SmashCards augmented reality lessons are a complete browser-based learning environment utilizing machine-readable flash cards. Utilizing your web cam and internet connected computer, augmented reality feedback lets the learner see words come to life as she builds them in real time. (To learn more about augmented reality, check out our description here).
SmashCards mobile lessons replace the augmented reality functionality of the desktop version with a tablet touch interface, but are otherwise identical. Both augmented reality and mobile lessons embed instruction in the context of a narrative story and incorporate critical phonics exercises to get the learner reading quickly.
Phonics can, and do, play an important role in reading. With SmashCards, learners blend letters to form words, receiving instant visual and audio feedback as they complete their lessons.
With SmashCards augmented reality lessons, the learner always hears the correct sounds for letters depending on their context, accounting for problem areas such as long and short vowel sounds that change from word to word. No other reading product offers the same flexibility in allowing the learner to experiment with letter and sound combinations in real time.
As important as phonics are to reading, it is also critical for children to learn whole words in context. In addition to their powerful letter blending functionality, each SmashCards unit consists of 18 interactive lessons that use stories and activities to present words in a narrative environment.
Each lesson is built around a separate old-school nursury rhyme (with a new twist), using a mix of live action, effects and animation. Check out our free Kindle Fire app for a sample.
This combination of phonics and words in context, together with the instant feedback from the cards, helps the child learn to read more intuitively.
SmashCards for beginning readers (both augmented reality and mobile versions) consist of 18 lessons, each with a 20-30 minute completion time, covering all of the major word families identified by Wylie and Durrell.
The SmashCards curriculum, including all phonics exercises and activities, were designed by university experts in early childhood reading.
Beginning readers are taught the correct sounds for letters in context. Long and short vowel sounds, blends and dipthongs are all taught intuitively in rich narrative environments.
SmashCards teach the child to blend letters to form words, with a focus placed on letter sounds in context. Feedback is instant and experimentation is encouraged.
Every SmashCard lesson is built around a narrative story with interactive activities. Words and word families are taught in as part of the story, and the child is encouraged to interact with the characters as she learns.