Some iPad apps for French

Hello!

I have been working with students ranging from Grade 1 to 6 in French reading and writing, as well as social studies and math.

I have found a lot of students have trouble with reading and writing particular words in French, as well as recognizing French verb tenses and what word/tense should be used at what time. Being lucky enough to have my own iPad, I chose to search for some apps and came up with a few great ones that seem to be working very well. Most of the apps are free, or at least have a free version to try out. I strongly caution you against purchasing an app without first trying out the free version <i>yourself and with the students who will be using the app!</i> I only purchased one for $0.99 without trying it first, but it is not very useful and does not apply itself to what I am teaching. I have tried and deleted approximately ten, but kept several others, in French and in English.

<b>Tic Tic</b>

$3.99 (Free limited version to try first)

I use Tic-Tic with two Grade 3 girls who have challenges with reading and writing in French, as well as for a Grade 1 boy who understands French, but will only speak and write in English.

Tic-Tic is a 3D cartoon of a young girl. There are several categories to choose from, such as "L'alphabet", "Les animaux", "La cuisine", "Le corps", etc. I have my students either choose at random, or I will choose a category. Once in the category, there are several animations with the written word underneath. My more advanced students are encouraged to try reading the word first, and then they click on it and Tic-Tic comes to life! She says the word, then places her hand to her ear to hear the student repeat the word. Then, there is an animation to reinforce yet again what word the child has just said. You can also click again on the same animation if the child has had trouble, and continue to practice. Not only is Tic-Tic fun to interact with, but she has great, clear pronunciation and animations for the students to learn from. I highly recommend this one!










<b>Mind Snacks - French</b>

$1.99 (Free version available to try)

Another great French app, this one has games for students to play at different levels with different words, and the categories are food, numbers and letters. Students need to complete lessons (I tell them they have to beat the levels) in order to unlock higher levels and new games. The only drawback is you need to reset the game from time to time for different students. Students first practice with the app to review words that they will be tested on. Then, they continue on to the actual test. Below, I have placed a picture of one of the tests that the students can complete. A number appears at the top, and the students have to match the correct word below to keep the water level up and keep the fish alive. It's fun, and helps students relate English and French words. I found this a great app for all age levels, as it makes learning fun as they compete against themselves.







<b>French Basics</b>

Free - but don't waste your time

There are three categories: "Apprendre (Learn)", "Dessiner (Doodle)", and "Jouer (Play)". The learn section has the alphabet with only one French word with no sound to help with pronunciation, letter sound in French, or word recognition, and when you click on the letter, a letter for students to colour in shows up - again, with no sound. Doodle is a basic whiteboard (and there are much better apps out there for this) and play has a memory game. The memory game, again, has no sound, and simple cartoon pictures of animals. This does not help with reading or writing, and there are much better and much more amusing apps out there to help support learning.



Hopefully that helps to give a start to a few apps that are out there!

Happy learning!

Marieke