App Review: LetterSchool

This app focuses on correct letter/number formation in a playful, thoughtful way. It is intended for children ages 3-7. It focuses on where you begin the strokes and emphasizes correct form  It has limited spoken support, but pretty loud sound effects.

Here are some of the concepts that this app focuses on:
~Letter name and letter sounds
~Correct formation of letters and numbers (1-10)
~Counting from 1-10
~Fine Motor skills
~Early foundation for literacy and numeracy 

Once you pick a letter or number it announces "This is the letter A for /A/, /A/, Ant".  

Then you go through three steps: touching the correct start point and watching the letter strokes with a cute animation. Then you touch the points and traces the letter, pulling train tracks, lights etc which animate when completed.  I like that after a few incorrect starts support is offered- top of the A with arrow.  Then you write the letter interdependently- as soon as the touch the start points the form disappears, but if you don't know where to go supports pop up. 

 After you finish all three tasks a star is placed on the alphabet page.  Once all the capitals, lowercase, or numbers are completed three new levels open up for you to trace, with new animations.  What I especially appreciate about the app is the choice of zaner-bloser, d'nealian, and even HWT (handwriting without tears) letter formations. 

After investigating this app I do not feel this app is confusing for teachers or students. It is very easy to use and very self explanatory. I would definitely recommend this app for the other teachers on my team. Also, I would recommend it for friends who have preschool aged children or children in kindergarten. I would recommend this app because it is user friendly, fun, and visually appealing. The only downside to this app is the price. It is $2.99. However, if there budget allows I feel this app is worth the price. 

Lastly these are the standards that apply to this app:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.1.A Print many upper- and lowercase letters.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.1 command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.