Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 -- English
Common Sense says
- iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- $4.99
- Education
Parents say
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The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 - English provides 42 lists of spelling words, grouped by patterns, sounds, and difficulty levels. The quizzes are encouraging and challenging, and the voice commands are clear and calm. There are good customization options here, including switching between capital and lowercase letters, as well as the option for either alphabetic and QWERTY keyboard layouts. You can't create your own spelling lists here; there are other good apps for that. This app is for people who want a well-planned spelling curriculum that combines high-use words, basic old-fashioned phonics with clear instructions, and easy use.
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What's it about?
Kids choose a spelling list to begin their test. The correct number of red boxes for the letters in the first word appear, then a voice speaks the word and says it in a sentence (homonyms may confuse the speller without context). Tap or drag and drop the correct letter, and the box turns green. If kids choose an incorrect letter, the box stays red. Press "hint" to make other letters pop up and get more verbal clues. Kids can't spell a new word until the current one is correct. Success messages pop up when a kid gets a word right.
Is it any good?
SIMPLEX SPELLING PHONICS will help kids on their quest to become better spellers and readers. The lists are both organized by letter or sound and equally as challenging as they are learning-level appropriate. Not just standard, common words are used. The list for the short "o" sound, for example, uses the word "icon," thereby stretching the student's vocabulary as well. Sometimes, the phonics explanations in the "hints" section that the narrator-teacher offers students may be too long for some younger kids to listen to all the way through. Some of the words that the app uses to praise kids when they get words right are big (such as "Impressive!") and just show up on the screen without being spoken, so younger kids may have no idea what the app has just said after they get the word right. Other times, the praise is offered verbally ("You did a good job working through that list.").
App details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Price: $4.99
- Release date: December 10, 2011
- Category: Education
- Size: 53.30 MB
- Publisher: Pyxwise Software Inc.
- Version: 1.1.0
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 4.0 or later
- Last updated: August 25, 2016
Our editors recommend
For kids who love working with words
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.