Lisa Pawlak
6 Apps to Help with Homework Kids are back in school and establishing routines for their “favorite” fall pastime: homework. Whether your child sails through homework or struggles academically, every student needs help at some point. Here are educational apps designed to offer technology-savvy kids homework support (most available on iTunes and Google Play). If the kids need more help than apps can offer, read the expanded version of this article at www.SanDiegoFamily.com.
Dictionary by Farlex (free) This versatile reference tool includes dictionary, thesaurus and encyclopedic content. It provides vocabulary-building word games, a word of the day, daily quotes and can toggle content into 40+ languages. Kids customize their homepage; ads can be removed for a fee. Provides engaging material for all ages.
Easy Spelling Aid + Translator & Dyslexia Support Are you tired of kids asking you how to spell words? This app helps people with correct spelling. To use, kids speak words or phrases, which are verbally repeated and spelled out on screen. Also offers translation in 30 languages and dyslexia support.
Khan Academy (free) SoaringMindsEdu.com 619.512.1946 20 • SanDiegofamily.com • September 2018
Explore thousands of instructional videos on a variety of academic subjects, including math, science, economics,
humanities and SAT prep. Master skills using practice questions organized by subject and grade level. This excellent, self-paced program is designed to supplement classroom instruction. Kids can take pre-tests for lesson placement, then stay motivated by earning points and badges on a personal dashboard. Parents or teachers can monitor progress. Spanish available.
Math 42 (free) Kids enter any equation and the app provides step-by-step solutions, as a teacher would work it out on a whiteboard. It also offers practice problems and assessments, and monitors progress over time. Developed for middle school, high school and college students. Offers unlimited access for a low monthly fee.
myHomework Student Planner (free) Say goodbye to missed assignments! Elementary through high school students stay organized and prioritize schoolwork with this easyto-use app that tracks homework, projects, class schedules, calendars and other information. Sort deadlines by subject or due dates, set reminders and recurring activities, and customize for block-schedules. Built-in rewards system provides extra motivation to complete assignments. Ad-free premium account with additional features is available for an annual fee.
Write Ideas (free) Developed by Microsoft, this pre-writing tool helps kids get started on book reports, short stories, essays, letters and other writing assignments. Templates reduce frustration, while helping students generate content and improve writing skills. Requires a school- or work-generated Microsoft email address to access. v Lisa Pawlak is a contributing writer and local mom of two boys.