This app contains 20 books based on the short vowel sounds. They are cumulative stories, building on each other. You can purchase it in it’s entirety for $9.99, or download a FREE sample and purchase books individually as in app purchases at 99cents each (the first is definitely the better deal).
The app is designed for ages 5+ whom are beginning readers. I have been using it with my son who just turned 5 last month (April).
The page on the left side sounds out the word when touched, the same word(s) are repeated on the right side page; however, when touched the word is said in it’s entirety. The words are also color coded, with the initial sound in black and the ending sound in blue.
Site words are also introduced, the site word is show in a black box, in black, in the top right hand corner. When touched, the site word, is read in a different vice from the other words in the book.
The use of site words help make the story flow more. Beginner reader books are always full of incomplete sentences in ways that no one really talks. Adding a few site words like and, the, to, etc.. helps the story flow better and makes it more like an actual book.
Pages are easily turned by swiping the surface. While this aids in the ease of use, it is also a negative in my book. The reason is that when I am using this app with my son and try to follow along with my finger on the words, it turns the page. This started to be rather frustrating!
Another thing that I found frustrating was the pronunciation of the site word ‘the’, it is pronounced as ‘thee’. I don’t know about you, but I don’t pronounce it that way when talking or reading, even if that is the ‘rule’ of pronunciation because of the e at the end (like me and be). *UPDATE: They have fixed the pronunciation and it now says THE instead of THEE!!
Despite those two simple things that I did not like, these are great stories, adding both fun and entertainment to learning to read!
My 5 yo has enjoyed them thus far. We will continue to work with these stories as we work on rhyming words and beginning reading skills.
Disclaimer: I received this product free in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Regulations.
I have been offered one product to giveaway to a lucky reader! Enter using the rafflecopter form below!
This app is for use with Apple iPad only, please keep that in mind when entering!
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