# Build A Word - Easy Spelling with Phonics — Select&Create Lists/Play Games > Phonics and spelling learning app with customizable lists and interactive games. (iPhone/iPad app by natasa gajic.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-word-easy-spelling-with-phonics/id436102581 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [natasa gajic](https://appshunter.io/developer/397925370) - Category: Education, Games - Price: $2.99 - Rating: 3.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 10 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 8.0 · 56 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2011-05-12 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-word-easy-spelling-with-phonics/id436102581/reviews.md ## What is Build A Word? ► option for custom-made spelling lists from the pool of 800+words ► HISTORY follows progress for individual students ► focus on identifying sounds of letters (North American phonemes ) ► audio and/or visual prompt ► PROFESSIONAL narration or child’s narration ► Multiple Word Lists ► optional Montessori-style color coding vowels and consonants ► upper or lower case letters ► three modes: Learn, Practice and Test (quiz) ► immediate sound feedback upon tapping the correct/incorrect letter ► positive reinforcement lowers affective filters making learning a more engaging and enjoyable process ► focus on letter recognition, word recognition, as well as on word/letter association ► ACCESSIBILITY options to for VISUALLY impaired and those struggling with fine motor skills ► option of custom made features for special needs students ► child proof SETTINGS button (press&hold) ► narration of phonemes based on Peter Ladefoged's studies in Phonology with emphasis on American English Advantage for Special Need Students: * option of blank background helps children focus on letters only * option to choose high-contrast background for visually impaired students * answer method: drag&drop or simple tap * big letter cards easy to spot * no frustration: visual and audio prompts in the Learn Mode lead the child step by step through the correct spelling process * correct spelling technique becomes salient since the app leads the child step by step through spelling allowing dragging one letter at a time in the correct order * any number of redundant letters: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 * wrong letters become obvious with the help of immediate sound feedback heard after tapping the wrong letter * repetition of audio prompt helps with hearing and remembering the word and letters The underlying pedagogical methodology for this application is to teach children letters as well as to teach them how to combine letters into words. A child is offered either/both a visual prompt or/and audio prompt to "write" a word. The word is to be written by dragging appropriate letters one at a time in the designated slot in the correct order. Success is rewarded by a short fun game. @Reks (aka AtReks) Apps are designed in compliance with Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA). PRIVACY DISCLOSURE: - Does NOT contain ads. - Does NOT contain in-app purchases. - Does NOT contain integration with social networks. - Does NOT use analytics / data collection tools. - Does include links to apps by @Reks in the iTunes App Store hidden in the settings section behind child-proof settings button @Reks privacy policy: http://www.atreks.com - Thank you! ## Key features - Customizable spelling lists - Phonics-based learning - Audio and visual prompts - Interactive learning modes - Progress tracking - Accessibility options ## Recent user reviews (10 of 10) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-word-easy-spelling-with-phonics/id436102581/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Update *2020-11-09, version 5.0* Is there a way for this app to get updated? I really like what it is, however, there is no sound. I think it just needs an update since the last one was YEARS ago! ### 2/5 — NO SOUND *2016-07-29, version 4.1* What happened? There used to be sound now there's none. ### 5/5 — This is really nice for my 5 year old :-) *2015-01-07, version 4.1* This is really nice for my 5 year old :-) ### 5/5 — Speech-Language Pathologist reports .... *2014-03-08, version 3.0* ...that this is a multipurpose application that appears to be perfect for all facets of education. I incorporate literacy into the goals and objectives for the students and this seems to have all the components I look for in an application. This is easy to program, collect, data, and is engaging. I might have found my favorite application designer. MACCCSLP ### 3/5 — Good Concept, Poor Pronunciation *2014-03-08, version 3.0* I love the idea. Played it a bit to try it out, and the learn and practice sections are great. The irritating part is how some of the sounds are pronounced. The 'th' sounds more like a 'ch' or 'sh' sound, the 'a' almost sounds more like a short e sound, and the 'w' sounds like the 'oo' sound. I tried to get past it, but can't. Maybe there were others too, but those grated on me the worst. I can't imagine handing it to my child to have them practice phonics when the sounds aren't even right. ### 5/5 — Perfect for students with visual and motor challenges! *2014-03-08, version 3.0* I love this app! You can set it for high contrast mode. You can limit the letters to just the ones you need. You can set it to tap or drag the letters into place. And you can make your own spelling lists. ### 5/5 — Both of us love it...that makes mama happy! *2012-11-08, version 2.1* He (who avoids school work) loves it, I love it because I see him learning and that makes it a winner! ### 5/5 — Improved narration makes it even better *2011-11-03, version 1.2* just what we needed to practice spelling. it's so much easier this way. the voice is loud and clear which eliminates any confusion. ### 1/5 — NOT A good teaching tool *2011-09-26, version 1.2* Actual learning should challenge kids and let them make mistakes. This app only allows them to choose the correct consecutive letters for a word (prompted by a sound) My son isn't learning from it, what he has learned is how to guess by using the audio prompts until the correct letter is chosen. He puts like 5 words together and then gets bored because he says "it's too easy" He doesn't listen or even try to sound out the words (which he knows how to do). ### 5/5 — Teaches *2011-05-19, version 1.1* Keeps us interested and learning! Thank you for being accurate. ## Frequently asked questions about Build A Word ### What is the learning methodology behind Build A Word? Build A Word teaches children letters and how to combine them into words using visual or audio prompts. It focuses on letter recognition, word recognition, and word/letter association with immediate sound feedback. ### Does Build A Word have ads? No, Build A Word does not contain advertisements. It is designed to be an ad-free learning experience for children. ### What are the different learning modes in Build A Word? Build A Word offers three modes: Learn, Practice, and Test (quiz). These modes provide a structured approach to mastering spelling and phonics. ### How does Build A Word support students with special needs? The app includes options like a blank background for focus, high-contrast backgrounds for visual impairment, and flexible answer methods (drag&drop or tap). It also offers step-by-step guidance and customizable features. ### What is the price of Build A Word? Build A Word is available for a one-time purchase of $2.99. ### On which devices can I use Build A Word? Build A Word is compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple Watch devices. ### How often is Build A Word updated? The latest version of Build A Word is 5.0, and it was last updated on August 28, 2017. ### Does Build A Word track student progress? Yes, Build A Word features a history section that follows the progress of individual students, allowing parents and educators to monitor their learning journey. ## Version history (last 1 release) ### 5.0 — 2017-08-28 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. Fully functional Word Search Game Bug fixes ## Apps similar to Build A Word | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Reading Comprehension Skills 1](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-comprehension-skills-1/id1061102392) | 4.5 (2) | $2.99 | Education | | [Same / Different from I Can Do Apps](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/same-different-from-i-can-do-apps/id585902957) | 2.0 (3) | $3.99 | Education | | [Sorting by Teach Speech Apps](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sorting-by-teach-speech-apps/id1478798474) | 5.0 (1) | $3.99 | Education | | [Montessori Preschool Counting](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/montessori-preschool-counting/id1010953561) | 3.7 (3) | Free | Education | | [Learn Colors for Toddlers](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-colors-for-toddlers/id450697138) | 5.0 (3) | $0.99 | Education | | [Reading for Details I](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-for-details-i/id756968918) | — | $3.99 | Education | ## More apps by natasa gajic - [Build A Word: Serbian Language](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-word-serbian-language/id406835565) - [Build A Word Easy Spelling Long&Short Vowels,Sight](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-word-easy-spelling-long-and-short-vowelssight/id415596411) - [Build A Word Express - Practice spelling and learn letter sounds and names](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-word-express-practice-spelling-and-learn-letter-sounds-and-names/id445774924) - [Arithmetic Invaders Express: Grade K-3 Math Facts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arithmetic-invaders-express-grade-k-3-math-facts/id453828527) - [Montessori Alphabet Maze Free](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/montessori-alphabet-maze-free/id545685160) All apps by natasa gajic: https://appshunter.io/developer/397925370 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*