# The Writing Machine

> Early literacy app teaching print concepts, reading, and writing through interactive word-picture association. (iPhone/iPad app by Hump Software.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-writing-machine/id438108325 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Hump Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/320160291)
- Category: Education, Games, Word
- Price: $0.99
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 10.2 · 55 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-05-22
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-writing-machine/id438108325/reviews.md

## What is The Writing Machine?

The road to literacy is based on a foundation that starts with the development of very specific concepts related to language, print awareness and recognition. It is well known that developing concepts about print at an early age is invaluable to a child’s overall literacy development. 

The Writing Machine is designed to start introducing your child to these pre-literacy concepts of print, text, reading and writing. The Writing Machine starts this process by introducing how one picture and one word go together. From this foundation, your child will begin to understand additional pre-literacy concepts including how to read text from left to right and to tell words from letters.

•	Explore and identify levels of engagement
•	ABC and QWERTY keyboard layouts with upper and lower case options
•	Direct selection, single and two switch scanning access methods options

The entire interface is designed with your child in mind! At the Explore level, tap any key on the virtual keyboard to hear the letter, see a picture of a word that starts with the letter and watch the word being written as the word is spoken aloud. Use the Identify level to work on letter recognition and discrimination. The Writing Machine will ask to find a specific letter, and then visually prompt the correct answer after three attempts. 130 vocabulary words are included!

Developed by a certified speech-language pathologist and assistive technology practitioner.

## Key features

- Print awareness introduction
- Picture-word association
- Left-to-right reading direction
- Letter recognition
- 130 vocabulary words
- Multiple keyboard layouts
- Switch access options

## Recent user reviews (4 of 4)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-writing-machine/id438108325/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great

*2012-12-16*

Loving this app!!

### 5/5 — Does what it says

*2012-02-12*

This app is great for Preliteracy skills. Uses real photos which is nice to see.

### 5/5 — The writing machine

*2011-05-23*

Just downloaded this app.  My three year old grandson loves it.  We have had no problems with crashes.  A dollar well spent.

### 1/5 — C-for CRASH all the time

*2011-05-20*

I want my $1 back. It crashes after ever word spelled. Its a good idea but they need to fix this problem.

## Frequently asked questions about The Writing Machine

### What age is The Writing Machine appropriate for?

The Writing Machine is designed for children aged 4 and up, focusing on foundational pre-literacy skills.

### What learning methodology does The Writing Machine use?

The app introduces pre-literacy concepts by linking pictures with words, teaching left-to-right reading, and differentiating letters from words. It offers interactive levels for exploration and identification.

### How does The Writing Machine track progress?

The app includes an 'Identify' level where it prompts users to find specific letters, providing visual cues after multiple attempts, which helps in assessing letter recognition progress.

### Does The Writing Machine offer certifications?

The Writing Machine focuses on foundational skill development and does not offer formal certifications. Its goal is to build a strong base for future literacy.

### What devices does The Writing Machine support?

Currently, The Writing Machine is supported on iPad devices.

### How often is The Writing Machine updated?

The Writing Machine was last updated on October 2, 2018, with version 3.6. It has not received updates since then.

### What is the user sentiment for The Writing Machine?

Based on the available data, The Writing Machine has a perfect rating of 5.0 stars from one review, indicating positive user sentiment.

### Does The Writing Machine have ads?

No, The Writing Machine does not contain advertisements.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.6 — 2018-10-02

Updated for iOS 12

### 3.5 — 2018-07-10

Version 3.5 adds the option of both upper and lower case keyboards.

### 3.1 — 2016-09-27

iOS 10 compatible

### 3.0 — 2015-05-01

In addition to an upgraded interface, version 3 introduces new options for both access and use. 

  •  Choose ABC or QWERTY keyboard layout.  
  •  Program options include explore and identify levels. 
  •  Scanning access has been added to support persons who use adaptive access.

### 2.2 — 2012-11-16

Improved compatibility with the Retina Display.

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## More apps by Hump Software

- [AAC Evaluation Genie](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aac-evaluation-genie/id541418407)

All apps by Hump Software: https://appshunter.io/developer/320160291

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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.*