding, comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, oral language, and writing.
E-reading can be as simple as reading a traditional text on a digital device, or it can have features specific to digital platforms such as music enhancements, read aloud capabilities, “hotspots” and interactive features. Featured below are some top digital texts that have formats and features beyond a simple digital text that enhance the users experience.
Public libraries offer free e-books and music downloads for digital devices. Library cards are free and your children can get their own! Visit your public library for more information.
For Younger Children (K-2)
dr. seuss apps (various prices)
Available in the Apple Store, Google Play and Amazon.
Click on the Dr. Seuss image and it will take to you the Common Sense Media website for reviews and links to multiple Dr. Seuss e-books and apps. These beloved children’s stories are transformed through digital media and offer games and surprises throughout the text.
Josh and Emma Go to the Beach (FREE)
the monster at the end of this book ($4.99)
A fun and interactive e-book that draws children in, they will enjoy reading it again and again!
Kids World Fun: Collection of free animated eBooks
A great pick that will stimulate your child’s interest in reading.
pixel and parker ($2.99)
This app is a board game in a storybook where children roll the dice to move the characters through a board game offering opportunities to practice reading and phonics skills. It will likely become one of your child’s favorites!
Farfaria
(Free Trial)
Professional narration of every book brings FarFaria’s stories to life and ignites the imagination. Contains many leveled stories. Some levels are free, others require in app purchase.
For Older Children
E-Reading for upper elementary students can allow children to access books that are matched to older students’ interests. The most valuable features found on e-readers is the ability for readers to have the text read aloud to them either wholly or to tap words they don’t know. All digital devices have apps available to download e-books for purchase, but the two apps featured below offer interactive features less commonly found in e-books for older children.
brush of truth ($1.99)
Brush of Truth is a “choose your own adventure” type book that really engages reluctant readers by giving them choices to make that determine the outcome of the story. It can be used over and over and each time they can make different choices and see how it changes the story!
International Children’s Digital Library (free)
The non-profit ICDL Foundation’s library has the world’s largest digital collection of children’s books. Currently its digital library collection includes 4,619 books in 59 languages. The complete ICDL collection is also available as a free iPad app. A limited number of titles are included in the free ICDL iPhone app. The ICDL also created the free Story Kit app that helps users create their own electronic storybooks for reading and sharing.
CSUF Reading Center 