Free Reading App Aims to Combat Summer Learning Loss
To help combat learning loss among young readers during the summer months, app developer MeMeTales is partnering with PBSKids and various publishers for its Readathon2012, which will make a free book available to readers through its iOS app each week.
Kids can earn stickers and certificates and track their reading, and parents can receive specially created and theme based learning activity ideas created by educators. Participating publishers include HarperCollins, Orca Books, Shens Books, and Little Pickle Press.
Students can participate in the program free by creating an online account from June 18 to July 28. During this period, MeMeTales will donate a meal (via FoodForEducation.org) for every child that joins in the Readathon.
"We all want our kids to make the most of their days off from school, but again, would it not be awesome if we could support kids that are less fortunate?" said Maya Bisineer, founder of MeMeTales, in a statement. "That was the reason we chose FoodForEducation as our non-profit partner. For every child that joins the Readathon, we help a less fortunate child go to school for a day by helping him/her with a mid day meal."
Additional information about the app, available for both iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad, is available online and on the dedicated Readathon website.
About the Author
Stephen Noonoo is an education technology journalist based in Los Angeles. He is on Twitter @stephenoonoo.