Amira and the StoryCraft
Impressive AI reading tutor needs better structure.
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Amira and the StoryCraft
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Amira and the StoryCraft uses artificial intelligence (AI) to listen and correct kids as they read texts aloud. While kids read, Amira acts like a personal tutor and helps kids sound out words, points out difficult vocabulary, and asks some comprehension questions. It's important to note that Amira and the StoryCraft doesn't teach the foundational basics of reading, so kids just starting out with letter names and sounds should look elsewhere first. As kids read, Amira adjusts to their level and offers new texts from over 5,000 books and stories from kid friendly publishers and series such as Highlights Magazine, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Rebel Girls. The developers highlight multiple claims that the development of their app was based on research at top universities and that research with the educators' version of Amira itself demonstrates significant reading gains. Parents need to sign in through an Apple, Google, or Facebook account, or with an email address. Parents also need to activate their device's microphone to allow Amira to listen to their kid reading. Read the developer's privacy policy for details on how your (or your kids') information is collected, used, and shared and any choices you may have in the matter, and note that privacy policies and terms of service frequently change.
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What’s It About?
Parents start AMIRA AND THE STORYCRAFT by signing in and granting access to their device's microphone. Then, kids meet Amira, their virtual reading tutor. After kids read a few words out loud to test the microphone, Amira asks them to choose three genres, such as nature, make believe, or silly stories. She then introduces a story and kids see small sections of text on the screen. As kids read aloud, the text highlights. When they finish, a new section appears. If kids hesitate or make a mistake, Amira jumps in to assist. She may help them sound out the word, give other pronunciation hints, show pictures to demonstrate what the word means, or just tell them how to say the word. Occasionally, she interrupts to present a multiple-choice comprehension or vocabulary-related question. Kids earn stickers as they complete sections of the story. When they finish a whole story, the move on to another story world and choose another genre.
Is It Any Good?
This personal virtual reading tutor successfully uses artificial intelligence technology, but needs a better overall presentation to really shine. It's great to have a patient, consistent guide like the one in Amira and the StoryCraft to help kids through those early years of slow reading and struggling through new words. And though sometimes the app is slow and lags a bit in responding, the feedback actually works pretty well. Amira pinpoints where kids have trouble and gently helps them along. Surprisingly, it's the rest of the app that seems to need more attention to detail. There's a points system, but it's not clear what the points are for. Also, it's not easy to gauge kids' progress through the app, and though the app description promises parent reports, there are none to be found in the app. Navigation through Amira and the StoryCraft is also so limited as to be frustrating. And, though it's nice that the app's algorithms choose the "just right" story, it would be also nice to at least see a library of available upcoming stories or a log of stories already read. With some basic improvements, Amira and the StoryCraft has potential for being a powerful tool.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it's like to read with Amira and the StoryCraft. Do you feel like Amira responds well to you? Does she offer helpful feedback?
Ask kids about what they're reading with Amira, Have them summarize the story plots for you and tell you what new words they learned.
When you read books with your kids, take turns reading to them and having them read to you.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Subjects: Language & Reading: letter or word recognition, reading, reading comprehension, vocabulary
- Skills: Self-Direction: personal growth, work to achieve goals, Tech Skills: using and applying technology
- Pricing structure: Free to try (30-day free trial, then $7.99/mo.)
- Release date: February 25, 2021
- Category: Education
- Publisher: Amira Learning
- Version: 2.0.2
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 11.0 or later
- Last updated: August 9, 2021
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