Making spelling fun!

Chicktionary is a game-based spelling word building app with a barnyard theme that gives users seven letters from which they are to create words. Points are scored upon successful creation of a word, based on its length of three to seven letters. At the end of a game, users have the option to view all the words that could have been created with the group of letters. Chicktionary allows users to choose between timed and untimed games. Lastly, users are able to pause a game and return to it at a later time. Students enjoy hearing the clucking noise effects and the ability to earn points, as well as shake the letters into different orders to help build words.

This word scramble app appeals to all ages and is a great spelling and vocabulary exercise. It encourages teamwork and vocabulary building. Drawbacks: These are not always words that are in our classroom vocabulary lists. Some of the words are "Scrabble-worthy," meaning they are not words that are familiar, but this can be used to encourage kids to look them up in the dictionary. Positives: Kids will collaborate and work hard to clear the board. There are hints.

I've played this game for years, and while I love the game, I fear that it does not have a lot application for the regular school day. My third graders could play this, but my sixth graders get much more out of it.