# Phono Learning Center — Articulation and Phonology

> Speech therapy app for children with phonological disorders using the Cycles Approach. (iPhone/iPad app by Smarty Ears.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phono-learning-center/id652825600 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Smarty Ears](https://appshunter.io/developer/348779167)
- Category: Education, Games, Family
- Price: $19.99
- Rating: 4.30/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 6 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 132 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2013-05-31
- Data updated: 2026-06-01
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phono-learning-center/id652825600/reviews.md

## What is Phono Learning Center?

Phono Learning Center (PLC) is a research-based speech therapy app designed for children with phonological or sound-system disorders. Based on the evidence-based Cycles Approach, PLC helps children who are highly unintelligible improve their sound production through engaging and structured activities.

Created by a certified speech-language pathologist trained in the Cycles technique, PLC combines effective intervention strategies with motivating, child-friendly games that make therapy fun and productive.

Evidence-Based and Flexible

PLC follows the principles of Barbara W. Hodson’s Cycles for Phonological Pattern Remediation, using carefully selected target words that support correct co-articulation and facilitate speech development. The app can be used with a true Cycles framework or easily customized for traditional articulation therapy.

Designed for Individual or Group Sessions

PLC allows multiple players in one session, automatically tracking each child’s performance. Clinicians can collect detailed data on multiple utterances without losing time on manual scoring, making it an ideal tool for busy speech-language pathologists.

Engaging Activities That Motivate Learning

Each activity encourages repeated practice of target words at the word, phrase, or sentence level:
	•	Auditory Bombardment: Tap balloons to hear target words and improve listening skills.
	•	Hot-Air Balloon: Say a target word, drag it into the basket, and watch the balloon lift off.
	•	Matching Game: Strengthen memory and production through a fun matching activity.
	•	Basket Paper: Say the word, crumple the paper, and toss it into the basket for points.
	•	Puzzle Game: Reveal a picture piece-by-piece by saying each target word correctly.

Comprehensive Data Collection

PLC includes two data collection options:
	•	Standard Scoring: Correct, Almost, or Missed.
	•	Level of Prompts: Prompted, Imitated, or Independent.

Each session report includes percentage accuracy, targets, session duration, and scoring method. Data can be printed, emailed, or exported to the Therapy Report Center app for efficient progress monitoring and reporting.

Homework and Home Practice

PLC provides printable and emailable homework sheets for each target area, allowing for consistent practice between therapy sessions and at home.

Features
	•	Based on the Cycles Approach by Barbara Hodson
	•	Four fun and motivating games
	•	Word, phrase, and sentence levels
	•	Individual and group data tracking
	•	Customizable scoring systems
	•	Compatible with Therapy Report Center
	•	Supports literacy with printed text
	•	Homework for each target area
	•	Developed by Mary Huston, MS, CCC-SLP

Professional Reviews

“Instead of adapting apps to meet evidence-based strategies, PLC was built around them.” — The Speech Room News
“It’s more engaging than most articulation apps, with real flexibility for Cycles therapy.” — Busy Bee Speech

Empower Communication Through Play

Phono Learning Center transforms research-based intervention into interactive learning. Designed for professionals, loved by kids, and trusted by SLPs worldwide.

## Key features

- Research-based Cycles Approach
- Engaging and structured activities
- Individual and group data tracking
- Customizable scoring systems
- Printable homework sheets
- Word, phrase, and sentence levels

## Recent user reviews (6 of 6)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phono-learning-center/id652825600/reviews.md

### 5/5 — SLP

*2019-05-01*

This app is so awesome and engaging for students working on phonological skills. My favorite part of this app is that it includes auditory bombardment and includes different games to make it appealing to my students.

### 4/5 — Comprehensive and engaging

*2019-04-30*

There are so many great levels to this app.  Kids love the auditory bombardment level and the basketball game is a hit.  I wish there was a way to decrease the number of pictures in the bombardment section so kids didn’t turn so many pictures that the words run together and a way to make word list for students. Great app.

### 3/5 — Phono learning center

*2019-04-29*

I like that the app has a variety of games that are simple and easy to play. The games are fast paced for the little ones to verbally respond.

### 5/5 — Great app for your toolbox

*2017-08-12*

Love that it targets multiple sounds and processes at multiple levels and begins with auditory bombardment. My patients love the simple games. Well worth the money, this is one of my go to apps!

### 1/5 — Keeps crashing

*2013-08-25*

I have not been able to use it because keeps crashing.😒

### 5/5 — Motivating App

*2013-08-15*

I am a speech pathologist and use this app with my clients 3-5. It is very motivating because it has several different games to play. The matching game really gets you a lot of productions. You do need to train the kids to actually say the word before they play because they can excited to forget. All in al, great app that I use all the time!

## Frequently asked questions about Phono Learning Center

### What is the learning methodology behind Phono Learning Center?

Phono Learning Center is based on the evidence-based Cycles Approach for Phonological Pattern Remediation, developed by Barbara W. Hodson. This approach focuses on improving sound production through carefully selected target words that facilitate speech development.

### How does Phono Learning Center track progress?

The app offers two data collection options: Standard Scoring (Correct, Almost, Missed) and Level of Prompts (Prompted, Imitated, Independent). Each session report includes percentage accuracy, targets, session duration, and scoring method.

### Can Phono Learning Center be used for homework?

Yes, Phono Learning Center provides printable and emailable homework sheets for each target area. This allows for consistent practice between therapy sessions and at home, reinforcing learning.

### What devices is Phono Learning Center compatible with?

Phono Learning Center is currently supported on iPads. It is designed to leverage the tablet's interface for engaging therapeutic activities.

### What is the price of Phono Learning Center?

Phono Learning Center is a paid application, available for $19.99. This one-time purchase provides access to all its features and content.

### How often is Phono Learning Center updated?

The app was last updated on October 15, 2025, with version 6.0. This indicates ongoing development and support for the application.

### Does Phono Learning Center have ads?

No, Phono Learning Center does not contain advertisements. As a paid application, it offers an uninterrupted user experience focused on therapy.

### What age rating is Phono Learning Center suitable for?

Phono Learning Center has an age rating of 4+. This suggests it is appropriate for children aged four and older, with content tailored to their developmental stage.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 6.0 — 2025-10-15

Updating Images : icon and main menu image

### 5.2 — 2025-10-07

Fixed minor bugs to ensure smoother gameplay

### 4.0 — 2018-12-28

iOS 12 enhancements

### 3.0 — 2018-06-06

Updated to latest iOS and various bug fixes and enhancments

### 2.0 — 2016-06-05

On version 2.0 of Phono Learning Center:
1. We have improved the quality of some images,
2. We have added some positive sounds when users complete tasks
3. Added App Center

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## More apps by Smarty Ears

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All apps by Smarty Ears: https://appshunter.io/developer/348779167

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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 2026-06-01.*