The Word Monsters: Learn to Read

The Word Monsters consists of leveled books and activities. From the main screen, users first select the book they wish to read by tapping the book and then the “Launch Book” button. Users then choose if they wish to “Read on Your Own,” have the app “Read to Me,” and choose the “Activities” option. By tapping the “Read on Your Own” option, the app will show users the text, and users read it to themselves. They can also tap the images on the page to see them move and they can tap the robot icon on the side of the page to learn more about the text. The “Read to Me” option provides the same experience and includes the same functions as the “Read on Your Own” format, but the app reads the text to the user. Finally, the “Activities” option includes exercise that have users analyze the “Story Details,” learn which “Word Works,” and have “Phonics Fun” with the story’s language.

Please Note: Only one book is available for free. Users will have to make in-app purchases to access additional books.

Instructional Ideas

1. Teachers can have all the students in the class read the same book during a designated time. Afterwards, teachers can have students use the Brushes 3 app to draw their favorite part of the story. Students can then show their story and explain to a classmate or their teacher how their drawing symbolizes their favorite part of the story.
2. Teachers can have students read a book in this app. Next, teachers can have students turn to a shoulder partner and retell their partner what they read.
3. After reading a story, teachers can have students complete the activities that go along with it. Next, teachers can have students read another story that is paper-and-pencil based. After reading it, teachers can have students answer questions about the second story. Finally, teachers can ask students if they prefer reading on their iPad or the paper-and-pencil version better. A class conversation can follow.
4. After reading a story, teachers can require students to complete all the activities that follow it. Next, teachers can have students explain what they learned from completing the different activities.

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