Apps that teach letters and numbers or read us interactive books are fun…but what about going above and beyond the basics? Now, we can have a companion in guiding our young readers (1^st – 3^rd graders) to an understanding of Spanish phonics and spelling. Spanish Word Wizard: Spanish Talking Movable Alphabet with Spell Check + Spelling Tests is a great app to supplement formal Spanish lessons, or as an introduction to the sounds of el alfabeto.

The Spanish version of the acclaimed Speak ‘N’ Spell for the iPad Generation, this app talks in customizable voices (your kids can change the pitch of the speaker’s voice), features cursive and block letters for practice recognizing both, and multiple levels of predefined spelling lists, as well as the option to create your own.

I particularly love that this app demonstrates the effect that accents have on Spanish words. If you choose an unaccented letter when an accent should in fact be used, you can hear how the word would sound without the accent. The app is comprehensive in its stress of the all-important stresses in the Spanish language!

Even my husband, a native Spanish speaker, found himself loving the challenge of spelling in a language he rarely uses for writing. It’s an excellent tool for all ages — like having your very own Spanish spelling bee at home!

Find Spanish Word Wizard: Spanish Talking Movable Alphabet with Spell Check + Spelling Tests!  in iTunes

Available for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch

Recommended for ages 3 to 10

Price: $2.99

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