Combining a unique “reverse phonics” approach and contextually relevant spelling rules, Simplex Spelling Light is an interactive way to improve reading and spelling skills. Students are prompted to build each word individually to gain skills beyond straight memorization. If needed, the app provides spelling rule hints to explain the pattern behind specific word spellings. Simplex Spelling Light allows the educator or adult to get a taste of the Simplex Spelling products and determine if they want to purchase the full version, Simplex Spelling HD. There are an additional 50 high-frequency spelling words included in Simplex Spelling Light that are not present in Simplex Spelling HD, so owning both versions is useful.

Website: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id465715154

What Users Love About the App

“My 6 year old enjoys this game. He is homeschooled and we just started working on spelling, after getting him reading well enough to read chapter books. He likes being able to use the hint button, which shows him all the different ways to spell a certain sound.”

“As a professor of literacy, veteran elementary teacher, and mother of a third grader, I give this app a very high rating. The speech to sound match is excellent which is crucial for learning spelling skills.”

“The support for the learner is well done and follows effective teaching and learning practices, scaffolding support in ways that encourage further learning and reasoning from the student. The app also is straightforward and easy to use for students.”

“Unlike many educational apps, this one is extremely focused on the learning and doesn’t have excess fluff that results in limited time spent learning and too much time spent playing around. If students spent 5-10 minutes a day with this app, I am convinced their phonics skills would improve.”

“I love this app. My kids enjoy doing all four levels every day and when they master all the words without the mistakes I plan on purchasing the next level.”

What Users Dislike About the App

“Would love to be able to lock lists. My son tries to move on when i am not over his shoulder and so I have to review his lists constantly to see if he skipped. A simple lock until all words mastered option would be a godsend.”

“It is useless to us because I can not put my 6 year old’s actual assigned spelling words in it. I checked the version for $6.99 and it can not be customized either. Useless but cute.”

“I downloaded the lite version before buying the paid version and I am glad I did. This app presents spelling words randomly and certainly not in accordance with how research shows how spelling should be taught. And, there is nothing to keep students interested.”

“Solid but changes needed. Could use a practice and learn section like build a word express in addition to what feels mostly like a test.”

“Please add an option to create your own lists. This would be helpful to use with school homework.”