Word Magic App Review

Name of App: Word Magic
Age Group: PreK-2
Cost: 0.99
Format: available for iPod and iPad
Rating: 4/5
Company: Anusen

Purpose: Practice beginning, medial and ending sounds

What I like:

• It's easy to switch between beginning, medial, ending sounds or random by simply touching the correct box at the bottom of the screen.
• The word read and positive reinforcement voice is that of a child and is enthusiastic and easy to understand.
• As soon as a correct answer is given the screen quickly changes to the next problem.
• Being able to select a word length of 3-6 letters.

What the Students Like:

• Seeing their score.
• Earning stickers and cupcakes.
• The positive reinforcement.

What I'd like to see changed:

• Group digraphs and blends together-child should respond with wh not just w for wheel.
• Same for medial sounds-put r controlled vowels with the r and group vowel combinations together.
• When a child chooses the correct answer on the 4th try I'd like to hear "That's correct." not "Awesome!"
• Incorrect answers on level 2 that are close to the correct answer. I can't think of time a child would ever see "fq" in a word. I'd like to see actual chunks or blends in which the child would be familiar.

How I'll use it in the reading room:

• I'll put it on 3 letter words for my struggling first graders to practice random sounds. They'll take turns with a partner and use the timing mode of one minute.
• 1 minute competitions at the end of class.
• Skill and drill