Looking for some methods to help inspire your learners both in school and at home? Online apps have made an entire revolution in education and learning, not only because they are convenient and accessible, but because they help make teaching and learning more fun and memorable. Here are 5 apps to share with your students and their parents / carers, which offer fun, interactive learning and cover everything from autism spectrum disorder to mental health awareness – (Author: Jacqui Webber-Gant)

Splingos Language Universe - Speech and language development

An interactive game designed by Speech and Language Therapists/Pathologists to help children learn listening and language skills. Splingo is a fun alien hosted app that helps develop pupils listening and language skills. Instructions range from a very early level of language development, e.g. single word recognition, to much more complex, e.g. instructions combining several aspects of language at once. This app can be used with children aged from 6 to 11 with auditory memory and semanic difficulties.

Learn with Rufus: Emotions - Autism spectrum disorder.

This fun learning app was designed by Dr Holly Gastgeb, a psychiatrist with over 10 years of experience working with children with ASD. Learn with Rufus aims to help children learn the facial expressions that correspond to feelings and emotions. The game is highly customisable and is also beneficial for a wide range of children, including those early achievers without any diagnosed learning difficulties.

IDL Mobile - Dyslexia

IDL by Ascentis provides a unique, specialist dyslexia intervention program, which is highly effective for improving reading and spelling. This app allows learners to log in and continue their lessons from an iPad. Learning is developed around five basic principles for dyslexic learners and uses a structured, multisensory approach.

Oxford Owl - Free content

Oxford Owl is an award-winning website from Oxford University Press, created to support children’s learning both at home and at school. A great site for parents, there are lots of free resources to support with learning to read at home (including free e-books). Parents can visit Oxford Owl for School for thousands of free teaching resources, including storytelling videos, eBooks and downloadable worksheets and teaching notes.

Stop, Breathe and Think - Mindfulness and stress management

Research suggests that relaxation releases tension from the body and brain and helps aid sound sleep. So, after a busy day, encourage children to Stop, Breathe and Think with this fun and easy to use app available from Apple App Store. The app contains over 40 fun ‘missions’ designed to help kids discover the superpowers of quiet, focus and more peaceful sleep.