phonics app Archives - Phonics.org

The Reading-Writing Connection: A Research Review

phonicsorg on January 23, 2025

The relationship between reading and writing instruction has undergone a significant transformation in American education over the past century. Historically, the reading-writing connection was overlooked, as these two fundamental literacy skills were taught separately, with writing instruction often delayed until reading skills were firmly established. This separation stemmed from several factors:

Societal values that prioritized reading over writing
Political divisions between reading and writing educators
Developmental theories that positioned writing as dependent on prior reading achievement

However, modern research has fundamentally shifted our understanding of how reading and writing develop and interact. Rather than viewing them as sequential skills, current evidence suggests they are reciprocal processes that develop simultaneously and support each other’s growth. This shift represents more than just a theoretical evolution—it has profound implications for how we teach literacy skills to students at all levels.

Theoretical Foundation

The connection between reading and writing is grounded in their shared cognitive and linguistic foundations. There are four fundamental types of knowledge that both readers and writers must use:

Metacognitive Knowledge

Studies have consistently shown that both reading and writing rely on metacognitive understanding—knowledge about how language and texts work. This includes:

Understanding the purposes of reading and writing
Recognizing how readers and writers interact
Monitoring comprehension and production strategies
Evaluating one’s own understanding and performance

Domain Knowledge

This encompasses:

Prior knowledge readers bring to texts
Content knowledge gained through reading
Vocabulary and word meanings
Understanding created through connected text

Universal Text Attributes

Perhaps the most extensively researched area of shared knowledge involves universal text attributes. These include:

Graphophonics (letter-sound relationships)
Syntactic knowledge (grammar and sentence structure)
Text format and organization
Discourse structures (like story grammar)

Procedural Knowledge

The fourth category involves knowing how to access and use the other types of knowledge effectively. This includes both automatic processes and intentional strategies for engaging with text.

Evolution of Reading-Writing Theories

The theoretical understanding of reading-writing relationships has evolved significantly. Early developmental theories, such as Gesell’s (1925), viewed writing as entirely dependent on reading development. This led to educational practices that delayed writing instruction until reading skills were established.

Modern cognitive theories, influenced by the “cognitive revolution” in psychology, began to recognize the active role of both readers and writers in constructing meaning. Tierney and Pearson’s (1983) influential work suggested that readers compose meaning much like writers compose text, leading to increased attention to the cognitive similarities between these processes.

Most recently, interactive models have gained prominence. Shanahan and Lomax’s research using LISREL analyses demonstrated that reading and writing influence each other in a dynamic relationship. Their “interactive model” showed that knowledge gained in either domain can transfer to the other, though the specific patterns of interaction change with development. Early literacy development shows strong connections between word recognition and spelling, while later development reveals the increasing importance of structural knowledge.

This theoretical evolution has led to a more nuanced understanding of how reading and writing work together. It suggests that while they share important cognitive resources, they are distinct processes that can best be developed through integrated, targeted instruction. This understanding sets the stage for exploring the specific research evidence for reading-writing connections and their practical implications for instruction.

Research Evidence for Reading-Writing Connections

The relationship between reading and writing has been examined through multiple research approaches, each providing unique insights into how these skills interact and support each other. Let’s explore the key findings from correlation studies, experimental research, and neurological investigations.

Correlation Studies

Decades of correlational research, dating back to the 1930s, have consistently shown moderate relationships between reading and writing abilities. Most studies find correlations ranging from .20 to .50, indicating that reading and writing typically share between 4% and 25% of their variance. While these correlations are significant, they also suggest that reading and writing are not identical processes.

Limitations of correlational studies include:

Often small sample sizes (fewer than 50 participants)
Focus on single time points rather than development over time
Typically examine only bivariate relationships
Potential influence of common moderator variables like IQ and language ability

However, more sophisticated multi-variable studies have revealed stronger connections. Some research, using multiple measures of both reading and writing, found shared variance up to 50%—significantly higher than single-measure studies but still indicating considerable independence between the skills.

Experimental Studies

Intervention research has provided compelling evidence for the transferability of skills between reading and writing. Notable findings include:

Clarke’s (1988) study shows that first graders using invented spelling improved their word recognition skills
Santa & Hoien’s (1999) research demonstrated that guided writing activities enhanced word recognition
Studies show that sentence-combining practice in writing improved reading comprehension at the sentence level

Longitudinal studies have revealed that the nature of reading-writing relationships changes over time. Early connections center primarily on word-level skills (phonics and spelling), while later relationships involve more complex text structures and comprehension strategies.

Neurological Research

Brain imaging studies and research with individuals with brain injuries have provided important insights into the cognitive architecture of reading and writing. Key findings include:

Evidence of both shared and distinct neural pathways for reading and writing
Cases of selective impairment where individuals can read but not write, or vice versa
Different patterns of brain activation during reading versus writing tasks

The Importance of Separability

Despite their connections, reading and writing maintain important distinctions that affect both learning and instruction.

Distinct Cognitive Processes

Reading and writing differ fundamentally in their starting points and cognitive demands:

Readers begin with the author’s words and must decode meaning
Writers start with their ideas and must encode them into text
Writing typically requires more active decision-making about language choices
Reading involves recognition, while writing requires production

This distinction is particularly evident in phonics, where readers encountering the letter combination ‘sh’ need only produce one sound, while writers hearing the /sh/ sound must choose among multiple spelling options (ship, sugar, nation, special).

Performance Variations

Research has identified distinct groups of learners with varying profiles:

Good readers/poor writers
Good writers/poor readers
Consistently strong or weak in both areas

These variations suggest that while reading and writing share common knowledge bases, they also require distinct skills and processes that must be explicitly taught.

How Reading Improves Writing

The relationship between reading and writing is perhaps most evident when examining how reading experience shapes writing development. Far from being a passive process, reading actively builds the mental frameworks and linguistic resources that writers draw upon in their own composition.

Language Patterns

Reading extensively exposes writers to the patterns and possibilities of written language in ways that direct instruction alone cannot achieve. Through wide reading, writers internalize the rhythms and structures of written language. They begin to understand how sentences can be crafted, extended, and combined to create different effects. This syntactic knowledge shows up in their own writing as they experiment with more complex sentence structures and varied patterns of expression.

Vocabulary development through reading is particularly powerful. Research indicates that the vast majority of sophisticated vocabulary—up to 90%—is acquired through reading rather than direct instruction. As readers encounter words in meaningful contexts, they develop not just definitional knowledge but a deeper understanding of connotation, register, and appropriate usage. This enriched vocabulary manifests in their writing through more precise word choice and greater linguistic flexibility.

Perhaps most subtly but significantly, extensive reading develops writers’ awareness of style. Through exposure to various authors and texts, writers begin to recognize how voice, tone, and rhetorical choices shape meaning. They learn to appreciate the artistry of well-crafted prose and begin to experiment with these techniques in their own writing.

Text Structure Knowledge

Reading across genres provides writers with essential knowledge about how texts are constructed. As readers encounter different types of writing—from narratives to arguments to explanations—they understand how various texts are organized to achieve their purposes. This genre knowledge becomes a crucial resource when they approach their own writing tasks.

Consider how reading helps writers understand organizational patterns. Through reading, writers learn that there isn’t just one way to structure an argument or tell a story. They see how different organizational choices create different effects and serve different purposes. This knowledge allows them to make more intentional choices in their own writing, selecting structures that best serve their purposes and audiences.

The study of an author’s craft through reading is particularly valuable for developing writers. By paying attention to how accomplished authors engage readers, develop ideas, and create coherent texts, writers build a repertoire of techniques they can employ in their own work. This isn’t about simple imitation but about understanding the principles that make writing effective.

Instructional Implications

Understanding how reading influences writing should reshape our approach to literacy instruction. Rather than teaching reading and writing as separate subjects, we need instructional approaches that help students make connections between these reciprocal processes.

Effective integration of reading and writing instruction begins with thoughtful planning. Teachers might start a writing unit by studying mentor texts that exemplify the type of writing students will produce. This allows students to analyze how skilled writers approach similar tasks before attempting their own composition. During the writing process, students can return to these mentor texts to study specific techniques or features they want to incorporate into their own work.

Reader response activities provide another powerful connection between reading and writing. Students engage more deeply with both processes when they write about their reading—whether through journals, analytical essays, or creative responses. Writing about reading requires students to examine texts more carefully and articulate their understanding more precisely. This deeper engagement enhances both reading comprehension and writing development.

Writing-to-learn strategies extend beyond traditional reader responses to include various writing activities to deepen understanding of texts. Students might write summaries to consolidate their understanding, compose analytical pieces to explore authors’ techniques or create synthesis pieces that connect ideas across multiple texts. These activities develop reading comprehension and writing skills while helping students see how the two processes support each other.

Through careful text analysis and guided writing practice, students learn to read like writers and write like readers. This dual perspective enhances both skills and helps students develop a more sophisticated understanding of how texts work. The key is providing sufficient scaffolding and support while maintaining high expectations for growth in both areas.

Growth on All Fronts

As we continue to understand more about how reading and writing interact, one thing becomes clear: these fundamental literacy skills are best developed together, supporting and enhancing each other throughout a student’s educational journey. The challenge for educators is to create instructional approaches that leverage these connections while respecting the unique demands of each process.

Want more insights like these? Sharpen your skills as an educator or parent by staying tuned in to the Phonics.org blog.

What Phonics Rules Should Children Know (By Age)?

phonicsorg on January 20, 2025

Understanding phonics milestones by age helps parents and educators effectively support children’s literacy development. While every child develops at their own pace, there are general estimates about when and how children typically master various phonics concepts. This knowledge helps children receive appropriate instruction — or intervention — at the right time.

Let’s explore what phonics skills children should typically master at each age, keeping in mind that these are guidelines rather than strict rules.

Ages 3-4: Building Foundations

During preschool, children develop crucial pre-reading skills that will support their future phonics learning. While formal phonics instruction typically hasn’t begun, children should be developing:

Phonological Awareness

Recognition of rhyming words in songs and stories
Ability to clap syllables in simple words
Beginning awareness of individual sounds in words
Understanding that speech can be broken down into words

Letter Knowledge

Recognition of some alphabet letters, particularly those in their name
Beginning awareness that letters make specific sounds
Interest in books and print materials
Understanding that print carries meaning

Ages 4-5: Early Phonics Concepts

As children enter pre-kindergarten, they’re ready to begin learning basic phonics concepts through explicit instruction:

Letter-Sound Correspondence

Recognition of most uppercase and lowercase letters
Understanding that letters represent specific speech sounds
Ability to produce the most common sound for many consonants
Recognition of their own name in print

Initial Sound Recognition

Identification of beginning sounds in simple words
Matching pictures of objects that start with the same sound
Beginning to isolate individual sounds in simple words
Understanding that words are made up of individual sounds

Ages 5-6: Core Phonics Skills

Kindergarten marks the beginning of formal, systematic phonics instruction. Children should learn:

Basic Decoding Skills

All letter-sound correspondences for consonants
Short vowel sounds (a, e, i, o, u)
Simple consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) word reading

Blending and Segmenting

Ability to blend individual sounds to read simple words
Skill in segmenting words into individual sounds for spelling
Recognition of initial, medial, and final sounds in words
Understanding of simple word families (-at, -an, -ig, etc.)

Ages 6-7: Advanced Beginning Phonics

First grade builds upon basic skills with more complex phonics patterns:

Vowel Patterns

Long vowel sounds with silent e (cake, bike, note)
Common vowel teams (ee, ea, ai, ay)
R-controlled vowels (ar, er, ir, or, ur)
Vowel digraphs (oo, oa, ea)

Consonant Patterns

Consonant digraphs (sh, ch, th, wh)
Initial consonant blends (bl, cr, st, etc.)
Final consonant blends (nd, st, lt, etc.)
Common endings (-s, -ing, -ed)

Ages 7-8: Complex Phonics Rules

Second grade introduces more sophisticated phonics concepts:

Advanced Vowel Patterns

Less common vowel teams (ie, igh, ew)
Diphthongs (oi, oy, ou, ow)
Additional r-controlled patterns
Schwa sound in unaccented syllables

Syllable Patterns

Open and closed syllables
Syllable division rules
Compound words
Common prefixes and suffixes

Ages 8-9: Mastery and Application

Third grade focuses on mastering complex patterns and applying phonics skills:

Advanced Patterns

Irregular vowel patterns
Less common letter combinations
Multi-syllabic word reading

Complex Rules

Understanding of the FLSZ rule
Soft c and g rules
Advanced spelling patterns
Homophones and homographs

Supporting Continuous Development

Remember that these age ranges are guidelines, not rigid boundaries. Some children may master concepts earlier or need more time for certain skills. The key is providing systematic, explicit instruction that:

Follows a clear scope and sequence
Builds upon previously learned skills
Provides ample practice opportunities
Includes regular assessment and review
Adjusts to individual learning needs

Signs That Additional Support May Be Needed

Watch for these indicators that a child might need extra help with phonics:

Difficulty recognizing letter-sound relationships
Struggles with blending sounds to read words
Consistent confusion with basic sight words
Resistance to reading activities
Limited progress despite regular instruction

If you notice these signs, consider working with a reading specialist who can provide targeted intervention. Early intervention is crucial for preventing more significant reading difficulties later.

Practical Tips for Supporting Phonics Development

To help children master age-appropriate phonics skills:

Provide consistent, explicit instruction in phonics rules
Use decodable texts that match current skill levels
Incorporate multi-sensory learning activities
Offer regular practice opportunities
Monitor progress and adjust instruction as needed
Celebrate achievements and maintain positive attitudes toward reading

The Role of Assessment

Regular assessment helps ensure children are mastering age-appropriate phonics skills. Effective assessment:

Identifies specific strengths and weaknesses
Guides instructional planning
Monitors progress over time
Determines when intervention might be needed
Celebrates growth and achievement

Grow On Time… In Time

Understanding age-appropriate phonics skills helps parents and educators effectively support young readers. Remember that while these guidelines are helpful, each child’s journey to reading mastery is unique.

For more detailed information about phonics instruction and development, explore our other resources at Phonics.org. Our expert-reviewed articles and program recommendations can help you support your child’s reading journey effectively.

Silent Letters and Tricky Words

phonicsorg on January 15, 2025

Picture this: Your young reader is confidently sounding out words when they encounter “knife” for the first time. They try their best: “k-n-if-ee?” The confusion on their face is familiar to every parent and teacher. Why doesn’t English just work the way it’s supposed to? Why do some letters seem to play hide and seek in our words?

Welcome to one of the most fascinating challenges in teaching reading: silent letters and tricky words. While these patterns might seem like frustrating obstacles, they actually offer rich opportunities for teaching when approached systematically.

Understanding the English Spelling System

English is what linguists call a “deep orthography” language. Unlike Spanish or Italian, where letters consistently represent the same sounds, English spelling reflects both the sounds and meanings of words, often preserving their history. This complexity is why systematic instruction is so crucial.

Common Silent Letter Patterns and Where to Find Them

Let’s unpack the basics.

The Silent ‘K’ Family

The silent ‘k’ before ‘n’ appears in many common words children encounter. You’ll find plenty of examples in familiar books:

“The Knight at Dawn” (Magic Tree House series) – featuring “knight”
“Knuffle Bunny” by Mo Willems – the title itself is a teaching opportunity
“The Gruffalo’s Child” – uses “knew” repeatedly

Teaching tip: Help children notice that ‘k’ is always silent before ‘n’ at the beginning of words. This reliability makes it an excellent pattern to teach early.

The Quiet ‘W’ Club

Words where ‘w’ is silent before ‘r’ offer another consistent pattern:

“The Wreck of the Zephyr” by Chris Van Allsburg
“The Wrong Side of the Bed” by Edward Ardizzone
“Write On, Ruby!” by Joe Berger

Teaching tip: Create a classroom “Silent Letter Word Wall” where students can collect these words as they find them in their reading.

The Ghost ‘GH’ Pattern

This pattern appears in many high-frequency words. Look for it in:

“Night Night, Little Pookie” by Sandra Boynton
“Light Up the Night” by Jean Reidy
“Noises of the Night” by Alana Pidwerbeski

Teaching tip: Group these words by sound patterns:

‘ight’ as in light, night, right, sight
‘ough’ as in though, through, dough
‘aught’ as in caught, taught, daughter

The Silent ‘B’ Brigade

Find these words in books like:

“Lamb” by John Butler
“Climbing Mountains” series
“The Comb” by McCully

Teaching tip: Create memorable phrases: “The lamb was too numb to climb to the top of the comb.”

Teaching Through Text: A Systematic Approach

As you can tell from our examples, we love a good read-aloud and see it as a way to systematize instruction around silent letters and tricky words.

Level 1: Initial Pattern Recognition

Start with simple, high-frequency words containing one pattern. For example, when teaching silent ‘k’, begin with:

know
knee
knot

Use decodable texts specifically written to include these patterns. “The Storybook Knight” by Helen Docherty introduces silent ‘k’ words in a controlled, systematic way.

Level 2: Pattern Combinations

Once basic patterns are mastered, introduce texts with multiple patterns. “The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight” by Helen Docherty combines silent ‘k’ and ‘gh’ patterns naturally.

Level 3: Complex Applications

Advanced readers can handle texts with multiple irregular patterns. “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle contains numerous examples of silent letters and irregular patterns, making it perfect for upper elementary pattern study.

Supporting Struggling Readers

For example, a teacher might notice that a student is struggling with irregular word patterns. To support the student, the teacher could implement a systematic approach like this:

Pattern Introduction

Monday: Introduce a new letter pattern with explicit instruction
Tuesday-Wednesday: Guided practice with decodable texts
Thursday: Pattern-based games and activities
Friday: Review and assessment

Visual Supports

Color-coding regular and irregular parts of words
Creating pattern-based word walls
Using graphic organizers to group similar patterns

Multisensory Practice

Tracing letters while saying sounds
Building words with magnetic letters
Creating movement-based pattern games

By breaking down complex patterns into manageable steps, this approach could offer consistent support for students as they work to master irregular word patterns.

Making It Stick: Effective Practice Activities

Let’s make things more fun. Here are some ways you can practice those tricky words with the students in your class.

The Pattern Detective

Have students become pattern detectives, searching for specific irregular patterns in their reading. Create a classroom chart where students can add words they discover containing target patterns.

Word Sort Centers

Create sorting activities where students group words by pattern:

‘igh’ words (high, sigh, light)
‘kn’ words (knock, knit, knob)
‘mb’ words (lamb, climb, comb)

Pattern Stories

Encourage students to write stories using words with target patterns. For example, “The Knight’s Night” might incorporate both ‘kn’ and ‘igh’ patterns.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

Keep track of progress through:

Regular pattern checks
Reading fluency assessments
Writing samples
Word recognition games

When to Seek Additional Support

Consider extra help if a student:

Struggles to recognize patterns after systematic instruction
Shows limited progress in pattern application
Demonstrates anxiety about reading irregular words
Avoids reading activities

Silent, Tricky, but Possible

Remember, mastering irregular patterns is a journey, not a race. Success comes through:

Systematic instruction
Regular practice
Patient support
Consistent review

The key is maintaining a balance between explicit instruction and engaging practice. By making pattern learning systematic and fun, we can help every reader master these challenging aspects of English.

Bionic Reading: Y/N?

phonicsorg on December 23, 2024

Tech + nature – sounds like the future, right?

In recent years, a new reading method has captured attention across social media and educational technology platforms. Called “bionic reading,” this approach artificially bolds the first few letters of each word, claiming to create “fixation points” that help the brain process text more quickly. While its sleek marketing and promises of faster reading speeds have attracted many, the reality is far less promising than the hype suggests.

Does Science Support “Bionic Reading”?

The human brain’s approach to reading is remarkably sophisticated. Through decades of research, we’ve learned that proficient reading relies on a complex interplay of skills that develop systematically over time. Readers must first understand that letters represent sounds, then learn to decode words efficiently and achieve the automaticity that enables fluid comprehension. This process, while complex, is well-documented and understood.

Bionic reading fundamentally disrupts natural reading patterns. Artificially emphasizing certain parts of words creates visual patterns that don’t exist in real-world text. While this may seem helpful at first glance, it introduces an unnecessary layer of complexity to the reading process. Think of it like training wheels that create dependency rather than building true cycling skills. While they might provide an initial sense of security, they ultimately prevent the development of genuine balance and coordination.

The lack of scientific support for bionic reading is particularly concerning. Despite bold claims about improved reading speed and comprehension, no peer-reviewed research validates these assertions. In fact, the method contradicts what we know about how the brain processes text efficiently. Proficient readers don’t need artificial formatting cues; they develop natural eye movement patterns and word recognition through proper instruction and practice.

The Real Concerns for Reading Development

The implications of bionic reading are particularly troubling for developing readers. Children learning to read need consistent, predictable text presentations as they build their decoding skills. Introducing artificial formatting can interfere with this crucial developmental process. It’s like trying to learn a new language where some letters randomly appear in a different font – it adds an unnecessary layer of complexity to an already challenging task.

For students with reading difficulties, the situation becomes even more problematic. These learners often require systematic, explicit instruction in foundational reading skills. Bionic reading not only fails to provide this support but may create additional obstacles by training readers to rely on visual cues that won’t be present in real-world reading situations.

The Hidden Costs of Quick Fixes

The marketplace for bionic reading apps has exploded, with numerous platforms promising revolutionary results. The Bionic Reading® App leads the pack with an expensive subscription model and grand claims about reading improvement. Readsy combines bionic reading with rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP), potentially creating eye strain and fatigue. Bionify and similar Chrome extensions apply this artificial formatting to all web content, potentially disrupting natural reading development across all online activities.

These applications share a common thread: they prioritize marketing appeal over scientific validity. They capitalize on our natural desire for quick solutions and technological advancement but fail to deliver on their fundamental promises. More concerningly, they may impede the development of genuine reading skills.

What Works: The Science of Reading

Instead of seeking shortcuts through artificial formatting, we should focus on what decades of research have proven effective. The science of reading tells us that strong reading skills develop through systematic, explicit instruction in foundational skills. This begins with phonemic awareness – understanding that words are made up of individual sounds – and progresses through systematic phonics instruction, where children learn how letters represent these sounds.

This systematic approach builds authentic reading skills across texts and contexts. Unlike bionic reading, which creates a dependency on special formatting, proper reading instruction develops natural fluency and comprehension skills that transfer to any reading situation.

Supporting Genuine Reading Development

Parents and educators concerned about reading development should focus on evidence-based practices that build lasting skills. This means:

Rather than downloading bionic reading apps, practice regular reading with real texts. This will help developing readers understand the sound-symbol relationships that form the foundation of reading. To build natural fluency, encourage repeated reading of appropriate-level texts.

For struggling readers, seek support from professionals trained in structured literacy approaches. Based on the science of reading, these methods provide systematic instruction that builds genuine reading skills rather than dependency on artificial cues.

Moving Forward

The emergence of trends like bionic reading reflects a broader challenge in education: the constant search for quick fixes to complex developmental processes. While the desire for faster, easier reading is understandable, strong reading skills develop through systematic instruction and regular practice.

Remember: in reading development, as in most aspects of education, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Our children deserve approaches based on science, not marketing hype.

Accessible Literacy Learning (ALL) App Review

Jaymi Thiessen on December 17, 2024

Empowering Nonverbal Learners with Phonics and Reading Skills

Are you curious about other literacy apps that may be a good match for your child? Check out additional expert reviews at phonics.org.

Continue reading to learn more about the Accessible Literacy Learning (ALL) app.

What is Accessible Literacy Learning (ALL)?

The ALL (Accessible Literacy Learning) program is designed to help nonverbal students, particularly those who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), develop foundational reading skills. Priced at $79.99 USD, it offers an evidence-based approach that allows learners to engage with the material using touch, eye gaze, or scanning instead of verbal prompts.

The ALL app covers six key reading skills:

Sound-blending
Phoneme segmentation
Letter-sound correspondence
Single word decoding
Sight word recognition
Shared reading

The ALL app progresses through these skills in various degrees of difficulty moving from easy to more difficult.

Is the ALL App Easy to Use?

The following factors impact the usability of the ALL app.

Getting Started With ALL

Getting started with the ALL program is straightforward and relatively simple. A short introductory video provides a clear and quick guide to help users begin, while additional system tutorial videos in the Teacher Mode offer further support. Setting up student profiles is simple and requires minimal information, with the flexibility for multiple children to use the same license.

Teacher Mode also includes convenient features like individual student reports, tracking session frequency, duration, and performance data from student sessions. Switching between Teacher and Student Modes is easy, and both modes are designed to be highly navigable, ensuring a smooth experience for both educators and learners.

Getting started with the ALL app is simple and straightforward.

Modes of Play

The ALL program features three modes of play:

Independent Mode– student independently completes activities and records data (default mode)
Practice Mode – student completes activities independently or with a facilitator (data not recorded)
Teacher-Assisted Mode– teacher provides some instruction while student completes activities

There is also an option to access a library of books in addition to progressing through the lessons. While the game instructions are clear and concise, they are not repeatable, which could pose a challenge for some learners needing to review the instructions.

Advanced Settings

The ALL app offers customizable settings, including advanced options to adjust the text-to-speech rate and response delay. It is advisable to adjust two important advanced settings:

Text-to-speech rate controls how quickly the instructor speaks
Response delay sets how much time a student has to answer before the app provides a response

It is highly recommended to tailor these settings to meet the specific needs of each learner. Slowing down the response time could significantly improve the learning experience for many students, making it more effective and accessible.

Adjusting the advanced settings is important in the ALL app

Engagement in the ALL App

The following factors influence user engagement in the ALL app.

Rewards

The ALL program uses positive reinforcement to motivate students, providing encouraging messages like “You’re right!” along with a rewarding sound and a short and simple animation. There are no distracting reward systems, which helps maintain focus on learning and emphasizes intrinsic motivation. Additionally, students can earn “Skill Acquisition Badges” for successfully mastering specific skills, further rewarding their progress in a meaningful way without taking away from valuable learning time.

Progression and Pace

The ALL program includes an animation at the top of the screen that shows how many questions have been answered and how many remain in the activity set. This feature helps students predict the duration of the task, offering a sense of progression.

However, the timing for answering questions can be frustrating. There is a narrow window to tap on the correct answer—if tapped too early, nothing happens; if tapped too late, the app provides the answer and quickly moves on. Requiring a delicate and specific time to answer questions could be frustrating and unmotivating for some young learners.

Literacy Learning With the ALL App

The following factors influence the quality of literacy instruction in the ALL app.

Direct and Sequential Phonics Instruction

The ALL app follows a direct and sequential learning approach to literacy learning. This is recommended by literacy experts for building skills from simple to more complex concepts, ensuring mastery at each step. The scope and sequence of the program are clearly outlined and publicly available in the online manual, even without purchasing the app—this is a great feature for transparency and connection to classroom or at-home practice.

The ALL app uses synthetic phonics, which focuses on blending and segmenting individual letter sounds. This is an efficient method of learning to read and spell words. The letter sounds are clearly and accurately represented, which is another great feature.

Students are considered to have mastered a skill once they achieve 80% accuracy or higher in two consecutive sessions on that skill. For instructors who prefer more flexibility, there is an option to override this process by using the “Set As Acquired” button on the Skill Overview screen, allowing them to mark a skill as mastered immediately.

Phonemic Awareness

The Phonemic Awareness section of the ALL app provides a solid foundation for learners, especially when it comes to critical skills like blending and segmenting sounds, which are key to reading and spelling. The app begins by showing four real photographs, with the corresponding vocabulary spoken aloud, which also builds vocabulary skills. Repetition of the pictures further reinforces learning.

The app effectively models phonemic awareness skills and encourages learners to apply these skills to answer questions. One standout feature is the app’s use of continuous blending, which is an excellent way to help students learn to read words. In continuous blending, sounds are pronounced without stopping or pausing between them – for example, when reading “am,” the “a” sound is held continuously and flows directly into the “m” sound, rather than breaking it up into separate sounds. While it’s rarely featured in other literacy apps, ALL’s implementation of continuous blending is a valuable addition to its teaching toolkit.

However, while the app introduces phoneme segmentation tasks, these are more aligned with phoneme isolation. Instead of having learners break words into their individual sounds, they are asked to identify the first sound in a word. Though both tasks are valuable, the labeling of these activities as segmentation is slightly misleading.

Learners are asked to choose a picture that starts with the highlighted letter sound.

Shared Reading

The Shared Reading feature in the ALL app is designed to support nonverbal learners by allowing them to interact with sentences read aloud by the app. The learner is prompted to complete a sentence by tapping on a corresponding picture.

However, the app’s computer-generated voice reads the sentences in a fast and monotone manner. It is not the same clear voice used in other parts of the app. The voice lacks expression or fluency, making it sound robotic and abrupt, which makes it difficult to understand.

Players are expected to tap a picture that represents the highlighted word in the sentence.

Is the ALL App Good for Learning to Read?

The Accessible Literacy Learning (ALL) app is a valuable tool for helping nonverbal students, particularly those who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), build foundational literacy skills. It offers an evidence-based, systematic approach to teaching phonemic awareness, blending, and sight word recognition. The app provides customizable settings, modes of play, and positive reinforcement techniques to keep students engaged. However, while it has strong features, there are areas in need of improvement.

The phonemic awareness section is particularly strong, especially with the inclusion of continuous blending, a feature not commonly found in other literacy apps. However, the app’s shared reading function falls short, largely due to the poor quality of the computer-generated voice, which undermines the fluency and expression essential for effective learning.

Despite these issues, the ALL app offers a structured and accessible approach to literacy learning for nonverbal students. Educators and caregivers should consider the app’s strengths in phonemic awareness and phonics instruction but should also be aware of its limitations, especially in shared reading. With some refinement, the ALL app has the potential to be a more effective and engaging tool for literacy development.

ALL (Accessible Literacy Learning): Overall Ratings

Quality of Literacy Instruction: 3.5 / 5

Usability: 4.5 / 5

Engagement: 3 / 5

GraphoGame: Learn To Read App Review

Jaymi Thiessen on November 16, 2024

Does The ‘World’s Most Researched Game’ Meet Current Standards?

Are you curious about how other literacy apps measure up? Check out the other detailed literacy app reviews on phonics.org.

Continue reading to learn more about the GraphoGame: Learn to Read app.

What is GraphoGame: Learn to Read?

GraphoGame: Learn to Read is an educational app designed for children aged 3 and up. The app aims to make the learning to read process engaging and accessible. Initially developed in Finland, it was created in collaboration with the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Neuroscience in Education. With support for nine different languages and usage in over 20 countries, GraphoGame has a significant reach.

The app makes bold claims about its effectiveness, stating that it can help young children learn to read in just days. It also touts itself as “the most researched game in the world.” This review will take a critical look at the GraphoGame: Learn to Read app and the feasibility of these grand claims. This review focuses on the American English version of the GraphoGame app.

Is the GraphoGame: Learn to Read App Easy To Play?

The following factors impact the usability of the GraphoGame app.

Getting Started With GraphoGame: Learn to Read

Getting started with GraphoGame requires a sign-up process that begins with selecting the child’s gender. It is unclear why this information is relevant. Users must then create a username and a 4-digit pin code, which combines pictures and letters—an approach that feels overly complicated for young children.

Once set up, the app offers two distinct modes:

The Adventure Map – designed for independent play
The Stars Mode – more suitable for older children and educational settings

Additionally, there doesn’t appear to be an easily accessible method of changing the starting point in the game to match the literacy skills of the player. While the app claims to be adaptive, providing the option for a grown-up to choose a starting point would be an advantageous feature. Finally, the navigation in the Adventure Map can be clunky and awkward, especially for young players.

*The Adventure Map in GraphoGame can be awkward to navigate*

Instructions and Settings

GraphoGame includes helpful features for guiding young players through the app. Instructions and sound cues can be repeated as needed, and they will automatically repeat if too much time passes, which is a great support for children who may need extra reminders.

Data Collection

GraphoGame offers detailed data collection regarding student performance and achievement at each level, providing valuable insights for parents and educators. This feedback is instrumental in helping adults understand how well a child is progressing, identifying areas where they may need additional support. By highlighting specific strengths and weaknesses, the app enables parents and teachers to guide their children more effectively in their literacy journey.

*GraphoGame offers detailed data and feedback on individual student progress*

Engagement In GraphoGame: Learn to Read

The following factors impact how potentially engaging young players may find the GraphoGame: Learn to Read app.

Rewards

In GraphoGame: Learn to Read, engagement is driven by a variety of reward systems that young players may find appealing. Players earn stars, track their correct answer percentages, and collect coins. These coins can be spent in an occasional in-game store for items like garments and accessories for their avatars. The gameplay follows a cycle of 10 minutes of tasks followed by 2 minutes of reward opportunities. While these rewards can enhance engagement, they also risk diverting attention from the educational goals of the app.

Visual Appearance

The visual appearance of GraphoGame: Learn to Read features an individualized avatar, which adds an engaging personal touch for young players. However, the animations feel somewhat clunky and dated, suggesting that there is room for improvement in the overall visual design of the app.

Literacy Learning With GraphoGame: Learn to Read

The following factors influence the quality of literacy instruction in the GraphoGame: Learn to Read app.

Research Claims

GraphoGame: Learn to Read positions itself as “the most researched game in the world.” A few studies on the app found a positive correlation between students playing the games and improved literacy outcomes. However, this evaluation found that the GraphoGame app had “no impact on pupils’ reading attainment compared to a business-as-usual control” (p. 5). Additionally, the students were receiving school-based literacy support in addition to time spent with the app, confounding the results further.

Type of Phonics

GraphoGame: Learn to Read primarily employs an Onset-Rime phonics approach, teaching children initial consonant sounds followed by vowel/consonant combinations (e.g., /m/ + “at” for “mat”). While any phonics instruction is beneficial, research shows that synthetic phonics is more efficient for learning to read and spell.

A synthetic phonics approach combines (synthesizes) individual letter sounds to read words. This approach is recommended by the International Dyslexia Association and multiple researchers in the field. Overall, GraphoGame’s reliance on an analytic phonics method may limit its effectiveness.

Sequential Learning

GraphoGame: Learn to Read incorporates systematic phonics instruction, structured into 25 streams, each divided into 5-9 levels, along with 7 assessments. This sequential approach aligns with recommendations from literacy experts. However, the lack of a publicly available scope and sequence (phonics plan) for these streams limits accessibility for educators and parents who want to understand or anticipate their child’s learning progression.

Letter Sounds

The GraphoGame: Learn to Read app generally provides clear and accurate representations of letter sounds. However, it inaccurately represents the short /e/ sound (as in ‘echo’). This sound is often the most challenging for students to identify and learn, and is also one of the most commonly used and important sounds to learn. The inaccuracy of this specific sound in the game is a huge pitfall.

*These short vowel sounds are difficult to distinguish in the GraphoGame app.*

Word Building

Elkonin boxes are rectangles that surround individual sounds in words in order to demonstrate the connection between sounds and letters in words. GraphoGame uses these boxes in their app to encourage children to read and spell words. Sometimes this literacy tool is used correctly in the app, and at other times the app incorrectly boxes entire rhyme units instead of individual sounds. This misapplication detracts from the overall effectiveness of the word-building instruction.

*Incorrect use of Elkonin boxes in the GraphoGame app*

Is the GraphoGame App Good for Literacy Instruction?

The GraphoGame app offers a range of features aimed at making literacy learning engaging and accessible for young children. However, it faces significant challenges including outdated animations, inconsistent use of phonics tools, and a questionable research base regarding its effectiveness.

While the app’s structured phonics instruction and data collection features provide valuable insights for parents and educators, the reliance on an analytic phonics approach may limit its impact compared to more effective methods like synthetic phonics. Overall, while GraphoGame has potential, it requires improvements in instructional accuracy and visual design to fully realize its educational goals.

For those interested in exploring other literacy apps, check out detailed reviews on phonics.org to see how they compare.

GraphoGame: Learn to Read – Overall Ratings

Quality of Literacy Instruction: 2 / 5

Usability: 3 / 5

Engagement: 3 / 5

Alphablocks: Letter Fun App Review

Jaymi Thiessen on November 8, 2024

Exploring Letter Sound Learning with the Alphablocks: Letter Fun App

Check out phonics.org to see more detailed literacy app reviews and make informed choices for your students or children.

Continue reading to learn more about the Alphablocks: Letter Fun app.

What is the Alphablocks App?

The Alphablocks: Letter Fun app is inspired by the popular BBC series Learning Blocks TV. It features beloved characters from the Alphablocks, Number Blocks, and Colour Blocks educational TV shows.

The Alphablocks segment specifically focuses on literacy, drawing from the rich content of the TV show, which boasts over 80 episodes. The Alphablocks: Letter Fun app aims to help young children master learning the connection between letters and the sounds they represent in an interactive way. Currently, it is available in British English only and is offered as a paid app.

Are the Alphablocks: Letter Fun Apps Easy to Use?

The following factors impact the overall usability of the Alphablocks: Letter Fun app.

Getting Around Alphablocks: Letter Fun

The Alphablocks app is generally easy to navigate. Settings are cleverly accessed by holding a “Grown Ups” button which also provides a description of the Alphablocks.

There are two main areas for learners to explore:

Meet the Alphablocks – hear a letter sound, play 4 mini games for each letter

Bubble Pop – pop bubbles to match letter sounds
Paint Me – letter sounds game
Favorite Things – pop things that start with a certain letter sound
Hide & Seek – spot a hiding Alphablock

Sing Along

A to Z – every Alphablock sings its letter sound song

Choose to play in sequence or mix it up randomly—it’s all about fun and learning!

*The Home screen in Alphablocks: Letter Fun*

Settings

The Alphablocks: Letter Fun app offers a few customizable settings on the grown-ups’ page. Parents can toggle between letter sounds and letter names, enabling children to engage with the game in different ways. Additionally, there are options to adjust game settings or reset progress, although it would be beneficial to include the ability to add multiple users for shared experiences.

Instructions

One notable feature is the absence of distracting music, which is a significant advantage for a game focused on letter sounds. However, the inability to repeat instructions in the minigames can be a drawback. Without the option to revisit instructions, young players may find it challenging to navigate some of the minigames.

Engagement in Alphablocks: Letter Fun

The following factors influence the engagement that learners may have with the app.

Gameplay

The appearance of the animated characters from a known TV show definitely works to capture the attention of kids who will be drawn into the game. The design, animations, and songs are cute and engaging for young kids.

The four mini-games in the Alphablocks: Letter Fun app are predictable and repetitive, but this design is intentional—routine and repetition are important for helping children solidify the connection between letters and their corresponding sounds. More children could consistently and actively participate in the app by adding the option to repeat instructions for each game.

*The Favorite Things mini game asks players to match things with the same initial letter sound*

Feedback & Rewards

In the Alphablocks: Letter Fun app, the emphasis is on educational games rather than elaborate reward systems. When kids answer correctly, they receive positive sounds, stars, and verbal praise, which reinforces their achievements. There are also nice little touches, like when the Alphablocks celebrate completing all four mini-games with a cheerful song. Overall, the app effectively maintains a focus on educational goals while keeping the experience engaging and enjoyable.

Literacy Learning With Alphablocks: Letter Fun

These factors impact how effective the Alphablocks: Letter Fun app is at teaching kids important literacy skills.

Letter Sounds

The Alphablocks: Letter Fun app does a great job of providing accurate letter sounds in British English, which is essential for effective learning. Most games are pretty good at teaching letter sound connections, but there are a few glitches to note. For instance, in the Bubble Pop game, kids are asked to catch bubbles that say /k/, but only the letter <C> is counted as a correct answer.

On the positive side, the app uses repetition of letter sounds which is excellent for helping kids make those important connections. However, some representations of letter sounds in the alphabet song could be more distinctive. Overall, while there are a few hiccups, the app mostly provides a solid foundation for learning letter sounds.

Phonemic Awareness

The Alphablocks: Letter Fun app primarily focuses on teaching letter sounds, which is a worthy goal for an educational literacy app. There are additional phonemic awareness exercises in the app such as identifying the first sound in a word (known as phoneme isolation).

In the Alphablocks: Letter Fun app all letter sounds are taught at once in any order the child chooses. While there’s nothing wrong with learning all the letter sounds at once, some reading programs opt to teach a few sounds first and emphasize blending them to read words. This method can help speed up the learning-to-read process.

Is the Alphablocks: Letter Fun App Good for Learning?

Overall, the Alphablocks: Letter Fun app is easy to learn how to use and is fairly engaging for young children who are learning their letter-sound associations. The easy-to-use app uses cute animated Alphablock characters from the TV show with catchy songs to engage children in learning some foundational literacy skills.

The app has a simple system for teaching letter-sound associations through four repetitious mini games. These games are useful, well-designed and developmentally appropriate, but could be improved by adding repeatable instructions for the games. There are also minor letter sound errors in the game, which could be occasionally confusing for kids. Overall, The Alphablocks: Letter Fun has a helpful method for teaching children the valuable goal of learning letter sound correspondences.

Want to discover more phonics education apps? Check out Phonics.org for a growing library of honest reviews from literacy experts!

Alphablocks: Letter Fun – Overall Ratings

Quality of Literacy Instruction: 3 / 5

Usability: 4 / 5

Engagement: 4 / 5

ABC Spelling Magic App Review

Jaymi Thiessen on October 31, 2024

Preschool University Takes On Spelling Practice

Read more literacy app reviews on phonics.org to make informed choices about your child’s education.

Continue reading to learn more about the ABC Spelling Magic apps available through Preschool University.

What is ABC Spelling Magic?

ABC Spelling Magic is a group of four spelling apps developed by Preschool University. Each app Spelling Magic app is numbered from 1-4 and has its own spelling phonics focus:

Working with CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words like ‘fed’
Working with CCVC/CVCC words
Words with words with multiple syllables
Silent final e rules like ‘bake’ or ‘bite’

With over 50 educational apps, Preschool University has an abundance of digital options for literacy learning. These vast app options allow for more individual choices for educators and parents.

However, this volume of app choices can also be overwhelming for adults to choose from. Finding and matching specific apps to the next literacy skill to be learned can be trickier than using one app that encompasses all of these literacy skills in a sequential format.

This review focuses on usability, engagement, and quality of literacy instruction for the four Spelling Magic Apps created by Preschool University.

Is ABC Spelling Magic Easy to Use?

The following factors impact the usability of the ABC Magic Spelling apps.

Navigation

The ABC Spelling Magic app offers a user-friendly experience with easy sign-in and no login requirements. It features two main play areas:

Word Building: players spell specific words with a limited selection of letters
Movable Alphabet: players spell specific words with the entire alphabet to choose from

An added benefit is the Spelling Magic 4 game, which introduces a section for transitioning from long to short spelling, enhancing phonetic understanding (e.g., changing “can” to “cane”).

Once a user starts a session, they must complete it without the option to exit. This ensures a focused learning experience but may be challenging for users with shorter attention spans. Words are thoughtfully organized by vowel sound or a language theme to allow for more focused practice.

*The ABC Spelling Magic apps are easy to navigate*

Gameplay and Instructions

ABC Spelling Magic offers an engaging and user-friendly experience, making it easy for kids to play and interact with the various games. The word-building game is designed with scaffolding in mind, allowing children to select from a limited set of letters, which simplifies the learning process. For those ready for a challenge, the movable alphabet option requires children to choose from the entire alphabet, providing a more advanced gameplay experience.

To maintain a consistent learning environment, all four apps feature two different routines, with variations only in phonics focus and difficulty. This consistency not only aids learners but also helps educators and parents easily pick up and engage with any game, regardless of the child’s level. While the game instructions may be a bit verbose, they contain tips for parents and educators willing to navigate through the text, ensuring that everyone can support the child’s learning journey.

*Movable alphabet mode in ABC Spelling Magic – the word to build is ‘lesson’*

Engagement in ABC Spelling Magic

The following factors may impact the engagement of users playing ABC Spelling Magic.

Simple Appearance

User engagement in ABC Spelling Magic can be influenced by several key factors. The app features a simple and uncluttered design, which is beneficial for both older and younger students. This straightforward appearance minimizes distractions, making it easier for children with attentional or auditory difficulties to focus on their learning. The absence of excessive animations, sounds, and rewards allows for a more direct and effective educational experience.

Additionally, the use of actual photographs to represent words helps bridge the interests of younger and older children, reinforcing vocabulary concepts in an engaging way. However, this simplification may also lead to feelings of boredom for some users who might prefer more dynamic elements in their learning tools. Additionally, the layout and presentation of the app feel slightly outdated. Overall, while the app’s simplicity enhances accessibility and focus, it may not cater to every child’s preferences for engagement.

*Thematic organization of words in the ABC Spelling Magic App with real photographs*

Literacy Learning With ABC Spelling Magic

The following factors impact the quality of literacy learning in the ABC Spelling Magic apps.

Direct and Explicit Instruction

ABC Spelling Magic is specifically designed for children who already have a grasp of letter sounds and understand that words are formed by combining these sounds. Literacy experts emphasize the importance of direct and explicit instruction in spelling, and the app encourages interaction between learners and guiding adults. However, the effectiveness of this approach heavily depends on the knowledge and willingness of the adult to support the child, which may vary in different circumstances.

While the app offers a structured learning experience, it lacks essential spelling tips and explanations that could further benefit children. For instance, the first app in the series includes words that end with “ll,” but it does not explain the rule behind doubling letters. This could be addressed by introducing concepts like the Floss or FLSZ rule, which states that single-syllable words ending in the letters f, l, s, or z are often doubled. Providing clearer explanations of such spelling patterns would significantly enhance the app’s instructional effectiveness.

Sequential Learning

ABC Spelling Magic features four versions, each designed with increasing levels of difficulty in phonics knowledge. This progressive structure aligns well with the educational recommendation to build phonics skills sequentially, starting with simpler patterns and gradually introducing more complex ones. However, there are some important phonics concepts that are not included in the app’s scope and sequence.

For instance, digraphs—two letters that represent a single sound—are notably absent from the phonics plan. This would include words like ‘chat’ or ‘shut’. Given that digraphs are a common and essential phonics pattern, their omission may limit the app’s comprehensiveness in teaching foundational spelling skills. Addressing this gap could further enhance the app’s effectiveness in supporting sequential learning in phonics.

Elkonin Boxes

Elkonin boxes are a common teaching strategy for showing learners how to segment words into their individual sounds. Each sound box represents one sound in a word. ABC Spelling Magic uses Elkonin boxes to teach segmentation skills for both the Word Building and Movable Alphabet games, which is a solid instructional strategy for teaching foundational spelling skills.

Unfortunately, the ABC Spelling Magic apps make a slight mistake when using these boxes. Words that have double letters (two letters representing one sound) like ‘fill’ use two sound boxes for the letter <L>s instead of one. This is a confusing and mistaken use of sound boxes that are intended to emphasize the connection between sounds and letters in words.

*Ideally, the two <L> letters would fit in one sound box for this word*

Are the ABC Spelling Magic Apps Good For Learning to Spell?

The ABC Spelling Magic apps from Preschool University offer a structured and user-friendly approach to early literacy development. With a clear focus on phonics progression and accessible gameplay, these apps offer some basic spelling skills and practice for learners who already know their letter sounds.

However, while the simplicity of the apps keeps the focus on learning, it may not capture the attention of all learners. Additionally, certain prevalent phonics concepts, such as digraphs are missing from the sequential learning plan for spelling in these apps. While some instructions are available in the app, they do not cover the explicit instruction of common spelling rules and patterns such as those involved in double letters at the ends of words. Finally, while the use of Elkonin boxes is commendable for spelling instruction, there are mistakes in the execution of this instructional tool that let down the app.

ABC Spelling Magic: Overall Ratings

Quality of Literacy Instruction: 2 / 5

Usability: 3 / 5

Engagement: 2.5 / 5

Reading Magic App 1 – Learning to Read Review

Jaymi Thiessen on October 15, 2024

A Closer Look at Preschool University

Want to read honest, expert reviews on literacy apps? Check out the Phonics.org library where our literacy experts share their insights!

In this article, we explore the quality of instruction within the Reading Magic: Learning to Read app.

What is Reading Magic?

Reading Magic is a literacy app developed by Preschool University. This app is the first in a five-part series of educational apps, each designed to teach progressively more challenging phonics skills to kids.

This review focuses on Reading Magic 1, specifically the reading of CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words like ‘leg’ or ‘bed.’

Reading Magic is designed for children ages four and up. The expectation is that players already understand common letter-sound correspondences before interacting with this app. The app offers a free version, with an optional paid upgrade. Reading Magic instructional targets include three key skills:

Blending
Segmenting
Reading words

Is the Reading Magic App Easy to Use?

The following factors impact the usability of the Reading Magic app.

Navigation

The Reading Magic app offers an easy-to-navigate interface. Young children can easily move between the three main practice areas in the app. While players can be added or deleted without the need for logins, switching between users may be a little tricky for young children and would likely require adult support.

The app features an admin area for parents or educators to track lesson completion. However, accessing this area involves answering unnecessarily complicated skill-testing math questions. Simplifying this process could enhance the overall experience for families.

App Settings

The app includes customizable settings, which are simple to change in any place in the game. One setting option is to choose a specific color for the vowels. Notably, the color of the letters is not crucial for literacy learning and the goal should be to quickly move vowels and consonant graphemes to the same color.

Additionally, the app features a “tile effect” that displays the letter within each tile. Parents and educators should always choose the tile effect that shows the letter. This kind of phonemic awareness training has been shown to be twice as effective when done alongside the visual letters.

Instructions

The app provides comprehensive instructions that, while somewhat verbose, are easy to locate and offer valuable guidance for parents and educators on how to support their children’s learning. An instructional video clearly outlines blending techniques and various activities within the app, making it simple for users to understand and utilize the available features effectively.

Engagement in Reading Magic

The following aspects impact learner engagement with the app.

Bells & Whistles

Engagement in the app is shaped by its intentional design choices, avoiding “bells and whistles” like excessive sound effects that could distract from phonics learning. This no-nonsense approach creates a clear learning environment, although it may slightly reduce overall engagement.

While the app serves as a focused practice tool rather than a traditional game, it does include a small song and a sun icon to celebrate when a child completes a “set.” This feature may appeal to younger users. Learners of all ages may appreciate the use of real images and photographs throughout the app.

Passive Participation

The first activity in Reading Magic doesn’t necessarily require active participation. The app models the sounds for three sequential letters and then states the word that is represented by blending those sounds.

Although Reading Magic is designed to promote independent segmenting and reading skills, it’s easy for players to bypass this critical thinking process. Parent or educator involvement with the learner in Reading Magic is recommended to ensure the child is actively applying their skills. This collaborative approach can help children deepen their understanding and make the learning experience more interactive.

Literacy Learning With Reading Magic

The following factors influence the quality of literacy learning in the Reading Magic app.

Sequential Learning

The app features a clear sequence for learning, yet it lacks transparency regarding the specific letter sounds included in each “set.” This may leave educators unclear about the overall phonics plan and progression within the app.

Furthermore, the instructions in the app suggest that all blending and segmenting skills should be mastered before moving on to the reading section. However, this advice isn’t necessarily accurate. In fact, practicing segmenting skills can be beneficial for spelling and does not need to be mastered before a child learns to read words.

Phonemic Awareness

The app focuses on teaching phonemic awareness skills (blending and segmenting) which are important for decoding (word-reading) and encoding (spelling). The voices in the app provide accurate and clear letter sounds delivered by both male and female voices in American English.

*First, learners blend sounds to read a word. Then they can reveal the connected image.*

Reading Magic currently only represents final blending. Final blending is when each sound is stated with a pause in between. For example /b/ /e/ /d/ sounds would combine to make the word ‘bed.’ Incorporating continuous blending or connected phonation (blending sounds without pauses in between) would be helpful for many new readers as it is considered the easiest method for learning to blend.

Is Reading Magic a Good Literacy App?

In short, Reading Magic 1 has some useful skill-building activities for new readers. It’s designed to help young learners master reading CVC words through blending. Its user-friendly interface facilitates easy start-up and navigation, although some features—like user switching and admin access—could be simplified.

While the app prioritizes a clear learning environment by avoiding distractions, this simplified approach may sacrifice some engagement for younger users. Overall, the app provides valuable phonemic awareness training. However, incorporating continuous blending methods could enhance its effectiveness for emerging readers.

Reading Magic: Learning to Read – Overall Ratings

Quality of Literacy Instruction: 3 / 5

Usability: 3 / 5

Engagement: 3 / 5

Hairy Letters App Review

Jaymi Thiessen on October 4, 2024

“Hairies” Helping Kids Learn to Read!

Curious how the most popular literacy apps measure up? Check out our latest review of the Hairy Letters app and browse the complete list of reviews at phonics.org.

What is the Hairy Letters App?

Hairy Letters is a literacy app developed by Nessy Learning Limited. This app is specifically designed for children ages 4-6 as one part of a suite of seven educational apps designed to support young learners in learning to read.

The Hairy Letters app features likable characters, including a yeti and other delightful “Hairies”—small creatures that entertain and encourage players as they navigate the learning process.

Hairy Letters focuses on several key literacy goals:

It helps children with letter identification
It teaches students the sounds associated with each letter
It guides learners through proper letter formation

Additionally, the app enhances phonemic awareness through activities that involve blending and segmenting sounds, as well as decoding simple words.

Usability of the Hairy Letters App

The following factors impact the usability of the Hairy Letters app for kids ages 4-6.

Navigation

The app features two primary areas for navigation:

The Alphabet Page: This area focuses on teaching a letter’s name, sound, and formation.
Release the Hairies: This area focuses on combining letter sounds to read words and rebuilding these sounds to build (spell) words. Players ‘release’ the Hairies from their ice blocks by completing reading and word-building tasks.

Transitioning between these sections is seamless. Users can easily move back and forth between the two main areas.

For added guidance, a helpful yeti hand points out the next steps for players who may feel uncertain, ensuring a smooth and supportive learning experience.

*The main alphabet page in Hairy Letters*

Accessibility Features

The Hairy Letters app does not have background music. This is helpful for new readers.

The silent design choice allows users to concentrate on learning letter sounds without unnecessary distractions. Additionally, tapping the yeti in the game results in a repetition of the keyword in the game which is helpful and engaging for new readers, especially those who may have concerns with memory or attention.

The minimal use of verbal instructions further contributes to a focused learning environment. By avoiding overwhelming dialogue, the app maintains the user’s attention on the material at hand.

Overall, the straightforward start-up process and user-friendly game mechanics make for an enjoyable and accessible experience for all players.

Players Engagement in the Hairy Letters App

These factors influence how engaging the app is for new players.

Rewards

Hairy Letters intentionally avoids relying on an elaborate external reward system, instead fostering intrinsic motivation in players. The interactions with the Hairies are designed to be rewarding and engaging, yet they remain focused on promoting learning rather than detracting from it.

This thoughtful approach ensures that users are encouraged to explore and learn without being sidetracked by excessive distractions or rewards, creating a more meaningful educational experience.

Appearance

The app is visually appealing. It features cute imagery and smooth animations. Each letter comes with clear animations that are appropriately brief, ensuring that they engage without overwhelming young learners.

Additionally, the gameplay and overall design of the app are developmentally appropriate for young players. Overall, Hairy Letters is an attractive and well-made literacy app.

Literacy Learning With Hairy Letters

The following components impact the quality of literacy instruction in Hairy Letters.

Sequential Learning

The app employs a thoughtful approach to sequential learning by introducing letters in groups of four. This method allows players to first learn the letter names, sounds, and formations before moving on to a second session focused on blending and segmenting those letters into reading and spelling words.

Once users have mastered these words, they can return to learn additional letter sounds, creating a well-structured progression. This planned sequence of learning is particularly effective, as it builds upon previously acquired knowledge.

Phonemic Awareness

Hairy Letters emphasizes phonemic awareness skills, such as blending and segmenting, which are modeled and practiced throughout the gameplay. This focus on teaching children how to sound out words equips them with essential decoding skills, enhancing their overall reading abilities.

Letter Sounds

The app provides accurate and clear letter sounds, delivered in an American English accent. An engaging animated character, such as a snake for the letter “s,” helps reinforce memory and create strong associations between sounds and letters.

Both the letter name and sound are introduced one after the other, which is a good method to reinforce the association between the two. The focus on lowercase letters is particularly beneficial, as they are used more frequently in everyday reading and writing.

Additionally, the option to tap the “ABC” button at the top of the alphabet page to view uppercase letters is a nice touch, allowing users to learn the uppercase letter names without overwhelming them. This thoughtful design enriches the learning experience and supports a well-rounded understanding of letter names and their sounds.

*Letter sound learning activities in Hairy Phonics*

Letter Formation

The inclusion of letter formation in the app is excellent as it models correct writing techniques, particularly for letters like “b” and “d” which can often be confusing for young learners. This focus is crucial for developing proper handwriting skills.

However, there is a notable issue with the letter formation feature: as long as users start and end their strokes in the correct places, they are rewarded even if their overall letter formation is incorrect.

This could lead to the development of bad habits, as children may not learn the correct techniques. To mitigate this, it would be beneficial for parents to monitor this aspect of the app, ensuring that children practice letter formation accurately and effectively.

*Many letter formations may be considered correct*

Is Hairy Letters a Good Literacy App?

Yes! The Hairy Letters app offers a well-rounded and engaging literacy experience for children ages 4-6. With its focus on letter-sound correspondences, phonemic awareness, and modeling of proper letter formation, the app creates a structured learning environment that supports young readers.

The user-friendly navigation, appealing visuals, and thoughtful design enhance its accessibility and engagement, while the emphasis on intrinsic motivation ensures that learning remains the primary focus. Overall, Hairy Letters stands out as an effective tool for fostering early literacy skills in a fun and interactive way.

While Hairy Letters does well in following through on its educational goals, it is not a comprehensive literacy program (nor is it intended to be).

Eventually, new readers will want to move on to learning more complex phonics patterns, and learning how to combine words in sentences to read connected text fluently.

See additional literacy app reviews at phonics.org and learn what other educational apps have to offer.

Hairy Letters: Overall Ratings

Quality of Literacy Instruction: 4 / 5

Usability: 4.5 / 5

Engagement: 4 / 5