Thanks to Kathy McNamara who shared this new app by the developers from Project Injini!
Write My Name – Available for the iPad (1.99 – introductory price) is described by Injini as supporting children ages 4 through 6 to learn how to write their name, trace uppercase and lowercase letters in manuscript and write over 100 familiar sight/Dolch words. Injini’s tracing tools support children with how to write letters and words using the correct sequence and strokes without frustration or errors. Focusing on developing motor-muscular memory of writing letters aid children in developing their handwriting skills by playing Write My Name. Here is a video of Write My Name:
Write My Name appears to utilize the Zaner Bloser method of manuscript letter formation. In the Alphabet Book, animated visual directions of the sequence of upper and lower case letter formation is provided for instruction and practice. Visual feedback using an arrow and stars to show the correct starting point, direction and sequence for letter formation is given. When grossly moving off the path of letter formation of both upper and lower case letters, the letter formation is stopped to a visual showing the user where to continue on the correct pathway is given. A letter chart is provided to easily choose practicing upper or lower case letter formation out of alphabetical order.
Good for early letter formation using a sequenced, visual approach with arrows to indicate starting points and direction of the letter formation which research has shown benefits acquisition of letter formation. Basic letter formation is provided without the structure of lines. Word Cards activity provides practice in writing Dolch words as well as a dictionary of basic nouns and prepositions that are alphabetized. In the Word Cards activity, headline and baselines with the words but no midline guides are present.
A unique activity in Write My Name is the My Name Tags, an activity where adults can enter a students name, record the name for students to practice writing their name using the same visual guides provided in the Alphabet Book. The app checks off the letters you have completed but does not provide the opportunity to manage multiple users (with exception of multiple individual names in the My Name Tags activity).
Navigation is easy and intuitive in this app for the instructor and student. No data gathering is provided in the app other than a check off of the letters performed but which can not be collected by users. Instruction is provided visually to the student, no audio instruction is provided.
If your school uses the Zaner Bloser method of handwriting this app has been well thought out and may support your individual students in handwriting instruction.
Check it out to see if it will be another tool for your OT iTool Kit!
Carol















