During speech therapy sessions, SLP’s often use a variety of materials and strategies to work on each patient’s goals and objectives. When used correctly and intentionally, technology can be a great tool to help with a variety of speech and language skills! Periodically, I will be posting reviews of applications I typically will use when technology is appropriate during speech. Take a look at the first two!
Epic!
Epic! Is a website and app-based digital library that contains thousands of books and audiobooks tailored to children ages 0-12 (but can be used by kids of all ages!). Epic! also offers educational videos on their site, and on the app. Parents can sign up for a membership to Epic! Epic! offers a free 30-day trial, with the app costing $7.99 per month after that. Here are my thoughts on Epic!
What I like:
1: Epic! is one of my most-used therapy apps. I love the ease of use, and I appreciate how I can change my target age-range each session. This helps me find books for each age group I work with quickly and easily.
2: You can filter books in the app by age, interest, and topic, as well as use the search bar to find specific books!
3: Some books also offer a read-to-me option, with real narrators. This option is great for younger kids who can’t quite read yet!
4: With a parent subscription, parents can create up to 4 child profiles tailored toward each child!
What I think could be improved:
1: I find myself having to re-enter my password CONSTANTLY – almost every time the app is closed, or my screen is turned off. So, I’d suggest creating a password that is short, and easy to enter.
2: On the iPad app version of Epic!, the screen does not automatically turn off when using the app. Great for when you’re using it, not great when you walk out of the room and forget to close the app *hello, dead iPad!*
My Play Home Lite
My Play Home Lite is a free application available on the Apple App Store brought to you by PlayHome Software Ltd. They also offer a full version of this app for $3.99. This app is basically a digital version of a doll house. Kids can explore the home, move the people around.
What I like:
1: The Lite version of My Play Home offers many opportunities for children to explore the house without having to spend the $3.99 for the full app.
2: The Play Home offers a kitchen, living room, bathroom, adult bedroom, child bedroom, and back yard! So many different settings to explore and talk about with your child!
3: This app offers so many opportunities for speech and language development. Speech and language opportunities can include:
– Expressive Language Development: “I’m making breakfast!”
– Following Directions: “Put the girl on the bed”, “Put the CD in the boom box!”
– Story Retell: “What did you do in the play home today?”
– Categorizing: “What other things might you find in a kitchen?”
What I think could be improved:
1: Because the lite version of the app has fewer features, the amount of play options can be limiting.
Have you used any of these applications before? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think about them too!