This post is sponsored by WriteReader.
There are many stories about adults not being able to read, which is crazy, but something I was just equally as shocked to learn was that in the U.S. 21% of all adults read below the 4th grade level.
This problem needs to be corrected, and a huge part of it is how children are introduced to reading & writing in school. A common theme now-a-days is that every child learns differently and that parents and teachers need to be adaptable in their teachings to get the best results for their children, but that isn’t always the case in the steps involved in learning to read. That’s why I’m excited about WriteReader
WriteReader provides an alternative to the basic phonics approach and teaches the kids to become readers by first teaching them how to write.
The perfect example that WriteReader provides is “if a child is really into dinosaurs and wants to write about that, it’s very difficult if the only letters the child knows are “a” & “b.” WriteReader is a perfect blend of visual and auditory tools to help the child sound out and write books by simply typing the “letters they hear.” They can start writing about their favorite topics on day 1.
WriteReader allows your child to create a book about any topic they are interested in. I was amazed at how simple it was to add pictures, your child can use their own personal pictures and take them as they write, or use pictures already in their camera roll, which means they can even access to online pictures to use in their books.
These pictures can be added to the cover and pages, and really personalizes the book for your child. The keyboard is impressive also, since your child may have limited knowledge of all the sounds of the alphabet, the keyboard can either say the sound of a letter or say the name of the letter. In addition to text, your child can also add up 60 seconds of recorded audio to each page.
Learning to read with this method can be compared to how a child learns how to talk, you just start and learn as you go with your parents helping you. With that in mind, parents and teachers can really help out with WriteReader.
As your child is typing out their story, and they are bound to make a mistake or 2. There is a spot for parents to come in and type in the words in their correct spelling and/or grammar, and even add some extra details.
So when your child goes through their book again, they can see the proper spelling and learn more words.
Once your book is finished, parents and children have the option to publish their book. The book can be published globally so everyone can check it out, or you can choose to share it only via email or print.
Imagine how excited your child would be knowing that when they finish their book it can be shared with grandma who may live out of town, and they can either read it together, or they can talk about it next time on the phone. 
WriteReader is a freemium learn to read app (free to download, with 2 free books before being required to purchase unlimited use for just $4.99) you can download it and try it out and when your child wants to write more books you can upgrade. This is an app that can be used for a variety of ages. Recommended use is K-5 and the app also aligns with the Common Core Standards for students K-5.
WriteReader allows your child to be a creator of stories – an author and more importantly develops an excellent core education which will lead to stronger reading & writing habits as they become adults. This “real life literacy” process will capture your child’s imagination and give them an excellent outlet to share it with others.
The WriteReader app is a free iPad app in the iTunes App Store and will be available in Android and web versions in March of 2015. It also comes in 2 styles, a Home version and a Pro version for schools to use with volume discounts available and device independence available so that book created at school can be accessed at home, regardless of the platform.
