First Words Deluxe
By Carrie R. Wheadon,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Great for pre-readers to early spellers, but can get spendy.
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First Words Deluxe
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What’s It About?
Each page of First Words Deluxe has an object and a word to spell. Click on the object to hear the name, then drag and drop letters into the right slots to spell the word. When the word is complete a voice says "b-a-g, bag!" the object spins around, and the next page appears with a new word to spell. The app includes five categories: Animals, At Home, Colors, Shapes, and Vehicles; you can buy more via in-app purchase. Parents get a lot of options so they can tailor the experience to match their kids' skills.
Is It Any Good?
The best thing FIRST WORDS DELUXE for parents is definitely the different levels. Kids over 2 can drag and drop letters and build vocab and letter recognition pressing on objects featured and hearing what they are. As they get older, switch on the phonics every once in a while and help them sound out words. Once they're early readers and budding spellers, change the "Letter Order" setting from "Any Order" to "Left to Right." The only complaint here is the price tag of adding new words. When you add up what you could spend on all the different sets you may be tempted to scrap it all in favor of homemade flash cards at the kitchen table.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Place letter magnets on your fridge so kids get more exposure to letters and word-building.
Take the spelling party outside with sidewalk chalk.
Point out words kids may know on signs when you're out and about.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Subjects: Language & Reading: letter or word recognition, phonics, spelling
- Skills: Self-Direction: academic development, Communication: listening
- Release date: November 3, 2011
- Category: Educational Games
- Topics: Numbers and Letters
- Publisher: Learning Touch
- Version: 5.1
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 3.0 or later
- Last updated: December 7, 2017
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