Phonics Studio

Phonics Studio helps students develop their sight word recognition and vocabulary. After launching the app, users are presented with an alphabetized collection of “Letter” flashcards, a “Star” flashcard, and a “Random” flashcard. Users can tap any “Lettered” flashcard to begin. Next, users are to select which core sounds and/or blends they wish to practice. After making their selection, users tap the “Let’s Go!” button, select their profile, and then begin the exercise. In the exercise, users are presented the spelling, image, and pronunciation of a word. Users can tap the “Play” button to hear the app pronounce the word, and they can tap the “Record” button to have the app record them pronouncing the word. If users are able to identify the word, they can tap the “✓” button. If not, they can tap the “X” button. If users wish to bookmark the word, they can tap the “Star” button. When ready to progress to the next word, they can swipe the image to the left. After users have completed all the words in an exercise or after tapping the “Done” button, the app gives them a report that shows which words they identified as knowing and not knowing. When users return to the main menu, they can tap the “Star” button to access the words they bookmarked. If users wish to practice with a variety of words not grouped by a specific sound, they can tap the “Random” button.

Instructional Ideas

1. Teachers can have students practice their sight words using this app, either in the classroom or with their parents. After completing a practice exercise, teachers can require the students, with assistance, to email them a report of their exercise.
2. Teachers can have students record themselves saying different words while completing practice exercises. As students are working through the different words and exercises, teachers can make sweeps of the room to monitor students and listen to their recorded pronunciations.
3. When completing the practice exercises, teachers can have students write a list of words that were part of their practice. After completing the practice, teachers can have students create a separate flashcard for each word. Students can create their flashcards on paper and pencil or using an Artwork Production app.
4. As students complete an exercise, teachers can require them to choose one word from the exercise to be their favorite by tapping the “Star” button. Students can then create a Frayer Box for the word, either on paper or using an Artwork Production app. After completing their Frayer Box, students can give it to their teacher, and their teacher can add it to a classroom word wall.

Screenshots