For a child, reading is a fundamental skill that significantly helps them further their receptive skills as they develop. Reading instills empathy and cognitive abilities, thus stimulating a child’s cognitive development. Early exposure to reading picture books and playing with a tablet can help them build language skills.

Karen Wohlwend, a literacy professor, suggests that educational apps can develop six dimensions of participatory literacies in children: multiplayer, productive, multimodal, multilinear, pleasurable, and connected. Moreover, educational apps are rich with interactive visualization, which can also be instrumental in assisting children with reading disabilities.

Finding a suitable reading app for your child is time-consuming and couldn’t be more complicated due to the many available options on the app store. We have rigorously tested over ten reading apps on our devices, and after careful consideration, we have shortlisted five exceptional apps for you.

The below-highlighted apps are available in free and paid versions and offer various features, from intuitive wordplay to engaging storytelling. It’s our hope these apps will encourage kids to enjoy reading so that they will also attracted to reading books.

1. Epic!

Price: $7.99/month,  30-day trial

Why We Recommend: Epic! is an interactive reading platform for kids with a comprehensive library of over 40,000 books, audiobooks, and videos. Epic is carefully curated for children under 12 with an ever-expanding book library and graphic novels.

It features a personalized recommendation system that suggests books/novels based on a child’s reading interests and engages reluctant readers to total bookworms.

Parents can also track their child’s progress and reading activity. With tools like vocabulary builder and dictionary Lookup, your child could boost their reading and critical thinking skills while playing word games and quizzes.

Ages/Grades: 2-12 years old

Features: Personalized suggestions, tracking tools, offline reading mode, and the option to read in Spanish and French.

Pros: Expansive range of books, engaging interface, build vocabulary and reading skills .

Cons: Monthly subscription fee, limited access to some books due to licensing restrictions.

2  Reading Eggs

Price: $9.99/month, Free trial

Reading Eggs makes reading exciting and engaging for kids. Your child can build the necessary sensory skills with highly engaging reading programs in the app. It features reading lessons like building comprehension, spelling, and grammar skills which help them become confident lifelong readers.

Why We Recommend: This is one of our favorite educational apps that teach children to learn and read through gamifying interactive activities. It features an extensive library of fictional and non-fictional books tailored to a child’s reading level. We also loved that parents could access regular reports to track their child’s progress. Children between the ages of 5⁠–⁠10 can improve their reading skills with systematic and synthetic phonics exercises in the app.

Ages/Grades: 2-13 years old

Features: Personalized reading lessons, interactive activities and lessons, progress reports, and printable worksheets.

Pros: Engaging interface, educational activities, and regular progress reports.

Cons: Monthly subscription fee.

3 Vooks

Price: $4.99/month or or $49.99/year, Free trial

Why We Recommend: Beautiful animation, professional narration, and various library features make this app a must-have reading app for kids. Kids love interactive and immersive play; this video-based app can benefit any parent struggling to teach their little one new perspectives and build knowledge without distractions.

It features a curated selection of high-quality children’s books with titles related to STEM and Emotional Learning. The diverse collection of books with educational Comprehension and learning makes Vooks an excellent option for children learning to read.

Ages/Grades: 2-8 years old

Features: Animated books, read-aloud narration, interactive quizzes, Offline Reading.

Pros: Engaging animations, STEM Titles, and many high-quality, family-friendly books.

Cons: Limited selection of books compared to other reading apps.

4. ABCmouse

Price: $12.95/month, Free trial

Why We Recommend: ABCmouse features an exhaustive list of learning activities for children ages 2 to 8. The curriculum includes 850 Lessons across 10 Levels and comprises reading, math, science, and art programs.

Every curated curriculum contains fun and interactive comprehensions and activities that teach a specific educational concept. This app provides a step-by-step path to learning sentence structure and punctuation for preschool to second-grade students.

We have also checked the wide range of fiction and non-fiction books available under the reading section tailored to a child’s reading level. The puzzle section teaches the children problem-solving and critical-thinking skills and lets kids solve fiction stories puzzles.

Ages/Grades: 2-8 years old

Features: Comprehensive curriculum, personalized learning, progress reports, and the option to learn to read in Spanish.

Pros: Comprehensive curriculum, engaging interface, and regular progress reports.

Cons: Monthly subscription, Restricted access to books.

5.  Hooked on Phonics

Price: First Month for just $1, then $15.99/Month

Why We Recommend: Phonetics is the basis of reading which helps kids produce and perceive sounds and associate a particular sound with its corresponding letter. For growing kids who are learning new words and distinctive vocabulary every day, Hooked on Phonics is essential.

With read-through interactive games and activities, Hooked on Phonics familiarizes children with vowel and consonant sounds. The app includes practice packs and workbooks that cover lessons and start with simple sound introductions.

Every time your child completes a comprehension, a new fun activity is added with the newly learned words. The lessons and practice comprehension provides a step-by-step pathway to solidify the learning that molds a child into a successful reader. Hooked on Phonics features a comprehensive curriculum including phonics, sight words, and reading comprehension.

Ages/Grades: 3-8 years old

Features: Videos with catchy songs, games, activities, comprehensive curriculum, hands-on writing practice, and progress reports.

Pros: Engaging puzzles, physical storybooks, and funny characters.

Cons: Monthly subscription fee.

Conclusion

In conclusion, reading apps are helpful for occupied parents and offer a more efficient way to engage kids. The interactive reading experience with a comprehensive curriculum accomplishes the parenting goal of engaging their children in a meaningful activity.

Within a brief portion of time and a little effort from parents, these reading apps can help children develop and stimulate their learning skills. Reading apps are an engaging tool to improve literacy, from phonics and Vocabulary to Sight word recognition and critical thinking.

The five apps highlighted in this article are Epic, Reading Eggs, ABCmouse, Vooks, and Hooked on Phonics. All these apps offer a range of features and prices. You can choose any of these apps according to your needs and budget.

Author Name and Bio:
Parvinder Singh is a seasoned IT developer and network engineer with over 5 years of experience. He is also a skilled tech columnist, offering insights on the latest trends and developments in the tech industry.

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers in history. His works, which include plays, sonnets, and poems, have been studied, analyzed, and performed for over four centuries. Despite the passage of time, Shakespeare’s literary legacy remains as relevant and inspiring today as it was during his lifetime.

This article explores how Shakespeare’s writing has influenced and continues to inspire modern authors.

1. Shakespeare’s Themes and Characters

Shakespeare’s themes and characters have had a lasting impact on literature and continue to inspire modern authors. From the themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal to the characters of Hamlet, Romeo, and Macbeth, the literature has a universal appeal that transcends time and place.

As a result, the authors have drawn inspiration from Shakespeare’s works to create new stories, characters, and themes that resonate with contemporary audiences.

Shakespearean literature has an enduring influence in incorporating his themes and characters into contemporary form. For instance, Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Arts in English includes a study titled “Shakespeare’s Influence on Contemporary Literature,” which explores the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries and their influence on modern literature.

Through this program at Maryville University, students can better understand Shakespeare’s themes and characters and how they have impacted the literary landscape.

Furthermore, Shakespeare’s themes and characters have been adapted and reimagined in countless ways. One common trend is retelling his plays in a modern context, such as West Side Story, a retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in 1950’s New York City. These adaptations allow audiences to connect with Shakespeare’s timeless themes and characters in a contemporary setting.

2. Shakespeare’s Use of Language

One of the most remarkable aspects of Shakespeare’s writing is his use of language. According to Statista, Shakespeare wrote all 37 plays between 1589 and 1613, or in less than a quarter of a century. In his plays, his mastery of the English language is evident in his rich vocabulary, poetic techniques such as meter and rhyme, and ability to create unforgettable phrases and images.

Shakespeare’s language has profoundly impacted the English language, and many of his expressions have become part of our everyday vocabulary. Phrases like “to be or not to be,” “all the world’s a stage,” and “fair play” are just a few examples of how his words have entered the common lexicon.

Shakespeare’s language inspires present-day authors, who have drawn on his techniques and style to create their works. For example, in his novel The English Patient, Michael Ondaatje uses poetic language to create vivid images of war-torn Italy, much like Shakespeare did in his plays.

3. Shakespeare’s Narrative Techniques

In addition to his language and characters, Shakespeare’s narrative techniques have significantly impacted literature. Shakespeare was a master of plot, pacing, and suspense; his plays are known for their complex and intricate storylines.

One of Shakespeare’s most notable narrative techniques is his use of dramatic irony. It occurs when the audience knows something the characters on stage do not, creating tension and anticipation as the events unfold. This technique can be seen in plays like Romeo and Juliet, where the audience knows that Juliet is not dead, but Romeo does not, leading to his tragic end.

Another technique that Shakespeare used was the art of foreshadowing. He would plant hints and clues throughout his plays that hinted at future events, building suspense, and keeping the audience engaged.

4. Shakespeare’s Exploration of Human Nature

One of Shakespeare’s greatest achievements as a writer was his ability to explore the complexities of human nature. His characters are multifaceted, often embodying conflicting desires and motivations that make them deeply relatable to audiences across time and space.

Shakespeare’s exploration of human nature is evident in his plays. Also, according to Poetry Foundation, Shakespeare’s sonnets, which were written in or around 1592–1593, explore topics like love, jealousy, power, and the human condition.

In Othello, Shakespeare examines the destructive power of jealousy, showing how it can drive a man to madness and ultimately lead to tragedy. In Hamlet, he explores the nature of revenge, asking whether it is justified and showing how it can consume a person’s soul.

Today, writers continue to draw inspiration from Shakespeare’s exploration of human nature, using his themes and characters to explore timeless questions about the human experience. In his novel Americanah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie examines issues of race, identity, and belonging, much like Shakespeare did in his plays.

5. Shakespeare’s Adaptability

Shakespeare’s writing is often described as timeless, partly due to his remarkable adaptability. His plays and sonnets have been adapted and reimagined countless times over the centuries in various contexts and mediums.

One reason for Shakespeare’s adaptability is his universal themes and characters, which continue to resonate with audiences across time and place. In addition, his study of human character and temperament, his use of language, and his mastery of narrative techniques make his works endlessly adaptable and relevant.

Shakespeare’s adaptability is evident in the many adaptations and retellings of his works. His works have also been adapted into operas, ballets, and even video games, showing how his writing can be inspire writers for centuries and be interpreted in countless ways.

6. Shakespeare’s Impact on Genre

Shakespeare’s impact on literary genres is significant, as his works have been credited with shaping and defining several literary genres that are still widely respected today.

One genre that Shakespeare is often associated with is tragedy. His plays like Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Hamlet are considered some of the greatest tragedies in English literature. His exploration of themes like fate, revenge, and the nature of humanity has shaped the genre for centuries. Many modern tragedies still draw inspiration from Shakespeare’s works in their themes and narrative techniques.

Shakespeare is also credited with shaping the romantic comedy genre. His plays like A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night feature elements like mistaken identity, love triangles, and romantic entanglements. These have become staples of the romantic comedy genre.

Shakespeare Left a Significant, Lasting, and Inspirational Literary Impact

According to Agecroft Hall & Gardens, Shakespeare ended his playwriting career in 1613, but his legacy remains and is forever vast and enduring. It continues to inspire and influence writers across time and place. His human nature exploration, use of language, mastery of narrative techniques, adaptability, and impact on literary genres make him one of the greatest writers in the English language.

Shakespeare’s themes and characters are timeless, and his works have been adapted and reimagined countless times over the centuries, showing their enduring relevance and influence. As long as there are writers and readers, Shakespeare’s legacy will continue to inspire and shape the literary world.

We’ve all reached a stage where we sit and ask ourselves: Why do I talk to stuffed animals? Well, who won’t judge or interrupt you if you are feeling lonely or stressed or wish for someone to talk to? Do I have a solution for you?

Talking to stuffed animals is an excellent idea!

I know, I know. You might be thinking, “Come on, I’m an adult, and why would I talk to a stuffed animal?” But hear me out! Talking to stuffed animals is for more than just kids, it can also be incredibly beneficial for adults.

Benefits of Talking to Stuffed Animals 

First, talking to a stuffed animal is a great way to relieve stress, and you can pour out your worries and frustrations to your fluffy friend without fear of judgment or interruption. Plus, their soft and cuddly exterior can be incredibly soothing to hold onto when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

But it’s not just about stress relief.

Talking to stuffed animals can also help improve your communication skills. Think about it – if you can talk to a stuffed animal, you can talk to anyone! Practice articulating your thoughts and feelings to your stuffed buddy; before you know it, you’ll be a communication master.

And let’s remember the nostalgia factor. I don’t know about you, but thinking about my childhood stuffed animals always makes me smile. So why tap into that happy nostalgia and chat with your old friends every once in a while?

Listen up, folks! I’m not just spouting off nonsense here – there’s actual science to back up the benefits of talking to stuffed animals. For instance, a fancy-pants study published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology showed that chatting with a stuffed animal can help little tykes develop empathy and social skills. And if it’s good enough for the kiddos, why not for us grown-ups?

So don’t be shy – grab your trusty stuffed animal and give it a good old squeeze. Share all your juicy secrets and worries with it. No judgment here! And if anyone raises an eyebrow at your new habit, tell them ScienceScience gave you the green light. Because who needs other humans when you’ve got a fluffy confidant by your side?

3 Reasons Why Talking to your Plushie is a Good Idea

Stuffed animals don’t expect anything from us

There is always a chance that those we confide in will hold our secrets against us or use them against us in the future. But, there is no risk when we confess to a stuffed animal because they have no expectations. It can be wonderfully liberating to be able to tell them anything and anything without fear of their using it against us, la.

We’re always young enough to need connections

All of us, even adults, requires connections, and we need others with whom we can communicate our ideas, emotions, and experiences. Occasionally, those humans are just stuffed animals. Talking to stuffed animals allows some people to handle their emotions without upsetting others and could be a means of feeling less isolated. In either case, it’s natural.

Stuffed animals don’t expect anything from us

There is always a chance that those we confide in will hold our secrets against us or use them against us in the future. But, there is no risk when we confess to a stuffed animal because they have no expectations. It can be wonderfully liberating to be able to tell them anything and anything without fear of their using it against us later.

How Do Plushies Comfort You? 

You’ll have to concede that teddy bears and comfort go hand in hand. According to Dr. Aniko Dunn, stuffed animals are recommended for people with bipolar, PTSD, and other mental problems. If they feel safe and protected, everyone may relax.

The teddy bear provides people with a physically calming element in their lives in a similar way that live animals ease anxiety and aids in their adjustment to foreign environments.

Like when you were younger, sleeping with a teddy bear is still a widespread behavior as an adult, and it shouldn’t strike responsible adults carrying stuffed animals as weird.

You might be interested in learning more about the benefits of sleeping with a stuffed animal. Clearly state this:

Flows oxytocin

Oxytocin, a hormone that relaxes and calms our minds, is released when we snuggle anything exceptionally soft and comforting.

Decreased loneliness 

By using a teddy bear as a pillow when things are tough. It removes loneliness and isolation from our lives and fills the hole caused by a lack of social interaction.

We only need someone to listen to us when we’re in need since we’re a social species. By giving and caring, we restore our general mental health and become sane. The same condition is met by the teddy bear, improving mental health.

Makes it easier to go through sadness 

Grief is a human trait that comes with being a person. Teddy bears encourage us during our times of sadness and offer ongoing consolation without casting judgment.

We hope you understand why stuffed animals can also be excellent adult buddies. We may all benefit from warmth, compassion, and comfort at any point in our lives.

In conclusion, Talking To Your Stuffed Animals Is Very Natural, Whether You’re Pouring Your Heart Out To Them After A Difficult Day Or Asking Advice From Them About A Love Problem.

This is why:

• We never outgrow the need for relationships.
• Stuffed animals offer impartial support.
• They don’t have any expectations of us.

So feel free to share your deepest feelings with them—they are willing to listen!

Child obesity is a rapidly growing problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), obesity affected 14.7 million children and adolescents between 2017-20.  The percentage of children and adolescents with a body mass index (BMI) in the obese range has more than tripled since 1980.

Furthermore, the number of children with severe obesity has increased sixfold. A 5th to 84th percentile BMI range is considered healthy for children. But many children are over this range.

It’s clear that many factors contribute to this increase, but we don’t yet know exactly what causes childhood obesity or how best to address it. This blog post will explore some of these causes and solutions so you can help prevent your child from becoming one of the millions who struggle with this condition every year.

Harmful Effects of Child Obesity in America

The problem of childhood obesity in America is growing at an alarming rate. Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. It also puts children at risk for poor self-esteem due to the social stigma surrounding their weight or appearance.

Prevention and Support

Early intervention is crucial to help solve childhood obesity in America.  Educate children about healthy eating and how it benefits their bodies.

For support, seek out social work programs designed help bring down obesity among children.   A reliable source to get information online is from University websites. University of Nevada, Reno, has a ton of information on obesity and how early intervention can help. It also lets any student holding a Bachelor’s degree in either social or non-social work get a Master’s degree in social work. This can motivate people to perform social activities to help reduce childhood obesity in America.

Harmful Effects of Child Obesity in America

Rapid Change in Eating Patterns

The rise in obesity can be attributed to several factors. First, we’re busier than ever. Between work and family commitments, it’s easy to find yourself eating on the go including resorting picking up fast food.

At home, people are eating more processed foods than ever because they’re cheap and convenient. Processed foods have high calories that can lead to obesity. According to a recent study published in the JAMA Network publication, 67 percent of a child’s calories come from ultra-processed foods in the US.

Lack of Exercise

While it’s easy to see the link between a sedentary lifestyle and weight gain, physically active children typically have better health outcomes than their more inactive peers.

Physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, building strong bones and muscles, improving mood and self-esteem, reducing stress levels, and keeping you awake during class.

Increasing Screen Time

Parents are well aware that an excess of TV and computer time can harm a child’s wellbeing and health. Limiting their exposure and encouraging them to be active instead is vital.

• Children who watch more than two hours of television per day are twice as likely to be overweight or obese than those watching less than one hour daily. A study from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that 42 percent of children are at risk due to this trend.

• Studies have shown that children who spend more time watching television are less likely to eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and this has been linked with childhood obesity in multiple studies over the years.

Family Environment

Family environment is a significant factor in childhood obesity. A supportive family can help your child maintain a healthy weight and prevent unhealthy eating habits, while the opposite can negatively affect their health.

Family support is one of the most critical factors in helping children maintain healthy weights. In fact, research shows that young people with active parents are more likely to be physically active than those without active parents. This suggests that if you want your child to be active, then it’s vital for you as their parent or guardian to model this behavior.

In addition to being physically active together as a family, eating meals together regularly and encouraging healthy eating choices at home can also play an essential role in controlling kids’ weights throughout childhood into adulthood.

Genetics

Genetics is one of the main causes of child obesity. A child’s genetic predisposition, family history, and genetic testing can be factored into their weight gain.

Genetic testing can determine if specific mutations in your genes make it easier for you to gain weight or if there are other genetic conditions, such as Prader-Willi syndrome or Bardet-Biedl syndrome.

Teaching kids about how genetics influence their weight can remove a lot of the shame associated with their size.  Today, doctors stress that obesity is a disease more than it is a person’s own fault.

Genetic counseling is also important when considering having children because it helps parents understand how their genetics will affect their children’s health and development. Genetic counseling may include discussions about:

• Reproductive options such as prenatal screening tests
• Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
• Amniocentesis
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

Solutions for Addressing Child Obesity in America

We’ve already mentioned how important early intervention is, but it’s never too late to make changes and seek help when necessary.  Here are a few solutions you can implement to face the problem of obesity in your family head on.

Lifestyle Changes

The following are some simple steps you can take to ensure that your child is eating a healthy diet:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Eat less processed foods.
• Eat less sugar, salty foods and saturated fats, and less trans fats. These foods may be tempting because they’re easy to eat on the go and taste good immediately after consumption.

Here’s how it works. When children consume too many calories from these “empty” sources through their diets, those excess calories get stored inside fat cells around their bellies, causing them to look bloated and feel bloated.

Education and Awareness

The more we can teach people about the causes of childhood obesity, the more they will be able to understand how it affects their children’s health. If you know someone struggling with their weight or has a child who struggles with theirs, share this article with them.

Introduce kids to healthy and delicious food habits from other cultures.  There are plenty of examples of how people from other countries remain healthy and lean while enjoying plant based proteins and better choices of non-processed meats.  In many cultures, taste is equally important as nutrition.  No one wants to eat bland food.

Community-Based Interventions

Community-based interventions can be effective in addressing childhood obesity in America. Community-based interventions can target specific populations, such as children or adults of certain races, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and educational backgrounds.

They are also implemented in schools, healthcare settings, and community centers that serve various clients from different backgrounds. Community-based interventions are often used to address other health issues besides obesity, such as smoking cessation programs.

The CDC recommends communities create local school wellness policies and encourage educational institutions to follow them. It also ensures that the food available for students at school is healthy and meets all dietary requirements.

Conclusion

The rise in child obesity in America is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. The consequences of this epidemic are staggering, affecting not only the individual children who are impacted but also our nation as a whole. We hope that by providing information about what causes obesity in children and how we can address it, we will help raise awareness about this problem.