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\nLots of apps claim to align with the Common Core, but many fail to live up to the level of the standards. Rather than testing out Common Core aligned apps on your own, we\u2019ve found some of the top apps for you to try out in the classroom or at home. In order to make our list, apps had to encourage kids to think critically and work creatively to master the standards.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re just looking for a way to keep track of all of the standards, a few apps stand out:<\/p>\n
MasteryConnect<\/a> takes the Common Core standards and organizes them by state. It also includes state standards for science and social studies. Find your state, download the free app, and always have your standards at your fingertips. For English\/Language Arts, apps should allow kids to think critically, analyze texts, and writing in a variety of ways. These apps help encourage high-quality ELA instruction based on the Common Core.<\/p>\n Question Builder<\/a> teachers kids to make inferences and think critically while answering questions. Designed for younger kids, it uses simple pictures and questions to help kids start to learn about the question and answer procedure. It also works well for kids with special needs. For English\/Language Arts, apps should allow kids to think critically, analyze texts, and writing in a variety of ways.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Shake-a-Phrase<\/a> builds kids grammar and writing skills in a fun way. Rather than using boring old sentences, the app uses silly sentences to help kids learn their parts of speech. It also suggests zany writing prompts to get them to think beyond the norm when writing. Common Core math apps should go beyond basic problem-solving. They should help kids look at problems from different angles and provide them with real-life problems to solve.<\/p>\n Virtual Manipulatives<\/a> helps kids interact with fractions through virtual fraction bars. This free app gives kids and teachers a chance to write their own problems on a virtual whiteboard using the bars, rather than providing problems for them to use. Common Core math apps should go beyond basic problem-solving. They should help kids look at problems from different angles and provide them with real-life problems to solve..<\/p><\/blockquote>\n DragonBox Algebra 5+<\/a> bills itself as the game that secretly teaches algebra. As kids solve the puzzles, they learn the basics of addition, subtraction, and multiplication. The game teaches critical thinking and creative problem-solving.\u00a0DragonBox Alegebra 12+<\/a>\u00a0uses the same system as DragonBox Algebra 5+, but includes more advanced math skills to help kids in middle and high school build their skills. These apps offer creative ways to help you incorporate the Common Core State Standards in your classroom. Do you have any favorite Common Core apps? If so, share them in the comments so other teachers and parents can check them out!<\/p>\n
\nCommon Core State Standards from Customizabooks<\/a> provides a handy reference for the Common Core, along with the ability to add student rosters and take notes related to the standards.
\nApps for Common Core<\/a> helps you find more apps aligned to specific Common Core standards. Users add and help align apps, so the more people who use it, the more content it will contain.<\/p>\nEnglish Language Arts<\/h3>\n
\nNews-O-Matic<\/a> brings informational texts into the classroom through daily news. Kids will learn about current events that interest them through articles that have been written just for them.
\nToontastic<\/a>, while pricey, is a high-quality app. Kids can create their own cartoons, allowing them to express themselves creatively and think critically when writing. Lesson plans and worksheets also help teachers align the content to the standards.<\/p>\n
\nWorld\u2019s Worst Pet \u2013 Vocabulary<\/a> combines an engaging story with vocabulary practice. Kids will see words in multiple contexts, explore synonyms and antonyms, and read kid-friendly definitions as they play the fun games.
\nSubtext<\/a> gives teachers a way to share a variety of online texts with students. Since the Common Core standards involve reading a variety of texts, teachers can find relevant articles or websites and add notes or assignments to help guide students as they read.<\/p>\nMath<\/h3>\n
\nSplash Math<\/a> offers Common Core \u2013aligned math apps for each grade-level from kindergarten through 5th<\/sup> grade. These apps incorporate a variety of mini games that kids play as they build up their basic math skills. While not incredibly unique, the games are a lot of fun for kids and the app also offers progress-tracking.
\nBugs and Buttons<\/a> is designed for younger kids and focuses on teaching basic math skills. Kids will learn to think creatively as they play the fun games. They\u2019ll also subtly learn about numbers, patterns, shapes, and other basic math concepts at the same time.<\/p>\n
\nCrackers and Goo<\/a> provides kids with a unique and fun way to learn about math patterns. The game is designed to be played by kids in kindergarten through fifth grade and beyond, with different levels in the game corresponding with different grade levels. The game builds critical thinking and mental math skills.
\nMathBoard<\/a> gives kids a way to solve math problems by actually writing out the answer rather than just having them select the correct answer. The app is also designed to teach, outlining the steps they need to take to solve a particular problem. Student profiles allow parents and teacher to track progress of multiple users.<\/p>\n