Textropolis

Price: Free
Category: English Language Arts
Grade(s): 1-6
Devices: Available as an iPhone App, however it can be downloaded on an iPad and the size of the screen and be increased.
Standards:
Spelling and vocabulary practice.

App Description:
The app provides a game that gives the user practice with spelling and vocabulary.  The game has levels and in order to reach the next level, user must create a specific number of words using the letters in the level's word. So in order to move on from the first level, the user must use the letters of kingstown to create new words.  When you have punched in letters to make an appropriate word the submit button will light up and the user can then submit the word. After you submit the word, its definition will appear on a banner across the top of the screen. When you create an appropriate number of words for this level, you will be able to move on to the next level.

Home Screen:

 First Level Word: Kingstown, 

next levels become available when you create enough words

 Select letters to form words

When you create a word and submit it tells you the definition

Uses in the Classroom:
Teachers could use this game as a sponge activity when students have completed their assignments early as well as an activity at an English Language Arts station.  This is a fun educational game that teachers can reward students with.  The game helps the user practice their spelling skills and exposes them to new vocabulary terms.

Possible Assessments:
A possible assessment teachers can use if to measure how far the students have come based on the level they have reached on the game.

Possible Issues/ Difficulties when using these apps with students:
This app is a great sponge activity!  Teachers should know that this game is very enjoyable and can be habit forming.  It may be difficult for students to stop playing the games!