News-2-You
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News-2-You
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that News-2-You is the app version of a symbols-based newspaper for kids with special needs. It includes the symbols system and voices used in the augmentative and alternative communication app Proloquo2Go. The app benefits kids who have difficulty reading the written word. Picture symbols and voice help kids hear and see text and visuals. There's a new edition for every week of the typical U.S. school year, and it covers current events topics like popular movies, sporting events, holidays, environmental issues, and more. The app is free but each newspaper edition is a $1.99 in-app purchase; an annual subscription is $54.99. Recent editions include main topics like "World Series," "Hurricane Season," and "M&M's Birthday." In addition to the articles, you can find recipes, jokes, games, puzzles, related comprehension questions, and more. Read the developer's privacy policy for details on how your information is collected and shared.
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What’s It About?
Choose one of the editions of NEWS-2-YOU to download from the main list. The first page appears with symbols and words. Tap the headline and see words highlighted and underlined as they're spoken, or press the play tab at the bottom of the screen and the entire page plays automatically. Tap on the right arrow to move to the next page, and so on. A list icon connects users to all options in that edition (a recipe, joke, games, discussion questions, and more). Tap on one, and the app flips to that page. Choose from four reading levels to vary the complexity of text and number of symbols.
Is It Any Good?
This special tool brings current events and other newsy tidbits to kids through an easy-to-understand system of symbols and voice recordings, which you can adjust to fit your kid's unique needs. Since many kids love categorizing and organizing, this symbols system provides structure and predictability to words and ideas presented in the news stories. News-2-You may seem pricey, but its content is substantial and fun. Extra extension activities like recipes, jokes (not always easy to explain in terms of symbols, but this app does it), games, discussion questions and more, elevate this weekly news app to a truly one-of-a-kind, accessible, useful resource for kids with special needs, kids who are struggling with reading, and for kids who may not like reading about current events but love symbol systems. Along with Proloquo2Go, it's a powerhouse combo that can help all kids learn about current events, develop comprehension skills, and express themselves.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the list of editions in News-2-You and start with one that is most aligned with your kid's current interest.
Encourage your kid to choose one of the extension activities related to the article, such as a recipe or discussion questions, and complete it with your kid.
Encourage kids to answer "WH" questions from the article they have read.
Have kids write 2-3 sentences about the story.
App Details
- Device: iPad
- Subjects: Language & Reading: following directions, reading, reading comprehension, vocabulary, Social Studies: cultural understanding, events, geography, Hobbies: cooking, sports
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: solving puzzles
- Pricing structure: Paid ($219.65 per year)
- Release date: December 6, 2015
- Category: Education
- Publisher: AssistiveWare
- Version: 2.1
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 9.3 or later
- Last updated: March 22, 2022
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Speak it! Text to Speech
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Proloquo2Go
Skillful speech app helps kids communicate, grows with them.
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