YMCA Reads!
Alphabet Skills
Interactive Alphabet – ABC FlashcardsIdeal for: Pre-reading
What is it? This app features flashcards for all the letters of the alphabet, withmatching, interactive sounds. For instance, a child can “play” the xylophone on the “X is for xylophone” card!
How much is it? $2.99
Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.3 or later.
Reviews: Parents describe this app as a fun learning tool for toddlers. It is“beautifully illustrated” and helps kids learn words for describing the pictures on the cards.
Ideal for: Pre-reading
What is it? This app teaches handwriting skills with animations and an interactive game. Children draw letters as they help Mr. Crab, the animated character, collect numbers in sequence. Each letter and word is read aloud.
How much is it? $2.99
Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
Reviews: The reviews for the app are positive, though one reviewer would like to be able to choose the order in which the letters are taught.
Ideal for: Pre-reading
What is it? An app with a variety of games involving the alphabet. The games teach children about phonics, words and sentences. Through repeated use, children learn to recognize letters and see how they combine to makewords.
How much is it? $2.99
Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
Reviews: While some users say that this app is “convenient,” others note that there is no audio, which may limit the app’s usefulness in teaching phonics.
Ideal for: Pre-reading
What is it? An app with more than 50 interactive activities for young learners. Children learn the alphabet, the numbers 1-9, shapes, colors and more.
How much is it? $9.99
Platforms: iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later.
Reviews: One reviewer said that the app did not interest her grandchild and was not “child friendly.” Other users said that the app was ideal for pre-K children and that it has a good variety of activities to engage kids.