Wonster Words- spelling with ABC and phonics by Puzzingo is a new Top Pick!
Bottom Line: Kids get to learn letter sounds, spelling and word families by using ghost-themed letters to spell words and reveal fun animations. These animated and lovable monsters (Wonsters) put the words in useful context and help provide definitions. A lot is included with the free download and more letter families and games are available for purchase.
If you'd like to download Wonster Words, please use this handy link:
Wonster Words is a brand new Top Pick, and it definitely has content perfect for any kid learning to spell and read. It opens to the homepage choices of letter pairs. Included in the free version are "AT" and "AP" pairs, containing eight words each. For a limited time, the outdoor adventure pack is also included. There are nine other letter pairs and one other game pack available for purchase in-app. The homepage also contains a parent-protected adult section that contains links to contact, support, social media, restoring purchases, mailing list and settings. Settings include being able to choose between upper or lower case letters or resetting game progress.
Users pick a letter pair and a new menu appears showing the eight words to choose from. Once a word is chosen, children are given a blank word where they must place the floating ghost letters. Letters can be placed in any order and the letter pairs are always moved together to reinforce their connection. Each letter wiggles and makes the sound for itself over and over until it is placed or no longer chosen.
When the word has been spelled, an animation begins featuring the Wonsters in scenes that illustrate the word. For example, the "giftwrap" animation shows one Wonster wrapping a gift and another getting tangled in giftwrap while trying to wrap a present. At the end of the animations, the narrator gives a sentence with the word included. Continuing the "giftwrap" example, the narrator says, "It's easier to unwrap than to giftwrap." In other animations, definitions are given such as for "madcap" when the narrator says, "Madcap means to be crazy, zany and amusingly eccentric."
In the game packs, children spell a variety of words the same as in specific word families, except all of the word pairs are included and the pairs are unlinked. After spelling five words in a row, accompanied by each animation, users have the chance to help Frank fall over a waterfall without hitting obstructions (except for flies) for extra points.
Technically, the game worked without any glitches while I explored. I downloaded the additional game pack and another word pair to see if what was included in the free version is on par with what's available for purchase and am happy to report that content is of equal caliber. The word pairs that are not included in the free download are available for purchase with a variety of ways to choose. Each letter pair is .99 while the additional game pack is $2.99. There is also an annual subscription option for $7.99 per year or a lifetime access pass for a one-time fee of $14.99.
As an app reviewer, I only found a couple of things I would like to see different. The first is that during the outdoor adventure gameplay, after the five words are spelled and users are rewarded with a falling wonster, the iOS has to be turned from horizontal to vertical position. The app is entirely set for horizontal play (on the iPad at least) except for that one section and I would love to see it adjusted to fit in with the rest of the design of the app.
Another issue I had is probably just the Mom in me, but in the "OT" word family is the word "snot". I know, I know. They are monsters and kids love gross stuff, but us parents are trying really hard to keep our kids from acting like they haven't been house-trained. The word "snot" is spelled simply enough, then comes the animation of Frank picking a long booger out of his nose, being told to use a tissue by his friend and ending with Frank eating his snot. The cheerful narrator then says, "Snot is the slimy mucous that comes out of your nose. Eww! Don't eat it, Frank!" Gross.
Overall, I thinks kids will have a good time playing and learning with this app as long as parents are cool with the occasional eating of snot.
Ellie has done her magic and produced another fabulous demo showing what's inside this app. Take a look below:
*****
Cynthia's kids are still home for summer. Still. Home. ***Smart Apps for Kids was paid a priority review fee to take a look at this app.
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