It’s my favorite day of the work week! It’s early enough so I don’t feel overwhelmed by what I have left to accomplish, but it’s close enough to all the wonderful things that the weekend brings! Today’s Revi’i Review is for a cute puzzle Apple app called Alef Bet Animal Puzzles, that teaches players the Hebrew letters by assembling animal puzzles. The free version includes the first five letters, while the full Hebrew alphabet version costs $3.99.
Alef Bet Animal Puzzles has three different levels that are very similar; each one opens to a green page that displays each of the animals with their initial letters, in alphabetical order. In all three levels, players select the puzzle they want to assemble by clicking on the desired animal.
The number of pieces in each Alef Bet Animal Puzzle corresponds to the number of letters in the animal’s name, and they are arranged in the proper spelling order from right to left. In the first level (one yellow star), players drag each puzzle piece into the correct outlined shape in whatever order they want (i.e. first Resh, then Alef, then Hey, then Yod). As each piece is placed in its correct position, the corresponding letter is named, helping children to identify and name each one.
Once the Alef Bet Animal Puzzle is complete, each letter is repeated again in order; as each one is named, it grows larger then disappears, revealing the brightly colored image of the animal in place of the puzzle outlines. The name of the animal is also read a few times, so children learn to identify not only Hebrew letters, but animals as well.
Each Alef Bet Animal Puzzle also has a neat animation feature that varies from animal to animal. Once the puzzle is complete, players can touch both it and different items in the background to reveal the animation. The lion, for instance, roars when touched, while the lizard changes its colors.
Level 2 (two red stars) of the Alef Bet Animal Puzzle requires players to arrange each piece in spelling order; in the example below, the Gimel piece has to be placed first, followed by the Mem, with the Lamed placed last. The animal name appears under the image as in Level 1, and each letter is highlighted with both a color and an arrow to help direct players.
In Level 3 (three blue stars) of the Alef Bet Animal Puzzle, players must arrange the pieces in proper spelling order without assistance, as the animal name is removed.
The app’s details say this game was designed for first grade students, but it’s definitely suitable for younger children as well. When my preschoolers play, I have them repeat the name of each letter as its read, both as they’re assembling the puzzle and upon completion, and also say the animal name. The Alef Bet Animal Puzzle helps teach proper pronunciation, letter recognition, initial letter sounds, and vocabulary (animal names).
Click HERE to view and/or download Alef Bet Animal Puzzle for free (first 5 letters), or for $3.99 (full version).
Todah for reading, and don’t forget to check back next Revi’i for another review!
