While there are many challenges posed by being stuck at home right now, one that hits especially hard is missing celebrations with family and friends. I have been using several greeting card apps to email and snail-mail my loved ones for birthdays, graduations, and baby showers. Card making is a great writing activity for any child and can be modified to include the use of alternative pencils. Below you will find a list of my favorite greeting card apps and some ideas for how to use a variety of alternative pencils.
- Felt
- Application (available through Google Play and the App Store)
- Requires users to log-in
- Allow for uploaded pictures
- Can choose a template or create your own
- Can write handwritten notes or include doodles and change font size, color, and pen type
- Can type notes and change the font type, size, and color
- Sends in a stamped envelope via snail-mail for $2+
- Postable
- Website
- Requires users to log-in
- Allows for picture uploads
- Can choose a template or create your own
- Can type notes and change the font type
- Sends in a stamped envelope or as a postcard via snail-mail.
- Flat cards are $3.99 and postcards are $2.49
- American Greetings: Creatacard Card Maker
- Application for tablets only (available through Google Play and the App Store)
- Requires users to log-in
- Allows for uploaded pictures
- Can choose a template or create your own
- Can write handwritten notes or include doodles and change font size, color, and pen type
- Includes a variety of fun frames, fonts, and stickers
- Looks more like a traditional bifold card
- Sends in a stamped envelope via snail-mail for $3.49
- 123 Greetings
- Website
- No log-in required
- Can choose a video, picture, or GIF from the library for your card
- Can type notes, change font type, color, and size as well as add emojis
- Sends for free via email
- Open Me
- Website
- Requires users to log-in
- Allows for uploaded pictures
- Can type notes and change font type
- Sends for free via email
Before I go into more detail about ways to incorporate the use of alternative pencils, here is a great resource to learn more about them: http://literacyforallinstruction.ca/alternative-pencils-2/
Now for some ideas for using the features on these apps and websites with alternative pencils.
- Using a low/no-tech pencil, such as magnets or stamps? Consider taking a picture of the message and uploading it into a card.
- Using a Bluetooth keyboard? Consider using the typing feature available in all of these card options.
- Using the keyboard on your AAC app or dedicated device? Take a screenshot and upload it to a card.
- Using a flip-chart or other system with partner-assisted scanning? Consider using fun fonts the user selects when scribing their message.
- Using an alternative keyboard such as Intellikeys or Abilipad? Consider copying and pasting the text or uploading a screenshot.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it should give you some ideas to get started. Start writing and have fun!
