Speech Racer app review and GIVEAWAY!!
Speech Racer is a relatively new app from Complete Speech. I first tried this app at the ASHA convention in December. I was amazed at how it utilized visual feedback based on the quality of a /r/ sound within various positions of words. It can be used for both iPhone and iPad.
You can choose between four different meters that provide visual feedback on the accuracy of the /r/ sound. I like this feature because after so many times with one meter, it’s like a new activity when we switch to another meter with the kids.
This one is the race track. Kids hold their thumbs down on the sides until they complete the word and the app analyzes the production of the /r/ sound. In settings, flashcards at the top have the choice to choose from various /r/ targets in all positions of words. If you would prefer not to have flashcards, there is an option to turn it off.
The visual feedback is awesome! In this picture, an /r/ was produced correctly and so the race track is lit up all the way to the finish line. An engine rev noise is produced if the child scores all the way to the top. We all know those kids who have an /r/ that isn’t totally wrong, but it’s not totally right either. For those kids, the track would only light up in the yellow range. Red, of course, means the child said the wrong sound.
As you can see, their are scores at the bottom that track progress for data collection.
I bought this app at the convention, and actually asked THEM if I could do a review because I truly like this app that much. It’s not always perfect depending on the child, but that is what I am there for! The children I have used this with so far, really respond well to it! They are motivated to keep trying the word over and over again moving their tongue in a different spot each time to really get that engine to rev to the finish line. If they aren’t getting it, I provide some instruction or we just move on.
I would recommend this app to SLP’s, but also to parents who have children practicing the /r/ sound at home. It’s easy to use, and if you have a question, the staff at complete speech are very good to respond, problem solve, and answer questions via email. Two codes will be given away for this app on apraxia awareness day, May 14th 2016, so make sure enter the giveaway below!