HangArt: A Literacy App 1.0.9

Featured in notable publications such as Common Sense Media's "Best of Edtech 2016," The New York Times' "10 Children's Apps for Summer Road Trips," and Teachers with Apps' "Best Play and Learn App 2016," HangArt stands out as a noteworthy educational tool for early literacy.

HangArt effectively engages children in the practice of 200 sight words through a variety of interactive activities. As highlighted by Common Sense Media, the app offers a blend of guided games and open-ended tasks that facilitate deep exploration of vocabulary.

The New York Times notes that HangArt enriches learning by transforming the traditional game of hangman into an engaging and educational experience, employing age-appropriate language sourced from academic curricula. The inclusion of a two-player mode fosters cooperative play, enhancing interaction among users.

In a review from Teachers with Apps, the app is described as a playful yet effective tool for literacy, ensuring that children absorb information seamlessly while they play.

Overview of HangArt

HangArt is an inclusive K-3 literacy game designed collaboratively with educators. Drawing on research that emphasizes the importance of linking words to their meanings through visual representation, HangArt provides a comprehensive platform for children to practice spelling sight words within three interactive modules:

• Play Hangman: A family and classroom-friendly version of the traditional hangman game. With an innovative design, our mascot dangles from a monkey bar instead, removing any negative connotations associated with traditional imagery. Correct letter guesses reveal parts of an illustration related to the word, creating a positive reinforcement cycle when players correctly guess the word.
• Word Gallery: Children can create their own illustrations related to the words they've won using a specialized drawing tool. Additionally, they can view video playbacks of original illustrations crafted by illustrator Kavita Ramchandran.
• Story Studio: In this feature, children can record, save, and share digital animated stories incorporating the words they've practiced.

Key Features

• No in-app purchases or internet connectivity required for play.
• Options for one or two-player modes promote family engagement during screen time.
• Handwriting practice available in Letter Tracing Practice mode, utilizing Castledown—a dyslexic-friendly font recognized by Wired magazine.
• A free guide for parents and teachers is available at www.hangart.co.
• Original music and sound effects composed by Nickelodeon/Dora the Explorer composers add to the engaging multimedia experience.
• Reward badges inspired by growth mindset philosophy encourage continued user engagement.
• A detailed dashboard for adults provides in-depth analytics on children's progress.

Additional Praise

"An ideal app for families looking to enhance spelling skills while promoting diversity," says Erikson Institute's Technology in Early Childhood Center.

"The culturally diverse illustrations paired with an accessible font invite participation from children with varying backgrounds and abilities," praises Common Sense Media.

NBC News calls HangArt "an exciting educational app for kids," while other references cite its effectiveness in both home and educational settings.

The Children's Technology Review awarded it their Editor's Choice, emphasizing its robust ability to reinforce reading skills.

If you are an educator or librarian considering HangArt for your institution, we invite you to connect with us at [email protected] for promotional opportunities related to our other Literary Safari storytelling apps. Follow us on social media @litsafariapps and connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/playhangart.