Monday, 18 February 2013

Wet-Dry-Try Review

Wet-Dry-Try is a new addition to the Handwriting without Tears product line. It is a digital version of the popular Handwriting Without Tears® Slate Chalkboard activity which is used to practice Capital Letters and Numbers.

I was looking for something to use with Sir N as his hand writing is not the best and I have chosen this year to work on his letter formation as he tends to write some of his letters in the incorrect 'order' as well as reverse some of his numbers when doing math.  He loves playing on my Galaxy Tab2 so decided to try out the Wet-Dry-Try app.

At first he was a little frustrated as I had set the stroke tolerance on challenging. Using the app on this setting made him slow down and be more particular in forming his letters which is what I really needed. Within a couple of days I already noticed an improvement in his handwriting.  He started forming his letters a lot neater and with more care. Once he realized he needed to slow down and take care he enjoyed unlocking cards.

How it Works
  1. The 'teacher' draws the letter while coaching the student on the order of the stroke
  2. The student uses the 'wet' sponge to wipe away the letter.
  3. The student uses the tissue to dry the board
  4. Now the student writes the letter using the chalk
Children can only work on one letter at time. They are not able to reverse letters and the smiley face in the left corner shows the children where to begin their letters.

Why Handwriting ?  
Some people ask why should we work on hand writing skills in an era when typing seems the way to go? Good question. I did some research and found an interesting article on How Handwriting Trains the Brain and impacts brain function published in The Wall Street Journal in 2010. The article spoke about studies are showing that writing by hand
  • engages the brain in learning
  • the specific movements memorized when learning how to write aid visual identification
  • activated massive regions involved in thinking, language and working memory—the system for temporarily storing and managing information.
 I have found over the years that copy work is a great way of growing my children's vocabulary and spelling skills so consider writing to be an essential skill.

About the App
  • Three levels of learning for each letter and numeral
  • The ability to lock in a level of play/learning
  • Visual and auditory feedback for each level. 
  • Parental settings allow you total audio control (Background Music, Voice Instruction, Sound Affects)
  • Instant feed back and gentle consistent coaching.
  • The ability to set the sensitivity level (two levels: challenge or easy)
  • Two modes
    1. Pick and Practice- In this mode the student chooses the letter / number they want to work on.
    2. Winning Order - This mode organizes the letters in HWT developmental teaching order.
  • A personal instructor coaches the student through the order of writing each letter.
HWOT Wet/Dry App Title pageHWOT Wet/Dry App Winning OrderHWOT Wet/Dry Pick and Practice

Where to purchase**
  • for your iPad over at iTunes for $4.99
  • for your Android over at Google play for $4.99 
** All prices are correct at time of publishing this post.  It is your responsibility to check the price before purchasing any items.
Prices are shown in US $
What others are saying
We have really enjoyed using this app and hope that the team are able to produce a lower case app. So if you are looking for an app that trains correct letter formation I highly recommend this one. We downloaded a few others to play with and Sir N's comment to me was "Mom these are silly because they don't help you stay in the lines." You can use Wet Dry Try with confidence.

BlessingsChareen


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This post is part of and linking with the Schoolhouse Review so don't forget to pop on over and read what others are saying about Schoolhouse Teachers.com.
 
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Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

    Saturday, 16 February 2013

    HSMJ the one about frogs, gifts & Truly Scrumptious


    In my life this week…
    When I commenced my new adventure with The Schoolhouse Review Crew I never in all my life imagined the blessing it would be to our family.  On Thursday this week the postie arrived with a 14.1 pound box couriered from the US with a new math program for us to try.
    I was also blessed with a blog award by Homeschooling for His glory :)

    In our home school this week…
    Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
      I am inspired by…
      Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
      • Visited the T family and watched the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang movie
      • Went to Her Majesty's Theater to watch the stage production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
      • Had a play date at another friends house on Wednesday
      • Spent the day at home on Valentine's day
      • Went to the T house to help bake cup cakes for her daughters birthday. 
      • We explored St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne.
      My favorite thing this week was…
      • Going to see the stage production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
      • We had the most delightful experience of meeting the sister of Madly, Deeply, and Seriously Scrumptious: Truly (AKA Rachael Beck) over at the play ground who took the time to chat and autograph our Chitty Chitty Bang Bang program.
      What’s working/not working for us…
      • Warm weather and sunshine.

      Questions/thoughts I have…
      • If you could ask me any question about homeschooling what would it be ?
      Things I’m working on…
      On My Bedside Table ...
      • Nothings changed but I have plans to alter that next week.
      In Bloggy world I’m reading…
      I’m cooking…
      •  easy meals. Mince and whatever else is in the cupboard.
      On Pinterest I found...
      I’m grateful for…
      • The privilege of spending time with my sister who has moved to Australia.  It's been a long 20 years and it's so good to get to know her and her family.
      A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

      Source: Teacher Feature
       Blessings


      This post is linking to:
      Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers - Weekly Wrap Up
      iHomeschool - Homeschool Mothers Journal
      Hammock Tracks - It's a Wrap
      Homegrown Learners - Collage Friday

      Photo collages made with: Photoscape a FREE photo editor

      Wednesday, 13 February 2013

      The winners of Squeeble Fun are


      Congratulations to the five winners
      1. Sarah
      2. Nadeen
      3. Tracey
      4. Derek
      5. Cristi

      Look out in you email for your voucher to redeem you prizes.

      a Rafflecopter giveaway

      Thank you to Key Stage Fun for donating these apps to my readers

      Blessings
      Chareen