THIS APP IS GOOD FOR KIDS WHO NEED HELP WITH:

Focus

Heckerty Cook is 34 pages long, complete with language that could prove challenging for younger readers. Though the narrative is inviting and imaginative, it still takes an attentive and active reader to really engage with the story. Through vivid and excitable narration and unique animation, Heckerty Cook works to foster a new appreciation for stories. Still, it's important that users attempt to sit down and read the text on their own. Thirty four pages with short bits of dialogue does not make for a difficult read. In an effort to bolster the focus thinking skill, users should try to finish the story each time they open the app.

Working Memory

There's only one story available in the free version of Heckerty Cook -- a story that describes Heckerty' transition from sloppy and ill informed cook to a more realized, fresh ingredient chef. We recommend that users try to experience the same story in as many ways as the app has to offer. For example, Heckerty Cook can be read silently or aloud. Or the story can be dictated by Heckerty, the narrator, or an outside reader. The first few times through the story, users will likely be unfamiliar with the pronunciation of certain, more polysyllabic words. During a reading, users can tap on an unfamiliar word and Heckerty will say it aloud. From there users take it upon themselves to look it up. Heckerty Cook helps readers use their working memory thinking skill to learn new vocabulary.

Reading

Heckerty Cook is geared for users between the ages of 4 and 8. The language is not too difficult, through there will be some words -- and maybe even idiomatic phrases younger readers may not have been exposed to yet. But when the story is narrated by Heckerty, her tone and inflection implies meaning, making it easier for users to follow along. And if users decide to read on their own -- either silently or aloud, when they encounter an unfamiliar word, they simply need to tap on it to make Heckerty say it aloud. From there users can proceed with the rest of the narrative.