Apps for kids @ the WFL

Our new FAQ about Apps for Children at the Library:

Why have apps at the library?

• Part of Wellesley Free Library’s mission is to provide free and convenient access to information through books, media, technology, and innovative

• Touchscreen technology and apps are becoming commonplace in schools and the workplace.

• The Library is an appropriate place to give children opportunities to build digital literacy skills.

• At WFL, we promote technology that is educational, interactive, and engaging. We encourage parents to use technology together with their children.

• Each family and child has individual needs. The decision of how and whether to use the touchscreens is yours. We are happy to provide recommendations and advice.


What resources do you provide to build digital literacy?


• Storytime 2.0 integrates apps and e-books into a story-time for children ages 3-6 with a caregiver. We are proud that our Storytime 2.0 program has been recommended by the Massachusetts Library System as a model for other libraries. Check our website for upcoming dates: www.wellesleyfreelibrary.org.

• Raising “App-y” Readers and Learners Presentations for parents on using technology with children. Check our website for upcoming dates www.wellesleyfreelibrary.org.

• Wall-mounted iPads in the main Library’s Children’s Room. One app per week promotes early literacy skills and general learning. Each app has been selected and recommended by WFL Children’s Librarians.

• Themed lists of recommended apps. Visit our apps page, and find additional research and resources at www.wellesleyfreelibrary.org/childrens/apps.html

App recommendations from WFL: Interactive Books!

Each month Children's Librarians at the Wellesley Free Library put together a list of top recommended and reviewed apps for kids in a particular category.  This list is available in a paper copy in the Children's Room, as well as online.  We compile all of this, and more, on our Apps page at http://www.wellesleyfreelibrary.org/Childrens/Apps.html.

Every couple of months our theme is Interactive Books, as this is a category with so many great apps that it deserves repeating!  Check out our board of Interactive Book apps.  The most recent recommendations (this month's list) are the top 6 on the board: Meet Millie, How I became a pirate, Grendel's Great Escape, Fiona and the Fog, Fancy Hat, and Dino-Store!

We are also always happy to answer specific questions or create custom app-list for your and your child's individual needs!

Happy Computer Science Education Week!

Happy Computer Science Education Week from the Wellesley Free Library Children's Department!

Be sure to check out this month's app list of computer coding apps for kids, also available in paper form at the WFL.  We will also feature science and math apps this month on our wall-mounted ipads.

This Wednesday's Hour of Code program for Middle Schoolers is completely full, but you can still check out free Hour of Code tutorials for kids of all ages at http://code.org/learn.

App list: Math and counting!

Check out our latest app list for kids about math and counting!

http://www.pinterest.com/wellesleylib/apps-for-kids-math-and-counting/

New app list: music apps!

Find our latest app  list about music apps here:

http://www.pinterest.com/wellesleylib/apps-for-kids-music/

Be sure to check out our apps page for all our app lists, and tips for using technology with young children!

http://www.wellesleyfreelibrary.org/childrens/apps.html

New app list: ABC Apps!

Check out our latest app list here:

http://www.pinterest.com/wellesleylib/apps-for-kids-alphabet/

For all of our app lists, and other information about using technology with young children, visit:

http://www.wellesleyfreelibrary.org/Childrens/Apps.html

Raising "App-y" readers- list of apps and slideshow

Couldn't make it to our "Raising 'App-y' Readers" presentation tonight to learn about the best apps for pre-readers ages 2 and up?  Don't worry!  A list of the apps presented as well as the slides, and tips on using technology with young children are available on our "Apps for Kids" page! 

http://www.wellesleyfreelibrary.org/Childrens/Apps.html



You'll also find our monthly themed app-lists and lots more information!