Ollie’s Handwriting & Phonics for iPad Review

 

Do you have a child who is learning to read and write the alphabet?  Or how about a child who is learning sight words or phonics words?  If so, you should definitely check out the new Ollie’s Handwriting & Phonics for iPad app.  I thought that this app would be a great teaching tool.

With Ollie’s Handwriting & Phonics for iPad, children can practice letters and sounds, read custom phonics words, and spell sight words.  Ollie the Owl will be your child’s guide as they learn to improve their fine motor and handwriting skills from A to Z!  The app introduces, reinforces and solidifies letter and sound recognition for the entire alphabet.  I love how the app features both capital letters as well as lowercase letters, this is great for little ones who are still learning the difference.  Kids will watch Ollie as he traces a letter, then they can try to repeat the steps (Ollie shows how to form all 52 letters, capital and lowercase).  This app is wonderful for practicing handwriting, as well as reinforcing phonics skills – kids will see letters and hear their corresponding sounds.  Not only does the app teach capital and lowercase letters, it teaches sight words and reading phonics as well!

The main areas of learning are as follows: Capital & Lowercase Letters – Ollie will show the letter shape, name, sound and corresponding phonics picture (P is for Pirate), Phonics Words – Ollie will show how to separate and put together sounds (sounded out) to read and spell words with accompanying graphics (c, a, t … cat!), Sight Words – Ollie shows how to read and spell sight words (the, to, and), and My Words – here, you can easily add your own custom words to practice handwriting, reading and spelling!  I thought that the My Words section would be great for kids who have spelling lists for school!

I want to mention that you can try Ollie for free, and then if you like it, you can unlock the entire app for only $2.99.  What’s available for free?…Capital letters A – M, lowercase letters a -m, 2 phonics words (bug, cat), 2 sight words (the, to) and 1 my word (whatever you choose)!  When you upgrade to the full version you get all capital letters A – Z, all lowercase letters a – z, all 10 phonics words, all 10 sight words, and all 10 my words for only $2.99!

I really enjoyed the Ollie’s Handwriting & Phonics for iPad app.  I think that this app could definitely help children learn how to read and write.  I will be using this app with my son when he is a little older for sure!

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this app for review purposes.