Dandelion

This interactive book tells the story of Benjamin who counts the nine hundred and seventy two steps it takes him to reach school each day. Dandelion tells of Benjamin's problems with bullies, his fears and his hopes.  Benjamin's imagination and creativity become increasingly important as the story progresses.

This app is beautifully illustrated using contrasting colours that tell as much about the story as the words do.  The subtle background music adds to the experience.  Readers have the choice to have each page read to them or to read themselves.  The interactivity (through breath and touch) is waiting to be discovered on each page.

A lovely tale that draws as much on the readers imagination as it does with Benjamin's.

Details:

Price:  NZD1.29 at time of writing

Age: would appeal to children 10 years and younger

Use: Prompt as talking about feelings.  Also useful for older children to showcase how elements can be used to add to a story.
Let us know how you have used this app.

Thing Link - What are the Possibilities?

I have just discovered the ThingLink App and had my first play.  By scrolling over the picture below various links come up to link you to either text, photos or video.  Very simple to use.  Would love to hear your thoughts on how you are using this OR ideas you have to use as part of teaching and learning.  In the meantime enjoy my links to one of my FAVOURITE places in the world, the amazing Hole in the Rock in the spectacular Bay of Islands.

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iBooks and free first in the series books

The iBookstore, available through either the iBooks app or through iTunes, offer paid and free eBooks on a whole host of topics and for a range of readers.  Not only do they have a range of popular books turned into eBooks, there are a range of interactive eBooks to bring stories and learning alive such as  Life on Earth and The Yellow Cab of the Universe.

Currently, the iBookstore has a range of 'first in the series' eBooks available for free.  There are some great titles for children available so take the time to check these out.  You will find them on the iBookstore home page, just scroll down to find the iBooks and First in a Series Free.

Haiku Deck - Playtime is Important

A lite version of the app is available to try before buying.

If you are using this app in your class, let us know how you and your students find it.

WWF together

WWF Together is a free app from the World Wildlife Fund.  The app shares  information on endangered animals through a variety of interactive features including video and origami.  The images are beautiful and a range of features are used to reveal facts about each animal such as chopping down bamboo to learn about their diet or having a globe appear highlighting the distance from where the animal lives in comparison to the user.  A great way to learn about endangered species.

 See 

Puppup lost at the zoo

This story tells the adventures of Puppup, a loved soft toy that gets lost during a visit to the zoo.  A lovely tale that is read aloud and accompanied with beautiful illustrations and some animation.

The app is approximately $4.20 but occasionally appears as a free app of the day so worth keeping an eye out for it.