StoryBuilder

Once upon a time … kids relied solely on teacher feedback and repetition to finally master the art of writing paragraphs. With StoryBuilder, the past is history! In this simple, intuitive app, budding authors are guided through the process of creating a tale of their own using a fill-in-the-blank format and visual and audio guidance in the form of cartoon images and corresponding question text.

Boasting three levels of play, 50 story lines, 500 audio clips and customization features such as voice recording, color-coding and story introduction reinforcement; this app asks children a series of open-ended questions to help them tell a story. Bright, kid-friendly graphics form a loose guide for kids to begin their tales, which are recorded in their own voices. Stringing together these snippets of narrative allows little writers to understand how a paragraph—and later, a story—is formed. Archive these interactive chronicles to revisit during story time, or email them to family members, friends and teachers.

Once a story's complete, have kids transfer their tale to paper to reinforce story elements such as introduction, conflict, climax and resolution. This app's simple concept touches on critical reading and writing skills in an engaging format that kids will enjoy time and time again.