Carol Hesch, school based OTR, reviewed Wet-Dry-Try Capital Letters & Numbers app (4.99) for the iPad 2 and 3. Generously supplied by Handwriting Without Tears  & Get Set for School, here is her review of the app:

“Wet-Dry-Try” app is user-friendly and follows the tried and true HWT methods perfectly.  As an avid HWT fan for many years I am very excited about this app.  The main page of the app gives you your options.   Pick and Practice is the entire uppercase alphabet and numbers 0-10.

The chalkboard slate looks just like the real thing!  A gentle voice walks you though each step–demonstrating first.

Then the student erases the letter with the “wet” sponge and the “dry” towel, finally ending by “try”-ing it themselves with the chalk.

I really like that the app automatically moves the sponge or chalk to the top and adds the RIBBIT sound that I typically had to make.  Those who are familiar with the HWT program know we have to do the ‘frog hop’  back to the top of the letter or number.  I thought that was super cute they added that sound!

The voice coach and music are gentle and encouraging.  I especially liked it when something done correctly the user was rewarded with a variety of hip phrases including “cool beans”!

You can enter up to four students to track their progress in the Wet-Dry-Try app.  The “HWT’s Winning Order” is where students learn proper letter formation and order according to HWT which starts with “big line” letters first.  Once mastered and unlocked, they move on to the next letters of “starting corner capitals”, then “center starters capitals”.

The settings allow you to turn on/off the music and voice coach.  The app does not include lowercase or cursive letters at this time.  If this app proves successful perhaps they will develop it.

The multi-sensory experience of HWT’s original, old school wet – dry – try is classic.  However, let’s face it, in these days of hurried travel between schools and shortened therapy sessions– it will be great to use this app on the iPad.  It makes it fast, easy and no set-up/clean-up required. Whether you use Handwriting Without Tears or not, you can use Wet-Dry-Try app with ease to teach your students proper letter formation.

Carol Hesch, OTR, Guest Reviewer

Thank you to Carol Hesch and Handwriting Without Tears for supplying the app and the review of Wet-Dry-Try.

Carol Hesch, OTR is an occupational therapist of 23 years with a passion for helping children learn. She has experience in pediatric acute care, rehabilitation, early intervention and school based therapy. As a member of an iPad team for a large school corporation, she has been exploring the use of mobile technology as a “new age” modality with her students.