Technology is evolving so fast today it’s hard to keep up sometimes. I use technology during the day at work but the tools for kids have different applications so there can be a bit of a learning curve. To help my kids succeed in school and I rely on technology to evaluate skills, give motivation and encourage fun while learning.

Sometimes we use a desktop computer but more and more we’re using an iPad or iPad Mini for apps and website homework help.  You can set up your wireless printer to the iPad device and use it like a laptop. The mobile devices are lighter and easier to use then a desktop.  Over the past year I’ve been evaluating apps and websites recommended by school resource teachers.

Each month I choose the Top 5 Apps for RealKids which feature the best apps we’ve found that facilitate learning. We buy the apps and try them out for real issues and challenges we face in school so the reviews are from real kids and parents and many of them come with our own feedback from using them. The apps are used by school resource teachers in school and cover topics from spelling, math, science, geography, language arts, dexterity and art.

Apps by category:

Math
Science
Art
Productivity
Music
Spelling
Imagination
Fine motor skills

This list of categories above is not exhaustive and you’ll find most of my monthly review cover a few types of apps.  The categories help if you’re looking for a specific app type.  Some of the apps I feature are free and some are paid, there is a good mix of both.

Thinking about whether an iPad or iPad Mini is the way to go? In iPad and iPad Mini for RealKids I share my experience with technology in the classroom and at home and highlight the differences between the two devices.

Top Parent Sites features great websites focusing on kid and parent topics that offer great advice, age appropriate reading and activities.

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