news-2-you By AssistiveWare

News-2-You is the app version of a symbols-based newspaper for kids with special needs. It includes the symbols system and voices used in the augmentative and alternative communication app Proloquo2Go. The app benefits kids who have difficulty reading the written word. Picture symbols and voice help kids hear and see text and visuals. There's a new edition for every week of the typical U.S. school year, and it covers current events topics like popular movies, sporting events, holidays, environmental issues, and more.

News-2-You brings current events and other newsy tidbits to kids through an easy-to-understand system of symbols and voice recordings, which you can adjust to fit your student’s unique needs. This symbols system provides structure and predictability to words and ideas presented in the news stories. News-2-You may seem pricey, but its content is substantial and fun. Extra extension activities like recipes, jokes (not always easy to explain in terms of symbols, but this app does it), games, discussion questions and more, elevate this weekly news app to a truly one-of-a-kind, accessible, useful resource for kids with special needs, kids who are struggling with reading, and for kids who may not like reading about current events but love symbol systems. Along with Proloquo2Go, it's a powerhouse combo that can help all kids learn about current events, develop comprehension skills, and express themselves.

About the app: The app is free but each newspaper edition is a $1.99 in-app purchase; an annual subscription is $49.99. News-2-You may seem pricey, but its content is substantial and fun. Extra extension activities like recipes, jokes (not always easy to explain in terms of symbols, but this app does it), games, discussion questions and more, elevate this weekly news app to a truly one-of-a-kind, accessible, useful resource for kids with special needs, kids who are struggling with reading, and for kids who may not like reading about current events but love symbol systems. Recent editions include main topics like "Endangered Animals," "Edible Schoolyard," and "Mario Brothers."

Features:

Connect to the world- Read weekly symbol-supported news
Optimize for each learner
Develop literacy skills with 4 reading levels: Simplified, Regular, Higher or Advanced
Watch words and sentences highlight as they are spoken
Adjust reading speed for each student
Benefit from Text to Speech-Download free natural-sounding voices
Use with multiple students- Configure reading level, voice and other settings per student
Review comprehension through enjoyable exercises
Get single editions or subscribe- Purchase single editions ($1.99) or an annual subscription ($54.99)

Ideas for implementation:

Review the list of editions and start with one that is most aligned with your students current interest.
Encourage your student to choose one of the extension activities related to the article, such as a recipe or discussion questions, and complete it with another student.
Encourage students to answer "WH" questions from the article they have read.
Have students write 2-3 sentences about the story.

Skills addressed:

Thinking and Reasoning

Language & Reading-following directions,reading, reading comprehension, vocabulary

App Details: Cost Free to Try: In-app single editions are priced at $1.99, or at an equivalent price in your local currency. The in-app annual subscription (News-2-You) offers 42 editions. It is priced at $54.99. The subscription automatically renews at the same price unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period.

Compatibility: Requires OS 5.1 or later