# Montessori Crosswords for Kids — Phonics Game to Learn to Read

> Montessori-based phonics app for children to learn reading, writing, and spelling. (iPhone/iPad app by Pierre Abel.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/montessori-crosswords-for-kids/id384334005 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Pierre Abel](https://appshunter.io/developer/367460664)
- Category: Education, Games
- Price: $2.99
- Rating: 4.40/5 from 127 App Store ratings · 133 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.3 · 25 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2010-08-07
- Data updated: 2026-09-01
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/montessori-crosswords-for-kids/id384334005/reviews.md

## What is Montessori Crosswords for Kids?

Based on the proven Montessori learning method, Montessori Crosswords helps kids develop their reading, writing, and spelling skills by building words from a set of 320 word-image-audio-phonics combinations using a phonics-enabled movable alphabet.

•  Editor's Choice Award  ( 4.8 stars out of 5 ) "It is an extremely powerful early reading experience." - Children's Technology Review 
• "Best literacy app in my opinion" - Sue, National Board Certified Teacher
•  Featured by Apple in "Apps for Learning to Read" &  "Apps for Learning to Write"
•  Commonsensemedia.org  - “Montessori Crosswords is a great way for kids to develop literacy in an engaging way that feels like play." 

•  More than 280,000 units sold!
•  Used in schools to learn phonics and spelling (65,000 units sold to schools)

____

Montessori Crosswords helps kids learn and understand two fundamental concepts:

•  First, the app helps kids understand that words are made up of sounds or phonemes (phonemic awareness). For each word, your kids can touch the empty rectangles where letters must be dragged to complete the word, and hear the sound the corresponding letter produces.

• Secondly, the app helps kids memorize the phonics associated with letters by providing a phonics-enabled alphabet where kids can touch each letter and hear the associated phonic.

____

Montessori Crosswords allows you to select words according to their difficulty or sound categories:

•  Level 1 displays a three-letter word with no difficulty for beginning readers (CVC words)
•  Levels 2, 3 & 4 offer more complex words that contain more complex phonics (as long vowels sounds or blends), and also offer the option to automatically create multi-word crosswords in tens of thousands of different combinations
•  Alternately, you can choose from 44 sound categories (i.e. choose words that contain a specific sound (for example, long a, “k” sound, and so on).
• You can also create custom word lists based on letter clusters
__

To create an enjoyable experience, the app also includes sounds, animations, and interactive visual effects that are displayed after a word is completed. 
__

More Features:

• Digraph Support : "oo", "th",... are displayed as a whole unit
• R-Controlled vowels support ("car","horn",...)
• Capital, lower-case, or cursive letter display 
• Setting to show only letters are in the word to spell (great for beginners!)
• Setting to force spelling from left to right
__

Users & Reports 

•  Create any number of users
•  Check and export activity for each user in the Reports section
__

Common Core State Standard (CCSS):
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.1b Recognize that spoken words are represented in written language by specific sequences of letters.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.2 & CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.1.2  Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.3 Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
__

More reviews:

• Wired's GeekDad - "5 Favorite Apps for Elementary School iPads" - "An excellent tool for learning spelling and early literacy (...) It can build from simple to more complex words making it usable by students from prep through to grade 3 or 4" 

•  Teachers' Reviews:
-Sue on Iear.org - "I just have to say I love Montessori Crosswords both as a parent (to 2, 7, and 8 year olds) and K teacher. I like that the app is appropriate for the developmental levels of my students and all three of my kids"
-Cindy - "This is one of my favorite educational apps. I highly recommend it for the children who are learning to read and spell. The kids also love the interactive artwork." 
 __

Email questions or suggestions to support@lescapadou.com.

## Key features

- Montessori learning method
- Phonics-enabled movable alphabet
- 320+ word-image-audio combinations
- Adjustable difficulty levels
- Sound category selection
- Digraph and R-controlled vowel support
- User profiles and activity reports

## What do users think of Montessori Crosswords for Kids?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Great learning tool for early readers
- 👍 Customizable to child's needs
- 👍 Fun and engaging for kids
- 👍 Excellent resource for literacy and phonics
- 👍 Wonderful app for Montessori and special education
- 👍 Fantastic for spelling and reading development

**Cons**

- 🐛 Pronunciation issues with certain letters/sounds
- 🐛 Lack of sound/audio in some versions
- 🐛 Overly stimulating/distracting animations
- 🐛 Some images/pictures are unclear

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Crashing/freezing issues
- Incorrect letter sounds

**Most requested features**

- Option to change voice/accent
- More advanced/challenging word levels
- Ability to create custom word lists
- Vowel letters displayed in a different color
- Ability to disable animations/rewards

## Recent user reviews (10 of 133)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/montessori-crosswords-for-kids/id384334005/reviews.md

### 5/5 — sight words

*2025-11-27, version 5.2*

admire

### 5/5 — So............ I’m really great

*2025-11-17, version 5.2*

☺️😘☺️🙃☺️So so much better for the kids I have a few more hours and they don’t want anyone who want them I just really know I know how they feel when they’re so cute they have fun with me so they’re going out for fun fun I have to get it for the day so I’m just getting ready and then I’ll get it done ✅ was that they didn’t want you in your art 🖼 is a fun day to be so fun to play for you so I just can’t wait 😊 I don’t have a chance and you know how I want it but you have fun with your mom I know that they don’t have to do so I know they’re just like they have a really fun time but they’re just like you know I just can’t say I want you know how to make a fun game but I’m sorry 😐 I have a really fun and good day so much and it’s fun but it just makes it really really hard and I’m so much more to get better than that I’m just going back in my mind to have fun with it so much and it’s fun I love 💕 is my day I have lost my money and I’m not really going back I don’t have money 💴 was my way of going back in time for fun so I’m sorry 😐 I have a really fun game but I’m so much more to love 💕 is a game like this I just can’t even make the best app ever and it’s fun but it’s really really hard for us and it’s fun but it’s really really hard and I have a good app I can’t stop ✋🏾 it’s really really so so good 😊 I really really love 💕 I’m not even the same people who lost the best and the game I just can’t stop 🛑 it’s a really fun I can’t really do anything like it but it’s really really good fun game I really love ❤️ it was fun to have it so fun but the lost game and the app just lost it I don’t have a problem I have no problems so I’m going to have to anyone else to say it and it’s fun but it’s really really good and fun but it’s really really good and it’s so so good 😊 new fun I just don’t have the app for it and it’s fun but it’s really really good fun game I love ❤️ new things and fun and it’s so so good 😊 new game fun I really love this app so so fun I love the game it and it is so so fun and fun to get it to get to know me so so I don’t have any fun I want it so so fun and I really like the new game I love this app so so fun I have a good time here it and fun to get to the point I don’t want it I just really don’t know what else I want but it does not make me play the same app so so much fun and fun to use but it does not make you even better if I don’t have a game like it and then it back up to my phone I don’t want it I just can’t even play the app it and it is fun to get the game and it is so so fun and fun to use but it does have fun but it makes you want more money to buy more fun game please fix it and I don’t want it I can’t stop looking for a game that they are going through I have to say this game has a good selection and I love 💕🥰🥰😍😍🥰🥰😍🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💕💕💕💕💕💝🖼🖼🖼🇮🇨🇮🇨🖼🖼🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨💴💴💴💴💴💴💴💴💴🇮🇨✨✨🇮🇨❤️❤️💝💝💕💕💕💝💝💕💕❤️❤️😦💴😵😤😣😵😤✅😴🖼🙃🥰🤨😉🙃😋🙃🙃🙃🥰😋🤣😚🤣🙂😄🥰☺️😉☺️🙃🤣😚😃

### 5/5 — Awesome Literacy App

*2025-07-25*

Wonderful app for literacy and phonemic awareness. May be used as a digital literacy center!

### 5/5 — Special Education Teacher

*2025-05-26*

Excellent Resource for children who need Sounding and Phonics for Reading…😍

### 5/5 — This app teaches my brother and me to learn words! The letter q sounds like k and must fix it.

*2024-08-16*

I love your apps so much!

### 5/5 — Awesome!

*2024-04-04*

Great learning tool for early readers. You can tailor it to meet the needs of your child, and change it as they master each section. Love it and the kids do too!

### 5/5 — The Right Way To Learn How To Spell

*2024-03-14, version 5.2*

I love this app! I love it because it teaches my kids how to spell and it gives them a reward after they complete a word. I also like how it has different levels and if something is to hard or to easy they can move down or up a level.Another reason I love this app is because it has a 
level that allows my kids to focus on one spelling pattern such as ow and magic e.That is why I think that this app is the right way to learn how to spell.

### 5/5 — Bh

*2024-01-03, version 5.2*

Hvbb

### 5/5 — Very interesting

*2023-09-27*

My grandchildren love this app! It’s visually pleasing while learning.
Look forward to seeing other programs.

### 3/5 — Great but some sound errors

*2023-06-08*

This is a fantastic game to play with my students. We play as a group by projecting the iPad to the tv. Unfortunately the L and I are spoken incorrectly which makes it confusing. The L sounds like and N and the I sounds like a U. If this were to be fixed it would be perfect. Thanks!

## Frequently asked questions about Montessori Crosswords for Kids

### What is Montessori Crosswords for Kids?

Montessori Crosswords for Kids is an educational app designed to help children develop their reading, writing, and spelling skills. It utilizes the Montessori learning method and a phonics-enabled movable alphabet to teach children how words are constructed from sounds and letters.

### How does the app teach phonics and spelling?

The app helps children understand that words are made of sounds (phonemic awareness) by allowing them to drag letters to complete words and hear the corresponding letter sounds. It also provides a phonics-enabled alphabet where each letter's sound can be heard, aiding in memorization.

### What are the different learning levels available?

The app offers multiple difficulty levels. Level 1 is for beginners with three-letter words (CVC). Levels 2, 3, and 4 introduce more complex words with advanced phonics and offer options for multi-word crosswords. Users can also select words based on 44 sound categories or create custom word lists.

### Is this app suitable for different ages or learning needs?

Yes, the app is designed for early readers and can be adapted to different learning stages through its adjustable difficulty levels and sound categories. It also supports features like digraphs, R-controlled vowels, and customizable letter display (capital, lower-case, cursive) to cater to various needs.

### Can I track my child's progress with this app?

Yes, the app allows you to create any number of user profiles. You can then check and export the activity for each user in the dedicated Reports section, providing insights into their learning progress.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 5.2 — 2019-10-18

iOS 13 Support

### 5.1 — 2017-05-15

Thanks for your feedback & suggestions :-) Here are the last changes:
• Allow disabling items on the home page
• Updated pronunciation of some letters in some complex words
• 64 bits compatibility

### 5.0.1 — 2014-07-04

• "ng" & "l" sound updated
•  Add parental control when exporting reports via email
•  Bug fix: it is now possible to focus on one sound when 'Show R-Controlled Vowels' setting is disabled

Introduced in Version 5.0
•  Create any number of users
•  Check and export activity for each user in the new Reports section
•  Create your word lists based on letter clusters
•  Digraphs ('oo','th', etc.) are now displayed as a whole unit
•  New section for words with digraphs
•  New section for CCVC & CVCC words  
•  R-Controlled vowels support ('car','horn', etc.)
•  New default word lists in the 'Focus on...' section
•  Setting to show only letters that are in the word to spell (great for beginners!)
•  Setting to force spelling from left to right
•  Setting to allow interaction with words after completion (to study a word once it is completed)
•  New letter font for 't' and 'l'
•  Many other new settings (background audio, interaction time limit,...)
    
Thanks for your precious feedback to make this app even better !

Please rate the app if you like it - it is important to let other parents and teachers that an app is great :-) You can rate directly from the 'Parents' section.

Hope you enjoy all the new features, and thanks if you take one minute to rate the app !

### 5.0 — 2014-04-28

•  Create any number of users
•  Check and export activity for each user in the new Reports section
•  Create your word lists based on letter clusters
•  Digraphs ('oo','th', etc.) are now displayed as a whole unit
•  New section for words with digraphs
•  New section for CCVC & CVCC words  
•  R-Controlled vowels support ('car','horn', etc.)
•  New default word lists in the 'Focus on...' section
•  Setting to show only letters that are in the word to spell (great for beginners!)
•  Setting to force spelling from left to right
•  Setting to allow interaction with words after completion (to study a word once it is completed)
•  New letter font for 't' and 'l'
•  Many other new settings (background audio, interaction time limit,...)
    
Thanks for your precious feedback to make this app even better !

Please rate the app if you like it - it is important to let other parents and teachers that an app is great :-) You can rate directly from the 'Parents' section.

Hope you enjoy all the new features, and thanks if you take one minute to rate the app !

### 4.7 — 2013-10-04

New Feature !
• You can now focus on certain themes (animals, colors,...) in addition to the current possibility to select words according to difficulty and phonics.
•The app is also fully iOS7 compatible.

Thanks for your feedback ! Please continue to send feedback so we can make the app even better.

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## More apps by Pierre Abel

- [Draw with Stars ! Play With Shooting Stars](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/draw-with-stars-play-with-shooting-stars/id367460661)
- [French Words for Kids](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/french-words-for-kids/id396224808)
- [Draw with Hearts - Happy Valentine's Day !](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/draw-with-hearts-happy-valentines-day/id419003288)
- [Word Wizard for Kids School Ed](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/word-wizard-for-kids-school-ed/id447312716)
- [French Word Wizard](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/french-word-wizard/id466780737)

All apps by Pierre Abel: https://appshunter.io/developer/367460664

## Related topics

[montessori crosswords for kids](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/montessori-crosswords-for-kids) · [balmandir montessori](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/balmandir-montessori)

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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 2026-09-01.*