Build A Word
This spelling application is based on the PBS Kids television series “Word World”. You play by dragging the floating letters to its corresponding outline to “build a word”; the words then become animated characters. For example, D-O-G becomes a wiggly, barking dog, and D-U-C-K becomes a quacking (and talking) duck. The animation is stunning and this application adopts a delightful approach to teach spelling. There is a tremendous feeling of satisfaction when words become animated characters – undoubtedly a powerful association that can help foster early literacy. The first few times I played this app I was completely absorbed but it soon became predictable since there are only ten words/characters and they are always played in the same sequence. In its current form this application is a winner, but updated versions could benefit from additional words, characters, and a randomized sequence to keep it fresh.
Application Detail
Build A Word
Developer: WordWorldReleased: 2009-09-23
Price: $0.99
Description from the Developer
Enjoy WordWorlds Build a Word app, based on the Emmy award winning television series on PBS KIDS. WordWorld is funded in part by the Department of Education and has been demonstrated to significantly improve early literacy skills, including: print awareness, letter knowledge and comprehension. WordWorld is just as it sounds: A magical world made up of words where fun rules the day.It's time to Build A Word! Shake up this "Word Builder" and watch letters float across the screen. Place letters in the outline provided and build a word one letter at a time. By pushing the letters of each word together, words will magically "morph" into WordFriends! DOG, DUCK, PIG, ANT, FROG, SHEEP, BUG, COW, CAT, and BEE come to life and engage children to build their early literacy skills.
Learning to read has never been this much fun!


January 15th, 2010 by Kristen Young