Homework is a hot topic of debate in Australia at the moment. Should we have it? What are the benefits? How is it best approached? What is agreed is that homework can be a useful link between school and home, and a great way for parents to keep in touch with how well their children are learning. Developed by the NSW Department of Education and Communities, this app is jam packed full of useful information to help parents get a handle on English, math and more. Not only will this app fill in the gaps for parents trying to understand what their children are learning, but there are also activities for the kids!
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STORE LINKS
FREE
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Like a pocket dictionary, the main content of this app is hundreds of definitions of words/topics/concepts that children are likely to be coming home with for further study. Often parents feel helpless to be able to help their children, because they didn't study the same stuff or because the same old concepts have new names. Whether calculating compound interest or practicing persuasive text, School A to Z has information on it. Some topics also have downloadable fact sheets, while others also have videos. Topics that are frequented often can be added to favorites for quick reference.
Now for my favorite part of the app: Spelling Bee and Math Monkey. Spelling Bee has three difficulty levels (using words from the Macquarie Dictionary) as well as the option to make your own spelling lists. I have used this part of the app the most, creating lists with my children's weekly spelling words. Words are typed in, recorded, and also recorded in a sentence. Scores for tests are saved to the Hall of Fame. Math Monkey likewise has a Hall of Fame for students to showcase their improving ability in Times Tables. Math Monkey is a basic drill exercise to practice multiplication tables from one to 12.
So, if you're wanting to get involved with your child's learning, to support him, encourage him and perhaps even answer some of his questions, School A to Z is going to be a good download for you.
SCREENSHOTS
APP DESCRIPTION ON GOOGLE PLAY
Do you struggle to understand your child's homework? Does your child need to practise their spelling and times tables? Are you looking for inspiration for projects and assignments?
The School A to Z app is an essential tool for every parent of school-aged children. Produced by the NSW Department of Education and Communities, the School A to Z app brings together a wealth of resources to help parents to understand and support their child's homework. See www.schoolatoz.com.au for more useful student and parent resources.
Features
· Our English A to Z has more than 350 definitions of commonly-used English terms from primary and high school. Each word has an easy-to-understand definition based on the current school curriculum, with graphic illustrations and help sheets to help you.
· With nearly 300 definitions, our Maths A to Z will help you to understand what is happening in your child's classroom. Each word has an easy-to-understand definition based on the current school curriculum, with graphic illustrations, help sheets and 'how to' videos to help you support your child.
· Technology is changing at an ever-increasing pace and - as a parent - it is not always easy to keep up with the latest trends and terminology. Our Technology A to Z explains these terms in language that you can understand.
· Our 'Spelling Bee game' provides hours of spelling fun for children of all ages. The Spelling Bee game is powered by words from Australia's national dictionary, the Macquarie Dictionary (Macquarie Dictionary Data (c) Macquarie Dictionary Publishers, 2012). There are three levels of difficulty and a leader board to track progress and improvement. Children can even create their own games for their spelling homework.
· If your child needs help with their times tables, then the Maths Monkey Times Tables challenge is sure to be a winner. Your child has to get the most number of correct answers before all of the bananas fall. Children can choose which number they want to practise and there is also a random game to keep them guessing.
· Does your child have an assignment due tomorrow and you don't know where to start? We have prepared some assignment starters for common classroom topics and themes to point you in the right direction.
If you are looking for an easy-to-use guide to help your child with their homework, then this is the app for you!