Build A Word

This spelling application is based on the PBS Kids television series “Word World”. You play by dragging the floating letters to its corresponding outline to “build a word”; the words then become animated characters. For example, D-O-G becomes a wiggly, barking dog, and D-U-C-K becomes a quacking (and talking) duck. The animation is stunning and this application adopts a delightful approach to teach spelling. There is a tremendous feeling of satisfaction when words become animated characters – undoubtedly a powerful association that can help foster early literacy. The first few times I played this app I was completely absorbed but it soon became predictable since there are only ten words/characters and they are always played in the same sequence. In its current form this application is a winner, but updated versions could benefit from additional words, characters, and a randomized sequence to keep it fresh.