Between my 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grader we tackle about 60 spelling words a week.  Add on the 30+ vocabulary words and you can see why I started searching for spelling apps almost immediately after getting my iPad.  After trying a few, I finally found one that worked.  It’s called Spellboard.

Here are a few of the things I like about it…

• It can work with multiple users so I can manage the spelling lists for each of my kids
• Using the built-in iPad microphone I can record the pronunciation of the spelling words and simple phrases, no hard-to-understand computer-generated voices
• The ‘dry-erase board’ feature helps them practice writing the words (not just spelling them)
• The test mode allows them to listen to the recorded word, hear the phrase, and read a definition before they try to spell it

All those features are great, but these two are my favorites…

• The app keeps track of every minute they practice spelling – so I can tell how much they’ve studied over the course of the week
• It also keeps track of their practice test scores and the words they’ve missed so I know which words to focus on when we practice together on the night before their test

At $4.99 this app is a little more pricey than most.  Of course if you add up all the hours of hands-on spelling practice I’m saving myself – it’s totally worth the price.  I only wish I’d found it sooner.  Just thought I’d pass it on.