# First Words Phonics Pro — Structured literacy for autism

> Educational app for kids learning reading and spelling via synthetic phonics. (iPhone/iPad app by Read 'n' Learn.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-words-phonics-pro/id570040709 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Read 'n' Learn](https://appshunter.io/developer/1005499252)
- Category: Education, Games, Family, Word
- Price: $4.99
- Rating: 4.30/5 from 22 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 84 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2012-10-26
- Data updated: 2026-09-06
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-words-phonics-pro/id570040709/reviews.md

## What is First Words Phonics Pro?

"First Words for Kids" includes all 121 words across Animals, Vehicles, Shapes and Colours, Household Items and Numbers. Everything is included with no in-app purchases needed. Three hint settings (colour hints, letter hints, and combined hints) together with five difficulty settings let you fine-tune the challenge as your child grows. The thumbnail navigation lets children explore all words freely, with no time pressure and no countdowns.

Used by parents and educators. Featured by Apple on the US App Store in Games/Educational and Games/Kids.
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SYNTHETIC PHONICS

"First Words for Kids" uses synthetic phonics to help children learn to read by linking each letter and letter combination to its sound, then showing how those sounds blend into full words. This is the evidence-based approach recommended by national literacy frameworks in the UK, the US and Australia.

Two phonics levels are included:

Synthetic Phonics Basic: introduces blending using simple, single-sound phonemes. Designed for children who are just starting out.

Synthetic Phonics Advanced: introduces graphemes (letter groups that represent one sound), digraphs (two letters that together make a new sound), and letters with more than one sound. For children ready for a bigger challenge.

The app was designed with children who have autism and speech delay in mind. No timers. No pressure. A clean interface that moves at the child's pace.
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THE MISSION

ReadnLearn exists because of Marios. Aris's son has autism and speech delay. Every design decision in every ReadnLearn app comes from watching Marios learn. What works for him works for every child who learns differently.

readnlearn.com/the-mission-autism-educational-tools/
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FEATURES

● All 121 words across 5 categories, fully included
● Letter sounds through two levels of synthetic phonics, plus letter names
● Learn words and how to spell them
● Recognise upper and lowercase letters and match them to words
● Three hint settings to control how much support the child receives
● Six difficulty settings that grow with the child
● Thumbnail navigation so children can explore all words freely
● Tap any image to hear its sound and name
● Interface designed for small fingers
● Colourful artwork with animations and sound effects
● Studio recordings of all letters, words and spelling
● No timers. No pressure. No ads. No in-app purchases.
● Flight Mode reminder for uninterrupted offline use
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KNOW WHAT'S INSIDE

We follow the Know What's Inside best practices for children's apps, set by Moms with Apps.
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DISCLOSURE

At ReadnLearn, children's privacy and safety come first:

◇ Does not collect or share personally identifiable information
◇ No social network links or social features
◇ No ads
◇ No in-app purchases
◇ Feedback and Tell a Friend buttons are behind a parental gate
◇ More Games button and page are behind a parental gate

Privacy policy: readnlearn.com/kids-learning-apps/privacy/
Support: readnlearn.com/kids-learning-apps/#support
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IF THIS APP HELPED YOUR CHILD

Leaving an honest review helps other families with autism, speech delay and learning differences find this app. And if there is something you want added or changed, tell us. Every piece of feedback shapes the next update.

app-feedback@readnlearn.com
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ABOUT ReadnLearn

ReadnLearn was founded by Aris Karavias, a children's illustrator and educational app developer with 27 years of experience and 25 published educational apps. His son Marios has autism and speech delay. Every design decision in every app comes from watching Marios learn. The apps have been downloaded over a million times across six languages.

Questions or feedback: app-feedback@readnlearn.com
Support: app-support@readnlearn.com
readnlearn.com

## Key features

- Synthetic phonics learning levels
- Learn words and spelling
- Letter recognition and matching
- Interactive exploration interface
- Child-friendly user interface
- Engaging artwork and sound effects
- 121 words in 5 categories

## Recent user reviews (3 of 3)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-words-phonics-pro/id570040709/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Stop with plane mode

*2020-06-18*

I purchased the app for my toddler and while she is using it airplane mode keeps popping up. I know already thanks! Stop or I want a refund it’s super annoying!!!!!!! There is no way to turn off the feature and if you try to it doesn’t fix it!! Buyer be ready for annoying pop ups! If it didn’t have that then I’d give it 4 stars.. But..Right now I’d give you a fat ZERO IF I COULD!!!

### 4/5 — Review 4 stars

*2018-10-16*

I like the system but the same crashes right in the middle of a lesson sometimes in multiple ocasiones. After a while it is frustrating.

### 5/5 — Excellent

*2014-03-17*

Fabulous for toddlers

## Frequently asked questions about First Words Phonics Pro

### What is the learning methodology used in First Words Phonics Pro?

First Words Phonics Pro utilizes Synthetic Phonics, a method that links individual letter sounds and combinations to teach word pronunciation. It offers two levels, 'Basic' and 'Advanced', to introduce blending and more complex letter sounds and graphemes.

### How does First Words Phonics Pro help children learn to spell?

The app helps children learn to spell by presenting words and their corresponding letter sounds, encouraging them to recognize letters and match them to words. It also provides various hint options to assist them in spelling correctly.

### What age rating is First Words Phonics Pro suitable for?

First Words Phonics Pro is suitable for children aged 4 and up, as indicated by its age rating. The app's interface and content are designed to be engaging and easy for young children to use.

### What devices is First Words Phonics Pro available on?

First Words Phonics Pro is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is designed to be compatible with these Apple devices.

### How many words and categories are included in First Words Phonics Pro?

First Words Phonics Pro features 121 words spread across five categories: Animals, Vehicles, Shapes n Colours, Household Items, and Numbers. This variety helps children learn a broad range of vocabulary.

### Does First Words Phonics Pro have ads?

No, First Words Phonics Pro does not contain advertisements. As a paid application, it provides an uninterrupted learning experience for children.

### What are the hint options in First Words Phonics Pro?

First Words Phonics Pro offers three different hint alternatives: color hints, letter hints, and a combination of color and letter hints. These can be adjusted to challenge students and fine-tune the difficulty level.

### How often is First Words Phonics Pro updated?

The latest version of First Words Phonics Pro is 4.6, and it was last updated on December 27, 2025. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing support and potential improvements.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.6.1 — 2026-05-29

Fixed synthetic phonics colour display so combined letter groups now show a consistent colour throughout. Updated for current iOS.

We are actively developing this app. If there is something you want added or changed, we want to hear from you: app-feedback@readnlearn.com

### 4.6 — 2025-12-27

Minor Improvements and Optimisations

### 4.5.1 — 2022-08-17

● Minor improvements and optimisations

### 4.5 — 2019-12-15

● Added Support for IOS 13
● Minor improvements and optimisations

### 4.4 — 2016-08-24

● Added a new category Numbers (15 words of numbers 1 to 15)
   (more numbers coming soon!)
● Removed the Sound FX and added words of positive reinforcment when a word is completed
● Minor improvements and optimisations

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## More apps by Read 'n' Learn

- [First Words for Toddlers Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-words-for-toddlers-lite/id448160262)
- [First Words With Phonics](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-words-with-phonics/id448163359)
- [German First Words Phonics](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/german-first-words-phonics/id448163609)
- [German Words Phonics Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/german-words-phonics-lite/id448164211)
- [Italian First Words Phonics](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/italian-first-words-phonics/id448305271)
- [Italian First Words Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/italian-first-words-lite/id448306112)

All apps by Read 'n' Learn: https://appshunter.io/developer/1005499252

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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 2026-09-06.*