After looking through some of the great apps that Richard Byrne recommends, I found one called News-O-Matic, The Daily Newspaper Just For Kids. Here is a link to the page that explains it if you would want more detailed info:
http://ipadapps4school.com/2014/10/29/news-o-matic-daily-news-for-kids-in-english-and-spanish/
When clicking on a certain article, students are presented with a few detailed paragraphs about the topic, as well as a tool bar on the right hand side with a few more options. Students can have the article read to them, can watch a video regarding the topic, as well as watch a slideshow of pictures about the topic.
One thing I LOVE about this app is how kid friendly it is and easy to navigate. I would say it is geared more for the upper grades 3-5. It has a lot of fun icons to click on, including a globe that shows students a location (if the topic they are reading about has one), as well as a games icon on the homepage where they can play around with the topics.
I can see classrooms being able to use this app in multiple ways. First of all, I think it is a great way to incorporate current events into your classroom. An app like this could be used at the beginning/end of the day to keep students up to date on what's happening in the world around them. It could also be used as a brain break during the day, enabling students to take a break and learn some fun, interesting facts. I could also see this as being used for informational text, allowing kids to read articles, summarizing what they have learned, and giving them opportunities to learn new vocabulary (which is highlighted and defined when you click on it).
Not only is this an app, but is also online at press4kids.com
Go check it out for yourself!
