LetterSchool

LetterSchool is a universal app designed for teaching young children the proper handwriting technique in a fun, non-traditional way. This app works very well on either device.

Schools or families may appreciate the ability to set up multiple users. Settings can be set for up to three different users. Options such as handwriting technique (D’Nealian, HWT or Zaner-Bloser) and letters or numbers (uppercase, lowercase, numbers 1-10) can be set for each of the users. There are two levels for each set. As the child is working through the letters and numbers they do not need to be done in consecutive order. This offers schools, or parents, the flexibility to work on the “letter of the week”, if desired.

LetterSchool uses a multiple step learning approach. The letter, or number, is first introduced, then the child taps on the dots and watches how the letter is to be written. The child is then given the opportunity to trace the letter and then write it free-form (with guidance). If the child experiences a few unsuccessful attempts at the free-form, instructional arrows appear to guide the child. Each of these steps can be repeated as many times as needed. All feedback sounds and graphics are provided in a positive manner. The overall learning environment is a pleasurable one. The graphics, colors and sounds do not distract, but rather add to the enjoyment of the user. Parents will find themselves having fun, too. Users will find the interface to be intuitive, so much so that if you do not touch the app it will provide feedback by drawing attention to what you should be doing.

Even though LetterSchool was intended for 4-6 year-olds, it could also be used to re-enforce handwriting technique for older kids.

A lite version is available for free. It offers the same features only a limited set of letters and numbers.

Bottom-line: LetterSchool is a great tool for teaching young children the proper handwriting technique, but also can be fun for older kids who may need some practice on their technique.

Game Beats Parents and Teachers at Handwriting Instruction Boreaal Publishers thinks it’s high time for a new approach to handwriting instruction. The need for one is high; in the United States and other Western countries, handwriting quality is deteriorating. Boreaal says that LetterSchool, the educational game it just released, can provide better instruction than parents or teachers. In LetterSchool children between 4 and 6 learn all about letters and numbers: writing, counting, phonics and more. It is a universal application for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. At home, at school, in the car and everywhere else, children can learn at a comfortable level and at their own pace. In the app, young children practice each letter or number in four steps combining different learning approaches. They first play every letter and number in the silver level, then play them again in the gold level with greater challenge. The lite version you reach the gold level quickly and try the free writing

Regular Price: 2.99 (introductory price)