Star Speller, released earlier this month by developer ESL Video, Inc., is a new spelling app with 300 words to practice. Developed by elementary and English as a second language teachers, the app is meant to allow students to both read and spell a wide variety of spelling words.
Star Speller comes loaded with 30 files of spelling words. Each file has 10 words to practice. The words are pulled from Dolch high frequency words and district spelling lists. They focus on word lists from Kindergarten, First, and Second grades. Using both common sight words and some of the more tricky phonics blends, the word lists will give parents and teachers a wide variety of spelling practice.
The spelling lists get progressively harder as you move through the files. Beginning with words like: me, go, mom, and love and moving to words like weird, beautiful, and telephone, students have a wide range of words to practice. After choosing the file you want to work on, the narrator gives verbal directions each time (which can be shut off) telling the player to tap the words to hear them pronounced. After practicing the words, players move to either the Reading Power or Spelling Power games.
The Reading Power game gives a player a chance to tap the correct word after it is said aloud. Given three choices, the player has a time limit to choose the correct word. If the player gets the answer wrong, he or she does get a second chance to get it correct. The Spelling Power game asks players to spell a given word. Letter choices are limited to around 10 letters. With only the 10 letters, a backspace button, and done button, the game play is simple enough for students to be successful. The game shows the correct spelling if you get the word incorrect twice. The game has a simple flash card interface as well for additional practice in each word file.
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This app has a nice variety of words for teachers and parents to pull from. It would be easy for an adult to guide students to word lists most appropriate for their level. I also really like that the game offers several ways for students to practice. From basic reviewing of the words either by having them read aloud by the narrator or by practicing with the flashcards to actually using the words in the games, the app differentiates the practice. The games themselves are also differentiated. Kids can either tap the words after reading them or spell the words to show mastery. In addition, the developer's website http://www.star-speller.com/ offers parents and teachers progress charts to make this app a useful data collection tool.
Overall, this app makes a great learning tool for students needing to practice spelling skills. Parents and teachers alike will like the data collection available from this app. Students will be able to use this app independently to practice essential spelling skills.
Star Speller - ESL Video, Inc. Is available for download via the iTunes App Store - iPhone/iPod App Compatible iPad.
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This app was reviewed by Sarah Emerling, a mom, a special education teacher, and a technology coach. She is a self proclaimed nerd with a passion for incorporating technology into education and you read her findings at The iLesson Lady
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Disclosure: This review was move up the waiting list priority-services. All opinions expressed are purely that of the author.
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