Kidioms vs Phonological Awareness Lab

Kidioms – An Introduction to Idioms for Kids The Kidioms iPad app makes learning idioms fun for children, ELL students, or anyone wishing to improve their understanding of English. The app uses an interactive notebook to present an idiom, it's meaning and an example showing the idiom used in context. Each page of the notebook also has a graphic to help illustrate the idiom’s meaning. In addition to the lessons, Kidioms offers three interactive activities to help reinforce the concepts and provide practice using and understanding the idioms. Word Drop challenges the learner to complete the idiom by choosing the correct missing word. Missing Word asks the user to spell the missing word. In Match-Up the player selects the correct idiom to fill in the blank in a larger block of text. Common Core Standard that are address by Kidioms: Vocabulary Acquisition and Use Grade 3 •L.3.5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings. ◦Distinguish the literal and non-literal meanings of words and phrases in context (e.g.,take steps). ◦Identify real-life connections between words and their use (e.g., describe people who are friendly or helpful). ◦Distinguish shades of meaning among related words that describe states of mind or degrees of certainty (e.g., knew, believed, suspected, heard, wondered). Grade 4 •L.4.5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. ◦Explain the meaning of simple similes and metaphors (e.g., as pretty as a picture) in context. ◦Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs. Demonstrate understanding of words by relating them to their opposites (antonyms) and to words with similar but not identical meanings (synonyms). Grade 5 L.5.5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. •Interpret figurative language, including similes and metaphors, in context. •Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs. Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonyms, antonyms, homographs) to better understand each of the words.

Phonological Awareness Lab (PAL) turns learning into an interactive science adventure where children experiment with sounds, syllables, and words to build essential pre-reading skills. Designed by a certified speech-language pathologist and developed by Smarty Ears, PAL combines evidence-based learning with a fun, game-like environment that keeps students motivated from start to finish. Explore Four Interactive Labs: • Sentence Experiment Lab: Practice identifying and counting words within sentences. • Decoding Room: Strengthen blending skills with two interactive games—Blending Syllables and Blending Sounds. • Rhyming Compound: Build rhyming skills with three levels of play—Rhyming Identification, Rhyming Selection, and Rhyming Match. • Syllable X-Ray: Learn to identify and count syllables while exploring engaging visuals. Each lab features colorful graphics, animated environments, and dynamic sound effects that transform phonological awareness practice into play. Children feel like scientists conducting sound “experiments,” making learning fun and meaningful. Engaging Gameplay • Students choose their avatar and participate in hands-on activities across multiple labs. • Adaptive levels allow learners to progress at their own pace. • Motivating visuals, animations, and immediate feedback keep children actively involved. • Designed to support classroom, home, or therapy use. Multi-Player Functionality • Add multiple players with custom names and photos or avatars. • Switch easily between players during sessions. • Perfect for small-group therapy, classroom centers, or home learning. Data Tracking and Reports • Automatically tracks accuracy for each skill area. • Generates a detailed “Report Card” showing performance by activity, date, and session. • Includes easy-to-read graphs for quick progress monitoring. • Export data to the free Therapy Report Center or email reports to caregivers or educators. Evidence-Based and RTI-Friendly Phonological awareness is one of the strongest predictors of reading success. Research shows that children who develop phonological awareness skills—such as rhyming, blending, and segmenting—read more fluently and with greater comprehension. PAL provides targeted practice for these skills, making it ideal for Response to Intervention (RTI) and literacy support programs. Features • Multi-player capability • Four labs targeting essential pre-reading skills • Seven activities of increasing complexity • Customizable player profiles with avatars • Automatic data tracking and progress reports • Fun animations and immediate feedback • Research-based learning approach • High-quality images and sound Developed by Smarty Ears, trusted by over 250,000 educators and speech-language pathologists in more than 70 countries, Phonological Awareness Lab empowers children to learn, communicate, and thrive through technology.