Martha Speaks Word Spinner

Martha Speaks Word Spinner is an interactive app for children but also is family friendly can be played with family members. The age of children can be age 4 to 7. It costs $1.99 on ITunes but was featured for free from PBS kids free app packet. This app can be used in the classroom to introduce new words to students.Some examples are oral vocabulary skills and storytelling. I plan on using this app to increase my student’s higher frequency words. I would use it as a tool to give more opportunities to help students learn and hear more words they may not have seen before.

Here is how it works:

The app is setup as a board game and the object is to get to the doghouse to win. Along the way the players will spin a spinner to see how many spaces to go and then on the spinner there are mini games to play on each spinner space. Some mini game examples include bucket ball, name 5 things, story sounds, stuff sort, who am I? , and word connector. After each mini game they receive a dog bone with a new word on it and hear the definition of the word.  You can see examples from screen shots below.

http://pbskids.org/apps/martha-speaks-word-spinner.html

Vocabulary Build

Description:

Vocabulary Build is a free app compatible with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Combining flashcards and quizzes, this app helps build vocabulary for your students providing 5,000 words and a 150,000 word dictionary and thesaurus. This can applied to middle school, high school and AP classes.

How it works:

Flashcards lists are built upon the lists of words you get right or wrong in the multiple choice quiz sections. You can also customize it to a compiliation of words to your liking. Can help students create word wall in the classroom.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vocabulary-build/id553379017?mt=8

Knowji

Knowji vocabulary apps are available for ipad and iphone.  There are several different grade levels , and many are common core aligned. The apps contain lists of vocabulary words as well as easy-to-understand definitions, illustrations, and audio pronunciations. The practice sessions  use a “spaced repetition algorithm” that reportedly helps to commit the word  to long-term memory, and there is even a record function that allows students to record their own pronunciations and have them evaluated for accuracy. 

http://www.knowji.com

Word Joust K-5

Word Joust K-5:

This version is specifically designed for elementary school students (K-5th grade) with grade-appropriate words. With Word Joust for K-5, knaves (i.e., you) will master the 300 most popular words using in elementary school reading materials. Delivered as mini word games set on a medieval battle field, Word Joust makes learning new words easy and fun. This app includes five active games that involve spelling and memory involving the vocabulary. You can also track the progress of the students and how they are moving through with their words. This app is free and is available on iOS 4.0 and later.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/word-joust-for-k-5/id461456879?mt=8

Language Central for Science Life: Science Edition

Language Central for Science Life: Science Edition

            This app makes learning vocabulary words fun and engaging. This app is a fun way for children and parents to refresh their science vocabulary words. The app includes a memory challenge that checks with Life, Earth, and Physical sciences through interactive flash cards. There is a trivia challenge that includes all the sciences together. This could easily be used in a classroom setting as an interactive activity, or be used at home to get the parents more involved. It is recommended for grades 6th-8th.  The app is free, and available on iOS 3.2 and later versions.

http://www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PS1g6k&PMDbSiteId=2781&PMDbSolutionId=6724&PMDbSubSolutionId=&PMDbCategoryId=814&PMDbSubCategoryId=&PMDbSubjectAreaId=&PMDbProgramId=91294

Endless Alphabet

Endless Alphabet 

Endless Alphabet is a free app helping children build their vocabulary. The monster themed activities teach students new words along with the spelling of each word. This stress free game helps children with behavior problems not to become upset as each game is not timed or given a score.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/endless-alphabet/id591626572?mt=8

SpellingCity

SpellingCity

SpellingCity is a free app, with the option to upgrade to a premium membership, used on the iPhone, iPad or web.  The app allows students to do a range of things from learn content area and play games.  Teachers can use this app to help reinforce student understanding of vocabulary words.  I would use this app to make out spelling lists and vocabulary for my students to study.  Weekly when I send home the newsletter I would provide the link for the student to practice their spelling and vocabulary.  The premium membership includes: student progress tracking, custom assignments, vocabulary development and writing practice.  The premium membership can be purchased in the categories of family (up to 5 students) for $29.99, classroom (up to 25 students) for $49.99 or schools (ranging from 26 to over 5000 students) ranging from $1.40/student to $1.95/student. With either the free or premium you are given your own url to share with your students.  When registering if your school is not listed you are able to add your school to the list. 

How it Works:

On your homepage you can put a message to the students and parents, add vocabulary and spelling lists and recommended links.  The students are able to take spelling tests, vocabulary tests, look at flashcards, learn the content and play games.  With the premium package you are able to add students and give each one a username and password to track their progress.  With the basic package students are still able to do the different activities you post on your homepage.

Links:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spellingcity/id538407602?mt=8

https://www.spellingcity.com/Log-yourself-in.html