Product Overview: Epic!
Epic is a comprehensive digital library and reading platform tailored for children aged 12 and under. Here are its key features and functionalities:
Purpose and Access
Epic is designed to provide a vast library of books, making reading accessible and engaging for young students. It is free for elementary school teachers and school librarians across the US and Canada, allowing them to incorporate it into their daily lessons.
Key Features
- Extensive Library: Epic offers a large collection of books, including audio books, read-to-me books, and self-read books. Students can search for books based on subject, genre, age, or reading level.
- Interactive Tools: If a student is stuck on a word, they can click on it to hear the word read aloud and receive a definition. This feature helps in improving reading comprehension and vocabulary.
- Assignments and Tracking: Educators can assign specific books to students based on their school board’s reading program, such as Fountas and Pinnell. Teachers can also track students’ progress and comprehension through quizzes and other assessment tools.
- Rewards and Motivation: Students can earn badges and rewards for completing books, which helps in motivating them to read more.
- Offline and Online Access: The platform can be accessed both online through web browsers and offline via the Epic app on iOS and Android devices.
Functionality
- Integration with Educational Tools: Epic integrates seamlessly with tools like Google Classroom, allowing teachers to upload their class lists directly and manage assignments efficiently.
- Virtual Education Support: It is particularly useful for virtual education settings, providing guided reading resources when classroom-levelled books are not available.
Subscription Options
While Epic is free for educators, families can access the platform through a monthly subscription ($9.99 USD) or an annual subscription ($71.99 USD), which includes a one-month free trial.
Overall, Epic is a valuable resource for educators and parents looking to foster a love of reading in children, providing a user-friendly, interactive, and comprehensive reading environment.