News-2-You
By Dana Anderson,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
One-of-a-kind tool uses symbols to make news accessible.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this app.
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
News-2-You
Community Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Worst ever!
Report this review
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
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Download
Our Editors Recommend
Social Studies Apps, Games, and Websites
Apps and Websites with Lots of Problem-Solving
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate