 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 -- English
- iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Price: $4.99
- Category: Education
Common Sense Media says
Encouraging quizzes help kids master high-frequency words.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Simplex Spelling HD - Learn How To Spell Dolch Sight Words With Reverse Phonics teaches kids 240 commonly spelled English words in lists of 10, and it gets progressively more difficult as kids move through the list. At $6.99 (at the time of this review), it costs quite a bit more than the average spelling app, but it does have some particularly helpful features. The hint buttons show all the different letter combinations that can make a sound ("f" or "ph" at the beginning of the word "fish"). The hints let kids know by a color code which choice is correct. As a result, kids are clued into spelling rules and common letter combinations. Encouraging "success messages" pop up when a player gets a word right. Kids aren't allowed to move on to a new word until they get the one they're on right, with the help of the hints if needed. Unfortunately, unlike some lower-priced spelling apps, kids can't insert their own spelling lists to practice on this app.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn to spell learn common patterns as well as words that don't follow those patterns. Useful voice commands and color clues as well as clearly explained spelling rules pop up to give kids hints. This tool supports multiple users, and parents can change the settings to adapt spellings to British, American, or Canadian English. However, kids can't create their own lists. Drill-like practice for spelling and word patterns could require extra encouragement.
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning
- Creativity
- Self-Directioneffort, identifying strengths and weaknesses
- Emotional Development
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Tech Skills
- Health & Fitness
Is it any good?
Kids who use SIMPLEX SPELLING HD will learn how to spell the words on the given lists and also learn common patterns in spelling, which will help them spell words that aren't included on the app's imbedded lists. The voice commands are clear and helpful, as are the color clues and clearly laid out spelling rules that pop up when players choose to get a hint on the words they misspell. This app supports multiple users, so it's easy to keep track of progress for each student and probably more worthy of the higher-than-average spelling app price of $6.99 if you're purchasing it for multiple students. That said, for that price, it would also be nice to be able to create your own lists on this app in order to practice for school spelling tests containing different words. Still, this is without a doubt a top-notch tool to teach spelling to elementary school-age kids and ESL students.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn to spell learn common patterns as well as words that don't follow those patterns. Useful voice commands and color clues as well as clearly explained spelling rules pop up to give kids hints. This tool supports multiple users, and parents can change the settings to adapt spellings to British, American, or Canadian English. However, kids can't create their own lists. Drill-like practice for spelling and word patterns could require extra encouragement.
Subjects
- Language & Reading: spelling
- Math:
- Science:
- Social Studies:
- Arts:
- Hobbies:
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning:
- Creativity:
- Self-Direction: effort, identifying strengths and weaknesses
- Emotional Development:
- Communication:
- Collaboration:
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Tech Skills:
- Health & Fitness:
How kids will learn
Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 can give kids lots of practice with words they'll need to know to be strong readers, as well as encouraging feedback. The instruction on common word patterns can help kids grasp concepts beyond rote memorization of spelling words.
How parents can help
- Visit a site such as Oxford Dictionaries that identifies the words that are spelled differently in British, Canadian, and American English and explains why.
- This app isn't the most exciting or "sticky"; if parents want their kids to complete all lists, they may need to give kids extra encouragement.
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
| Category: | Education |
| Platforms: | iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad |
| Price: | $4.99 |
| Size: | 53.30 MB |
| Publisher: | Pyxwise Software Inc. |
| Version: | 1.1.0 |
| Release date: | December 10, 2011 |
| Minimum software requirements: | iOS 4.0 or later |
Contact us to give us more feedback on our learning ratings.
Review It
Screenshots
1 of 3
2 of 3
3 of 3
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
