What app screams summer more than Syllables Splash?! Syllables Splash is a new app created by Smarty Ears. This app was created to teach children syllable segmenation, phonemic awareness, and literacy skills, which are all common core standards for kindergarten and first grade! Teaching and learning the concept of syllables can be quite tedious, however, Smarty Ears did a great job creating a very engaging app!
To get started, first add your student(s) profiles into the app. I love that this app allows you to choose a photo or avitar for your student. My kids always love choosing their character. You can also import student profiles from Smarty Ears Therapy Report Center (TRC). Once you create student profiles, you can choose up to 4 players to participate in the session. I love apps that allow more than one student to participate... and so do all my fellow school based SLPs!
The student is presented with an image and an audio presentation of a target word. Then, he or she touches the number at the bottom of the screen that corresponds with the number of syllables in the word. The image above is for the word 'fever.'
You can also choose to have the written version of the word presented instead of a photo.
If the student gets the answer correct, he/she will move on to the next word. If he/she answers incorrectly, a shark comes and eats the incorrect answer! This is a setting that you can turn off, but I think it's great! Another fun little extra that this app includes is a turtle that will clap out the syllables for you if you tap 'help.'
Syllables Splash also has a Report Card center where your students' data is stored.
This is a great app with a great summer theme! It is very easy to use and set up. In addition to teaching syllable segmentation, I liked to use this app with students that have goals addressing multisyllabic words.
