rareApps: February 2015

This is a review of apps related to phonics instruction. The apps selected here were chosen based on their ability to complement a teacher-student lesson, not merely to act as a computer tutor (with the exception of Lexia). Furthermore, these apps can augment a multisensory approach to mastering phonics.

Lexia - Free app, subscription needed to complete activities.

Lexia now offers iOS versions of the computer software that we currently subscribe to. You must log in as a teacher first then you will be able to have your students log-in using their usernames and passwords. Parents - discuss with your child's teacher to see if this is a resource that can be used on your home iPad.

Strategies:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lexia-strategies/id793809387?mt=8

Core 5:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lexia-reading-core5/id623853404?mt=8

myLexia (for teachers to monitor student progress):

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mylexia/id454550893?mt=8

ABC Spelling Magic - Free to download, $0.99 for Deluxe

Spelling Magic produces excellent letter sounds, far superior to the other apps listed on this page. For example, the b and p are pure /b/ and /p/ sounds, and the r sounds like /r/, not /err/.

There are two modes of play: letter cards and 'movable alphabet'. You can choose which group of cvc words you want to work on based on vowel, or choose to practice them all.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abc-spelling-magic/id429301553?mt=8

First Words Deluxe - $4.99

Similar to Spelling Magic, First Words uses letter tiles to allow users to build words. You can't focus on a particular letter or sound, rather you choose a category to work with: animals, home, vehicles, or other.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/first-words-deluxe/id337462979?mt=8

Alpha Writer - $4.99

Another word building app, Alpha Writer differentiates itself by using tiles for entire phonograms: /ar/, /sh/, /oo/, etc., in addition to single letter tiles. It also supports 'free play' so you can build any decodable word (real or nonsense) with a student, like a talking slate.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alpha-writer-by-montessorium/id394038232?mt=8

Letter School - $4.99

This app is promoted as a handwriting activity, but I think it's a great way to practice phonics with a multisensory approach. It also has three options for letter style, including Handwriting Without Tears.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/letterschool-learn-to-write/id435476174?mt=8

SMART Board Exchange

SMART Exchange also has hundreds of phonics activities. Here are some examples that were shared during the workshop:

Phonics Read CVC