I had heard about SpellingCity a few years ago, but never actually took the time to really look into what the product had to offer. A few weeks ago I was reminded of the web application while walking through my school library and seeing a few of the second graders using the app, but once again I didn't have a chance to really find out what it was all about.
SpellingCity.com is a really neat way to have students practice their spelling words, and the application allows for both free use, as well as premium (paid use). The free version of the app seemed very useful for higher grade students because it allowed for independent practice of spelling words. Students simply type in their spelling list and the app reads each word aloud to the student, and than gives the word in a sentence. Students type their word and at the end of the assessment they are shown which words they got right and which they need to practice more. At the end of the test students can choose the option "teach me" for words that they want a little bit of extra help with. The word is reread, spelled aloud, defined, and said again for the student. While this is great for auditory learners, visual learners are not left out either because the letters are displayed one at a time in a bright color while the word is being taught.
The premium features of SpellingCity would be beneficial in any grade because it allows for teachers to save spelling lists, track student logins, track student progress and grades, and even assign writing assignments using spelling lists that they can grade using the application. The premium version also seems really fun and would be a great addition for students grades K-4 because of the many spelling games and animations geared towards the younger age group. The prices for the product don't seem to be outrageous, but they are not cheap either which is definitely a con for me. Annually the product costs a teacher roughly $50 for a class of 25 students which is relatively cheap but costs for apps add up!
I would consider purchasing this product for a class in the future, but currently do not have a need with my preschool students.
Pros:
Cons:
SpellingCity.com is a really neat way to have students practice their spelling words, and the application allows for both free use, as well as premium (paid use). The free version of the app seemed very useful for higher grade students because it allowed for independent practice of spelling words. Students simply type in their spelling list and the app reads each word aloud to the student, and than gives the word in a sentence. Students type their word and at the end of the assessment they are shown which words they got right and which they need to practice more. At the end of the test students can choose the option "teach me" for words that they want a little bit of extra help with. The word is reread, spelled aloud, defined, and said again for the student. While this is great for auditory learners, visual learners are not left out either because the letters are displayed one at a time in a bright color while the word is being taught.
The premium features of SpellingCity would be beneficial in any grade because it allows for teachers to save spelling lists, track student logins, track student progress and grades, and even assign writing assignments using spelling lists that they can grade using the application. The premium version also seems really fun and would be a great addition for students grades K-4 because of the many spelling games and animations geared towards the younger age group. The prices for the product don't seem to be outrageous, but they are not cheap either which is definitely a con for me. Annually the product costs a teacher roughly $50 for a class of 25 students which is relatively cheap but costs for apps add up!
I would consider purchasing this product for a class in the future, but currently do not have a need with my preschool students.
Pros:
- free options
- allows for independent study
- is helpful for students that do not have a parent available to read words aloud to them
- is interactive
- premium version seems fun and engaging
- gives students feedback
- Premium version allows parents and teachers access to grades and progress
- student work can be completed online
- provides opportunities for students to relearn words they got wrong
Cons:
- free version does not seem as fun or inviting to students
- free version does not allow for all of the great premium features like games, uploading spelling lists, teacher tracking, etc.
- cost is not cheap