Starfall Learn to Read - Review

This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad

• $2.99
• Category: Education
• Updated: Oct 14, 2012
• Version: 1.2.71
• Size: 35.7 MB
• Languages: English, Chinese, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish
• Seller: Starfall Education, LLC
• © 2012

Rated 4+

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.

If you would like to purchase this app now click this link iTunes

Do you remember the excitement of learning to read? Once you had those early concepts mastered, you could escape into the magical worlds that are created in books. The Starfall Learn to Read app helps children make the transition from knowing letters and letter sounds into that magical world.

Starfall Learn to Read is a universal app from Starfall Education LLC. This app has the same material as the “Learn to Read” section of the awesome starfall.com website. It is appropriate for all children learning to read with its greatest appeal aimed at preschool through second graders.    “Learn to Read” was built by professional educators. It has taken into consideration research, learning styles and the need for learning to be fun and engaging.

 
When the app is opened, users are provided access to fifteen different sections that are based on short vowels, long vowels, two vowels, r controlled vowels, and y as long e. All fifteen sections contain three similar activities; make a word, view a related movie, and read a book appropriate for early readers.

Each of the fifteen sections provides user access to short books featuring the vowel sounds. The student can read the book independently or have each page read to them. If a reader experiences difficultly pronouncing a word, they are able to tap on the word and a flash card will appear that helps them sound out the word. Students should be encouraged to tap on the pictures in the book as some are animated and help bring the story to life. In each of the sections there is also activities that ask the children to “Make a Word”, “Make a Match”, “Picture Hunt” or “Word Sorting” based on the featured vowel. The final thing present in each section is a short video that supports the learning in that section.

Something that I would like Starfall to consider in future updates to the app and website is to provide a label on the introductory screen of what vowel sound is featured in that section of the fifteen activities. This addition would help parents and educators easier access to the skill area they would like the student to focus on. This app is extremely appropriate for students with special needs. It could be used by educators and parents to work on a specific skill that was previously taught. It also could be used for remedial work if a student is struggling with specific vowel sound or rule. The large variety of activities in the app holds the early readers attention well and offers learning activities for every learning style. If your early reader enjoys the Starfall website, then this might be a great addition to your iOS device.
You can find out more information about Starfall by following these links.

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Starfall.com
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