# Build A Word Express - Practice spelling and learn letter sounds and names

> Spelling practice app with custom lists, phonics, and games for young learners. (iPhone/iPad app by natasa gajic.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-word-express-practice-spelling-and-learn-letter-sounds-and-names/id445774924 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [natasa gajic](https://appshunter.io/developer/397925370)
- Category: Education, Books
- Price: Free
- Rating: 2.82/5 from 11 App Store ratings · 68 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 7.0 · 57 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2011-06-30
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-word-express-practice-spelling-and-learn-letter-sounds-and-names/id445774924/reviews.md

## What is Build A Word Express?

**Top 30 Favorite Free Apps at http://www.smartappsforkids.com
**Good App of the Day at http://www.smartappsforkids.com 
**Dolch's Sight Word List and more +create your own SPELLING lists**
*** Option: Spelling Lists vs. Phonics Spelling Lists ***

► custom-made spelling-word lists (type in the new word and record your voice)! 
► SHARE custom spelling lists to other iPads, iPhones... using e-mail, Google Drive, or DropBox 
► Built-In Phonics Lists focusing on word families
► Built-In Spelling Lists focusing on Long Vowels, Short Vowels, …, Dolch’s Word Lists (Primer, …)
► HISTORY keeps track of student’s progress (customization per student possible)
►audio and/or visual prompt 
► PROFESSIONAL narration or child’s narration
► 5 educational GAMES in addition to three modes: Learn, Practice and Test (quiz)
► upper or lower case letters
► optional Montessori-style color coding of vowels and consonants 
► immediate sound feedback heard upon tapping the correct/incorrect letter 
► positive reinforcement lowers affective filters making learning a more engaging and enjoyable process 
► ACCESSIBILITY options to for VISUALLY impaired and those struggling with fine motor skills 
► optional custom made features for special needs students 
► child proof SETTINGS button

Build A Word Spelling Express helps students as young as three learn how to spell. Students are motivated through positive reinforcement in the form of a fun balloon popping game (optional) offered after each successfully "written" word. 

Advantage for Special Need Students: 
* option of using blank background helps children focus on letters only 
* option to choose high-contrast background for visually impaired
* option to choose answer method: drag&drop or simple tap 
* the letters are easy to spot due to big letter cards 
* no frustration since visual and audio prompts in the Learn Mode lead the child step by step through the correct spelling process 
*the right 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 
* choose 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

## Key features

- Custom spelling lists with voice recording
- Built-in phonics and Dolch word lists
- Progress tracking and student customization
- Multiple learning modes: Learn, Practice, Test
- Five educational games
- Accessibility options for visual impairment
- Montessori-style color coding

## Recent user reviews (10 of 68)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-word-express-practice-spelling-and-learn-letter-sounds-and-names/id445774924/reviews.md

### 2/5 — No sound ???

*2022-10-27, version 4.3*

Tried everything… no sound

### 1/5 — Produces sounds incorrectly

*2021-03-15, version 4.3*

Example: the phonemes for “think” are not /th/, /i/, /n/, and /k/. 
The app also sometimes produces vowels in a very clipped and auditorily distorted fashion.

### 1/5 — Frustrated

*2019-08-15, version 4.3*

I paid for the ability to create my own list but it doesn’t work because you can’t hear the recorded word. How do I get a refund?

### 1/5 — Can’t get voice to record

*2019-03-20, version 4.3*

Paid the extra money to customize list and record my kids spelling words but it doesn’t work....:/

### 5/5 — Fun and useful free spelling app

*2016-11-27, version 4.3*

Thumbs up!

### 3/5 — Almost

*2014-10-01*

What I really wanted was a spelling program that actually used phonics.  This is close but misses the target.  If you could choose from the phonics lists then add your own words that are not in there, it would be so much better.  I am trying to help my son learn the lists provided by the school.

### 1/5 — Sound doesn't record.

*2014-07-15*

I downloaded this app thinking it would help my son with his spelling words, but you can't record the words so the $7.47 I just spent was a waste of money until this glitch is fixed.

### 5/5 — Awesome

*2014-05-08, version 3.4*

My students love this app!!! I like that you can add your own list into the app.  
It is a great, engaging spelling practice app.

### 3/5 — Cute, but not entirely accurate

*2014-05-07, version 3.4*

This app is aesthetically pleasing and kids would have fun with it, but I would not put this in the hands of a beginning or struggling reader. It does not account for vowels and others letter combos having more than one sound. Example: /i/ in think and /i/ in pig; /th/ in bath and /th/ in there. The sound of the letter tiles only offers one sound.

### 5/5 — Great app

*2014-01-15*

I love this app and my kids do too. It would be great if there was a French version too.

## Frequently asked questions about Build A Word Express

### What does Build A Word Express do?

Build A Word Express is an educational app designed to help young children learn how to spell and develop their understanding of letter sounds and names. It offers various modes for learning, practicing, and testing spelling skills, incorporating engaging games to motivate students.

### What are the key features of this spelling app?

Key features include the ability to create custom spelling lists with voice recording, built-in phonics and Dolch sight word lists, progress tracking, multiple educational games, and accessibility options for visually impaired users. It also offers Montessori-style color coding for vowels and consonants.

### How does this app help students with special needs?

The app provides several features beneficial for special needs students, such as a blank background option for focus, high-contrast backgrounds for visual impairment, adjustable answer methods (drag&drop or tap), large letter cards, and step-by-step guidance with audio and visual prompts to reduce frustration.

### Is this app free to use?

The application is offered as free with in-app purchases. While the core functionality and some lists are available for free, certain features or additional content may require in-app purchases.

### What age group is this app suitable for?

This app is suitable for young learners, starting as young as three years old. It is designed to support children in their early stages of learning to spell and recognize letters and sounds.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.3 — 2015-07-22

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

User Interface improvements,
bug fixes.

### 4.2 — 2015-01-17

User Interface improvements,
bug fixes.

### 4.1 — 2014-12-11

Five fun educational games added for students to practice spelling
@Reks would like to thank all the teachers and parents for their support and helpful feedback. Making our apps work for every student is our top priority!

### 4.0 — 2014-10-27

Five fun educational games added for students to practice spelling
@Reks would like to thank all the teachers and parents for their support and helpful feedback. Making our apps work for every student is our top priority!

### 3.4 — 2014-03-15

-Color-coding improvement 
-Minor bug fixes 
@Reks would like to thank all the teachers and parents for their support and helpful feedback. Making our apps work for every student is our top priority!

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## More apps by natasa gajic

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- [Build A Word - Easy Spelling with Phonics](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-word-easy-spelling-with-phonics/id436102581)
- [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

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*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.*