Read Me Stories

In the younger grades from kindergarten to second grade reading is a big part of being able to advance onto the next grade.  Vocabulary words, letter and sound recognition, and being able to read fluently are major aspects that pertain to a student's ability to read.  The Read Me Stories app is extremely child friendly.  When you open the app you can either choose to be a new user and load a new library or continue with a library you build as a returning user. If you choose to be a new user you then go to a screen that lets you choose a series of 5 books that will start you off.  Once you choose a series you can start reading the book.  This app does give you the option of having the book read to you or for you to read the book on your own.  The books are simple one to two sentences per page that are easy for learning readers.  If the books reads to you, the students can follow along with their finger to sound out words with the voice.  It also has interactive buttons that keep student's engaged along with understanding the text.
    This app is extremely user friendly and can be used for a variety of things.  Student's can choose their own books to read due tot heir interests.  This can also be used with an adult/teacher or just by students along.
    Not only does this concept fascinate me, I know that it will one day replace all of the old tape recordings of books being read because it is faster, smaller, and more available.  It can be played out loud or used with headphones and that is a concept that is more 21st century focused.  I wish this was around when I was learning to read because apparently I would always walk around and tell people to read to me, but with an app like this I could have always read/have stories read to me without bugging the adults.  I am sure my parents would have enjoyed this too.
   This app could be used for a learning center, extra time activity, reading groups, and even be useful with a one-on-one student conference.  It not only helps students be able to learn sounds and letters, but it also helps them with reading comprehension and reading fluency/speed.  It would be a great addition to any classroom as a reading aid.