ABC Phonics Rhyming Words

Overview:

ABC Phonics Rhyming Words is based on a simple, easy-to-use interface. You can select three word families and the app generates a matching game to help children with rhyming and blending. This app offers a free “Lite” version or you may purchase the full app for $3.99.

This app would be most beneficial for children who speak English and are four to seven years old (K-2). It could also help ESL students who have mastered simple sight words used in the app (eg. toy, boy, mad, dad, hip, dip, cat, bat). This app aims to improve students' ability to recognize rhyming words, as well as word structure patterns.

To begin, you must select three word families from the list provided. Once you have selected your families for the round, simply press the “start” button and the app generates a matching game with five rounds. Each round is four words (two sets of rhyming words) in floating fruits on the screen. You must press both words that rhyme to get the answer right. Correct answers are met with the fruits bursting, while incorrect answers receive a verbal reply of “Uh oh” and the bubbles remain floating on the screen. As you work your way through the game, you earn awards for each correct answer. These jewel awards earn you a bonus mini game. The game keeps track of how many turns you got right and wrong as well as how many jewel awards you have earned on your play screen.

Grade Level

K - 2

Pros:

“Lite” version is free and full version is inexpensive
“Lite” version includes 40% of the word families supplied in the full version
Fruits move at a slow enough pace to keep a child’s attention but the movement keeps them engaged
Easy to navigate, very user-friendly
Independent use

Cons:

Only offered in English
Tracks negative progress as well as positive, could act as a deterrent for children who are struggling
Need full version for more complex word endings
Very repetitive, may become boring for some children
Hard to track progress through app

Rating: 3/5

Katherine B. (Spring, 2016)