The app “iTouchiLearn Words” from Staytooned teaches children about words through interactive word association games. Staytooned’s motto is “Edutaining Apps for Kids,” and this app is truly an entertaining and educational experience.
Using dynamic games and songs, this app teaches vocabulary through a few different means. Children can match a word to a corresponding picture, or they are asked to pick the picture that goes with a particular word. Children can also practice spelling by matching and arranging letters, and each spelling game also includes a picture. Additionally, the music such as “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” teaches children about body awareness, and it motivates them to dance with the music. The app also teaches words and actions by showing videos about a given word. For example, a movie about a bee shows the bee, a flower, and honey.
Each activity teaches:
- Sight Words
- Spelling
- Reading
- Speech Therapy
- Cognitive Skills
- Early Learning Literacy
- Special Education
Each screen includes background music, which also helps maintain the child’s interest. This app is an excellent way of learning vocabulary because it is motivating and inspiring. Associations of words are taught through the videos, so in addition to picking up vocabulary, children are learning their meanings and how to use them properly. The pictures are colorful and the words are easy to read, so the appeal to your child is high.
One user of the app says, “I am a Speech Pathologist using this for two months now in my preschool classroom consisting of six Autistic children. They are acquiring words faster than in the ABA model and are all highly motivated by it.” It is an app that parents and special needs therapists can use, and it is beneficial for a large age group.
The app costs $1.99 and is available for iPod Touch (3rd Generation), iPhone, and iPad. The low cost and the amount of entertaining and educational games included is great bang for your buck.
