Cost: Free
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abc-phonics-animals-writing/id376573687?mt=8
Pros: The free app has 50 different animal words that student's trace. If the animal is Bee, the student can practice writing the word "bee" or can switch to practicing just the letter which will allow them to practice "B and b". Students can also choose between tracing in blue, red, green, or yellow so they are able to use a different color each time so they do not get bored.
Cons: If a student is practicing the word Bee, and switches to letters, they only get to practice the letter "Bb" not the "Ee" as well. There is also no correct way of tracing the letters so if students are drawing and not tracing the words, no one would know.
How to use in Education: This app would be a great one to use for centers. A group of students could be working on the Ipad's tracing words instead of using mini chalkboards or whiteboards. This is also a much more engaging way for students to practice handwriting instead of just old fashioned paper and pencil.
I actually found this application to be not very practical for classroom use. Without a stylus, tracing the letters with your fingers is difficult. I think it somewhat defeats the purpose of tracing letters, which is handwriting and muscle memory. I also agree with the cons that you listed that the student can't choose to trace any letter they want, but only the first letters of the animals in the list.
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