App: Montessori Crosswords - Teach and Learn Spelling with Fun Puzzles for Children
Developer: Pierre Abel
Genres: Education, Word, Games

Selected by Apple in "Macs in Class" List !

➜300 word-image-audio combinations classified in 3 levels of phonetic difficulty appropriate for ages 3/4 to 8
➜ Full Montessori Movable Alphabet with letter sounds (consonants and short vowels phonics)

➜This is the Mac version of the successful iPad and iPhone app downloaded more than 50000 times, rated more than 4 stars, mentioned in the New York Times,awarded by Children Technology Review, and recommended by parents & teachers.

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The app offers a fun, interactive game to help kids develop their reading, writing and spelling skills using the proven Montessori method of learning and 300 different word-picture-audio combinations and letters sounds (phonics) !

There are three levels of phonetic difficulty appropriate for ages 3/4 to 8  (as defined in the Montessori method) - of course, older kids can also have fun and practice their spelling!

Also included is a Movable Alphabet that allows open-ended activities for young children learning their letters. Letters can be rotated and resized to add to the fun.

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- Press and Educators Reviews of the iPad/iPhone version -
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★ New-York Times - "The 3-year-old has learned to spell compound words through an app called Montessori Crosswords, her mother said"  

★Wired's GeekDad - "5 Favorite Apps for Elementary School iPads" - "An excellent tool for learning spelling and early literacy (...) It can build from simple to more complex words making it usable by students from prep through to grade 3 or 4" 

★commonsensemedia.org (rated 4) - “Montessori Crosswords is a great way for kids to develop literacy in an engaging way that feels like play." (rated 4 stars)


➜ Educators' Reviews (iPad/iPhone version)

★Sue on Iear.org - "I just have to say I love Montessori Crosswords both as a parent (to 2, 7, and 8 year olds) and K teacher. I like that the app is appropriate for the developmental levels of my students and all three of my kids"

★Jennifer (2nd Grade Teacher) - "this is a fantastic app (...)  I can use it as is in the classroom tomorrow and benefit from it"

★Cindy - "This is one of my favorite educational apps. I highly recommend it for the children who are learning to read and spell. The kids also love the interactive artwork as they complete a puzzle." 


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- Features Overview  -
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★300 different word-picture-audio combinations
★ Letter Sound (phonics) when a letter is touched. Note that only short vowels sounds are provided 
★Three levels of phonetic difficulty appropriate for ages 3 to 8  (as defined in the Montessori method) - of course, older kids can also have fun and practice their spelling!
★Level 1 displays simple words for beginning readers (no blend and only short vowel).
★Levels 2 and 3 automatically create multi-word crosswords in tens of thousands of different combinations, encouraging unlimited repeat play.
★21 Fun and colorful interactive visual effects are displayed when a crossword is completed. Visual effects animate and change as they follow your child’s touch.
★Also included is a Movable Alphabet that allows open-ended activities for young children learning their letters. 
★Packed with animations and sounds to create a fun and enjoyable experience!
★Children can play alone or with a parent. Includes instructions on how to use the game as an educational tool.
★Choose capital or lower-case letter display.
★Organize letters alphabetically or Montessori style (vowels first, followed by consonants).
★Displays the total number of completed words.
★Full Screen Mode (4/3 ratio)
★Tips on how to use Montessori Crosswords as an educational tool

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Visit our web site for a video demo : http://lescapadou.com

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Email questions or suggestions to support@lescapadou.com.

Release notes:
Version 1.1 is here - Thanks to all for the feedback!
➜New mode to move letters without dragging - easier for young kids. (previous mode still available in Options menu)
➜Custom Hand Cursor 
➜Words audio volume has been increased
➜Start with a larger window

Please rate the app if you've got a moment. It's very important to let people know it's a good and useful educational app. Thanks!

You can email to support@lescapadou.com for any matters. We are waiting for your feedback to make the app even better.