THIS APP IS GOOD FOR KIDS WHO NEED HELP WITH:

Focus

Getting started and then maintaining attention and effort to tasks.

Poems By Heart helps users exercise the Focus thinking skill while teaching them to memorize classic poems. Users are challenged to choose from a selection of possible words to fill in blanks in each line of a poem. The app rates users on the number of correct and incorrect answers, proving points toward "leveling up." Users must begin focusing when listening to the initial recording of the poem and continue their level of focus when filling in blanks. Lack of focus means users will be unable to identify the correct words and take longer to memorize lines and entire poems. Users who concentrate on proper pronunciation and beat while reading the poetry out loud or listening to a poem being read, as well as taking care to read along carefully will far outperform users who lack focus and concentration.

Working Memory

Recalling and retaining information in our mind while working.

Reading, reciting, and memorizing poetry is an excellent way for users to exercise the Working Memory thinking skill. Poems By Heart seeks to teach users the beat, meter, and lines of a poem through listening and repetition. Users begin by listening to a poem being read while following along with a text-based version. Afterward, users play a mini-game which involves attempting to select the missing words from a small collection and insert them into the proper place in the poem. Users repeat this action, gaining points and "levels" until they are able to progress a new section of the poem. This app is an excellent way to memorize poetry for a school class or leisure while exercising the Working Memory thinking skill.

Reading

Poems By Heart gives users a great way to practice reading through non-traditional means. Each poem provides an opportunity for short, segmented practice through both reading and being read to. Users can learn about rhythm and meter in poetry, learn proper pronunciation of difficult words, and discover the history of famous poets. The app also allows users to work to select the most logical words to fit into blank spaces in a poem. Practicing reading poetry can offer users an excellent way to improve reading proficiency without feeling overwhelmed by large amounts of text, as well as earn points and "levels" while working to memorize the poetry.