As we begin the new school year we have an opportunity to start with a clean slate. Writing is a skill that many students struggle with, from grammar, idiom and spelling to punctuation and footnotes.
Grammar App $1.99 can help improve use of English grammar, word selection and vocabulary. Topics covered include parts of speech, articles, tenses, verbs, interjections, and more.
iLiveGrammar $4.99 There are three different ilive Grammar apps: Winter, Autumn and Botany. Sentences cover nouns, verbs, adjectives, prepositions and conjunctions.
Vocabulary Monkeys $3.99 This app is for older students who are studying for standardized tests. Each word has a grade that indicates how well users understand it; the grade for a given word shifts up or down based on answers to questions. The app allows users to adjust the number of words to learn and offers more than one format.
iLiveVocabSAT $4.99 has over 5000 SAT words using randomly generated multiple choice problems. It also includes the iLive standard feature of automatic testing, grading, email and blog feature.
Middle School Writing $16.99 Assists students with the different types of essays required, from biography to a five-paragraph essay. The app allows you to use the web while working on your essay.
Idioms $2.99 700 Idioms! Provides learners with an opportunity to improve strategies for successfully using native level expressions.
My Spell Test $1.99 Users create their own spelling tests. Create a test by typing and saying the word. This is a great app for all ages.
Build a Word Easy Spelling $2.99 contains more than 600 words with the option to create one's own list. Includes audio and visual prompts and three levels- short vowels, long vowels, and sight words. Especially good for special-needs students who need a blank background to reduce distraction, large letter cards, and the option not to time or keep score to reduce pressure.
Wordbook XL English Dictionary and Thesaurus $2.99 offers built-in spell checker, spoken pronunciations, user's bookmark and note management.
Articles for iPad $1.99 Just enter a search term and let Articles find the Wikipedia entry you are looking for. Great for students who are learning to write research papers.
Vicki Windman is a special education teacher at Clarkstown High School South.
