ABC Circus (Free)

Freemium!

ABC Circus lets users practice writing letters and numbers or playing games that require them to identify letters and numbers. From the app’s main screen, users must select the activity they wish to complete. If they choose to practice writing letters and numbers, the app uses short, colorful animations that are narrated to introduce a letter. In the animation, ABC Circus first pronounces the letter and then a word that begins with it (e.g., B is for bear).  After the animation, ABC Circus provides users with the option to either select a different letter or practice writing that letter. If users elect to change letters, they are able to view the letter that alphabetically comes either before or after the letter they are currently viewing. If users decide to practice with the current letter, they must touch the blank letter and ABC Circus will then prompt them to trace it. After tracing the letter, users may select to trace the letter again or select another letter. If users choose to play a game, they are presented a variety of numbers or letters and they must identify a specific number or letter by tapping it.

Instructional Ideas

1. With a teacher’s guidance, students can practice tracing letters using this app. After tracing the letter, the student and teacher can discuss any difficulties the student experienced while tracing the letter.
2. After students have traced enough letters and viewed enough animations to become familiar with this app, the teacher can ask the students to name other words that begin with a specific letter. For example, whereas the app says, “Bis for bear,” the teacher could ask the class what other words begin with the letter B. As students begin responding, the teacher can list the words the class says on the board, which can then prompt a discussion of letters and sounds based off of student responses.
3. Students can use this app to practice tracing letters. Once students gain enough confidence and efficacy with their ability to trace letters using this app, teachers can provide them with writing utensils and paper so students can transfer their writing skills from the iPad to paper.