First Words Sampler

First Word Sampler lets users practice spelling words up to 10 letters long. After launching the app, users are presented an image, letter tiles, and a word they are to spell. Users must drag the letter tiles onto the blank spaces in order to spell the word correctly. Users can tap the image, and the app will pronounce the word. As users slide the letter tiles into place, the app pronounces the name of each letter. Once the word is spelled correctly, the app pronounces all the letters again and then the word that was spelled before advancing users to the next word. If users wish to advance words without spelling a word, they can tap the “Play” button on the top right of the screen. If users wish to access different options included in this app, they can tap the “i” button on the top left of the screen.

Please Note: Users can only access a limited amount of words in the free version before they are required to make an in-app purchase.

Instructional Ideas

1. Teachers can have students spell words using this app. After successfully spelling a word, students can be required to write the word on paper, so they are able to practice both their spelling ability with the app and their handwriting skills on the paper.
2. After students spell a word in this app, teachers can require them to use the word contextually in a sentence. Students can write their sentences on paper or using an office app.
3. After students become familiar with the format of this app, teachers can have students cut out paper letter tiles or use Scrabble letter tiles. Next, teachers can have students write a list of 10 words. Finally, teachers can put students in pairs or small groups. One student will then say a word from his/her list, and the other students will have to spell the word using their letter tiles. The student who called out the word will then check to see if his/her classmates spelled it correctly.

Screenshots