# Shape Coding — By Susan Ebbels

> Visual coding system for English sentence structure and grammar education. (iPhone/iPad app by Moor House School & College.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shape-coding/id1246115171 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Moor House School & College](https://appshunter.io/developer/1246114840)
- Category: Education
- Price: $19.99
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 357 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2017-07-24
- Data updated: 2026-07-16
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shape-coding/id1246115171/reviews.md

## What is Shape Coding?

Please try the free Lite version before purchase to ensure all functionality will work on your device.


SHAPE CODING® by Susan Ebbels is a flexible app designed for teachers and speech and language therapists / pathologists to use with children and young people who are having difficulties producing and understanding English sentence structure and grammar. It uses the SHAPE CODING® system which has been shown in several research projects to help children and young people with language disorders increase the length and complexity of sentences they can understand and use and to improve the accuracy of their sentence production. 

The SHAPE CODING® system uses a visual coding system to show the rules for how words are put together in sentences, to develop the child’s understanding of spoken and written grammar and to develop their ability to use grammar successfully to express themselves. The system includes use of colours (word classes), arrows (tense and aspect), lines (singular and plural) and shapes (syntactic structure). These are all included in the app, but the professional controlling the app can choose which features display for individual students.

Multiple “teachers” can use the app and each “teacher” can have multiple students. The app is personalised for each student. The app is designed to be flexible so that professionals can adapt the levels and information displayed to suit the current levels and targets of individual students. The default first setting for each new student includes only basic sentence structures. Further complexity can be turned on (and off) by the “teacher” and individual settings are preserved for each student between uses.

The app is equipped with a basic set of words which can be inserted into the shapes to make sentences. However, additional words can be added for individual students, or indeed for all students working with a particular “teacher” (this can be useful for names and topics which are common across a class of students for example). These can either be added before a session with a student, or during a session and can be saved for future use if desired.

The app uses text-to-speech, so that students who struggle to read can also use the app.

This app assumes a certain degree of familiarity with the SHAPE CODING® system. For more information see www.shapecoding.com. Training on how to use the SHAPE CODING® system is available from https://training.moorhouseinstitute.co.uk/. 


For a demonstration of some of the features of the app see https://shapecoding.com/demo-videos/, and for Frequently Asked Questions see: https://shapecoding.com/app-info/faqs/.

Follow us on Twitter @ShapeCoding, Facebook @ShapeCoding and Instagram @shape_coding or if you have any problems or feedback, please contact us at training@moorhouseschool.co.uk

Please review our privacy policy https://shapecoding.com/privacy-policy-apple/

## Key features

- Visual coding system for grammar
- Color-coded word classes
- Arrow indicators for tense
- Shape indicators for syntax
- Personalized student profiles
- Customizable word lists
- Text-to-speech functionality

## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shape-coding/id1246115171/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Fantastic therapy tool

*2022-06-22*

This therapy tool has supported many students to develop their verbal language skills and I wouldn’t be without it. It is fantastic for use in-person and on telepractice. If you’re unfamiliar with this therapy method you must try it, particularly with primary school age students.
Many of the earlier bugs have been fixed making it easy to use, however occasional issues are noted. The developer is responsive to feedback and has rectified all issues reported thus far.

### 4/5 — Bug: don’t press the screenshot (camera) button

*2021-06-17, version 3.9*

This has a lot of potential but the camera button in-app, obviously intended to take a screenshot of work produced is just kicking you back to the pupil selection screen and losing the work produced.

Bug replicated on both my own personal iPad Pro and also occurring on a set of iPads within the setting I’ve been working in.

### 1/5 — Keeps shutting down

*2020-11-12*

I have just purchased this app and it looks looks terrific. However, every time I try to access a student page, the app shuts down completely. In effect, I can’t use it.
Could you please fix or perhaps it is fixable at my end.
Thank- you
Jo

### 5/5 — Using in place of sentence diagrams

*2020-11-09*

The camera option is broken but everything else works well. If you go to settings, it opens up options for more complex sentences. Looking for to giving it a shot.

### 1/5 — Crashes Every Time

*2020-04-07, version 3.2*

I'd love to review the content of this app but I can't as I can't get past the student login page because it crashes every single time. I use the Shape Coding system a lot and was hoping to use the app to support my SLT clients remotely during the Covid 19 crisis. I have also spent the last half hour trying unsuccessfully to track down a contact for technical support. I don't expect an immediate response under the circumstances but at least an easily accessible email address would be helpful. Really disappointed.

### 5/5 — Excellent

*2020-03-27, version 3.2*

Thank you.

### 1/5 — Inconsistent Log on

*2020-03-25, version 3.2*

I think this app is great but after playing around with it for 5 minutes it now won’t let me log back in, standard username/password not recognised appears.  I have uninstalled the app and tried again, it works fine on first log in but then won’t let me log back in...???

### 1/5 — Does not work well

*2018-10-17*

The text to speech does not work and the app constantly crashes. I’d like my money back.

### 1/5 — App not loading

*2018-04-06, version 1.2*

The app is failing to load beyond the admin screen. I have tried all the usual fixes such as rebooting, deleting and reinstalling app etc. Very expensive mistake. Disappointing!

## Frequently asked questions about Shape Coding

### What is the main purpose of Shape Coding?

Shape Coding uses a visual system with colors, arrows, lines, and shapes to teach English sentence structure and grammar. It aims to help users, particularly those with language disorders, improve their understanding and use of sentences.

### How does Shape Coding personalize learning?

The app allows 'teachers' to create multiple student profiles and customize the displayed features, complexity levels, and word lists for each student. This ensures the content is tailored to individual learning targets.

### Is Shape Coding suitable for children with reading difficulties?

Yes, Shape Coding includes text-to-speech functionality. This feature supports students who struggle with reading by vocalizing the words and sentences within the app.

### What is the price of Shape Coding?

Shape Coding is a paid application, priced at $19.99. It is recommended to try the free Lite version first to ensure compatibility and functionality on your device.

### Does Shape Coding have ads?

No, Shape Coding does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application designed without ad interruptions.

### What devices is Shape Coding available on?

Shape Coding is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is designed for Apple mobile devices.

### How often is Shape Coding updated?

The app was last updated on June 6, 2024, with version 4.3. This indicates regular updates to maintain and improve the application.

### Where can I find more information about the SHAPE CODING® system?

More information about the SHAPE CODING® system can be found on the official website at www.shapecoding.com. Training resources are also available through the Moorhouse Institute.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.3 — 2024-06-06

Bug fixes

### 4.2 — 2023-01-09

Bug fixes for black and white mode, and added an option to temporarily add a word to a shape without adding it to the student word list

### 4.1 — 2022-03-18

Fixed a crash caused when screenshotting the workspace

### 4.0 — 2021-10-21

New version fixes a few bugs and the background has a new look.

### 3.9 — 2021-03-16

Information about resetting password added
Dashed lines for feminine nouns and pronouns added

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## More apps by Moor House School & College

- [Shape Coding Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shape-coding-lite/id1292188642)

All apps by Moor House School & College: https://appshunter.io/developer/1246114840

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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 2026-07-16.*