How It Works
Discover how iPlay Phonics uses voice interactive technology and proven phonics methods to help children read.
Learning Through Play
Based on the classic Snakes and Ladders format, iPlay Phonics turns phonics practice into an exciting game.
A Game First, Always
Above all this is a game and games are fun. Children are fascinated with something new. The fascination lies in the challenge: what is this? How does it work? What can I do with it?
In games there is always a challenge of sorts. In this game the challenge is to get to the top of the board and win. That is exactly how it should be introduced — a bit of fun and "I'll bet I'll beat you to the top".
It is a fun-based, interactive computer board game with 14 different levels of difficulty, so your child can reach their full potential at their own pace.
Based on Snakes & Ladders
Founded by Aileen McSorley, a language teacher and specialist in Learning Support, iPlay Phonics was based on the board game Snakes and Ladders. She came up with the idea after thinking of ways to keep her own two children occupied in the evenings while helping them to learn.
The traditional game format means it is parent-friendly — you already know how to play. It is suitable for use on interactive whiteboard group work or on an individual basis.
Four Steps to Reading Success
Here's how your child begins their reading journey with iPlay Phonics.
Choose Your Level
Select from 14 levels, each directly linked to a particular phoneme or grapheme. Start at the beginning with 100 key words or jump ahead.
Roll & Read
Like Snakes and Ladders, children roll the dice and move along the board. At each square, they're presented with words containing the target phonics for that level.
Speak Aloud
Children look at the letters, say the sounds and hear the word being read. The voice interactive technology ensures correct pronunciation of the written word, aiding fluency.
Get Feedback
Correct pronunciation moves you forward. Minor mispronunciations are gently guided. Words incorrectly pronounced are flagged for revision — there is no perceived failure.
World's First Voice Interactive Phonics Game
This educational resource is the world's first to use voice interactive technology to aid in the learning of reading and speaking.
How Voice Recognition Helps
The voice interactive technology ensures correct pronunciation of the written word, thus aiding fluency. This is what makes iPlay Phonics unique — children get immediate, private feedback without needing an adult present for every word.
The immediacy of feedback to students is important for two reasons:
- Fluency and confidence — the faster the letter and sound is recognised, the easier it is for reading and writing to take place
- It prevents an emotional response — the main cause of barriers to learning
The feedback for parents is really being able to track the usage of the game. Words incorrectly pronounced are there for guidance and perhaps revision.
The Phonic Skill: See, Say, Hear
The phonic skill is to be able to look at the letters, say the sounds and hear the word being read. iPlay Phonics reinforces this three-step process through interactive play:
👁️ See — Look at the Letters
Clear, uncluttered layout presents the target word. The clear layout reinforces language development and phonic skills.
🗣️ Say — Speak the Sounds
Children say the sounds that go with the letters. It is important that letters are introduced by their SOUND and not their names.
👂 Hear — Get Instant Feedback
Voice interactive technology confirms correct pronunciation. The more it is used, the more fluent the reader becomes.
14 Levels of Achievement
Each level is directly linked to a particular phoneme or grapheme for focused, targeted practice.
100 Key Words
Starting with a revision of 100 key words, building a foundation of sight vocabulary alongside phonic decoding skills. Applicable to all phonic schemes taught in all schools.
Targeted Phonemes
Each level is directly linked to a particular phoneme or grapheme. For example, level 7c deals with the sounds ow/oa making the "oh" sound. This allows targeted consolidation and fluency building.
Building Fluency
Fluency in blending ensures few, if any, problems with reading. As a result the focus then becomes comprehension of the text. The 14 different levels promote and extend language skill development.
Over-Learning
The repetitive play encourages over-learning — putting information into the long-term memory — which benefits individuals with dyslexic tendencies. Reinforcement of letter sounds is very important.
Blending Skills
It is the ability to blend these sounds together that provides the ability to read unknown words. The skill of being able to blend letters together places the reader in a better position to master irregular unknown words.
Proven in Practice
Previously published by the University of Glasgow and sold throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Used successfully in classrooms at both primary and secondary level. Has aided remediation into the mainstream.
Designed for Everyone
Parents at Home
Parent-friendly as it follows a traditional game format. Track your child's usage — the more it is used, the more fluent the reader. One sound per day is recommended. Full parent guide →
Teachers & Classrooms
Suitable for interactive whiteboard group work or individual basis. Applicable to all phonic schemes. Starting with 100 key words. Used at primary and secondary level. Teacher information →
Children with Dyslexia
Designed for all children with varying degrees of dyslexia. The repetitive play encourages over-learning. The clear layout reinforces language development. No perceived failure.
See It in Action
The best way to understand iPlay Phonics is to try it. Start a free trial or book a demo with our team.