This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
photo provided by iTrace
Developing Writing Skills with iTrace
As the mother of a child with profound fine motor skill issues I know how hard it can be to get a child to write their letters properly. This has been a huge struggle for Matthew. He has such fine motor skill problems that we have had to work for years with an Occupational Therapist and he still does not have very good handwriting. That is where an app like iTrace comes in.
What I think attracts me most to iTrace is the fact that it offers a reward to the child. This is very important because when something is hard, like developing muscle memory, many children want to give up. With iTrace you can see them strive to write the letter correctly and get their virtual reward. The instant reward means so much to them, even though it is no more than a gold star on the iPad. What also makes this a fun app and therefore keeps the child interested is the fact that it is on the iPad. I don’t know about you, but in our home ANYTHING on the iPad is a good thing. My kids would do anything, even a non-prefered activity, just to get on the iPad. With iTrace they get something fun and educational, and it is on the tablet, really you can’t go wrong.
One aspect of iTrace that I particularly like is that the child can either use their finger or a stylus. Using the finger first, on such large letters, allows the child to learn the correct formation of the letter. That is something that Matthew has a problem with, and since he has been writing for a few years now, it is very hard to correct. He tends to make certain letters incorrectly and therefore they don’t look well formed and aren’t always legible. With iTrace a child learns correct letter formation with their finger first. Then they can move on to the stylus if you want. That is a great way to reinforce letter formation and develop muscle memory. But keeping that in mind iTrace does allow for “multiple methodologies” of letter formation. An example is how to form the number 8. You can correctly form it as to circles perched one on top of the other, OR as one continuous line like the infinity symbol stood upright. Either are acceptable methodologies and iTrace will allow for either formation.
photo provided by iTrace
I also appreciated that iTrace can be easily switched to a left-handed app. For me that is extremely important as Matthew’s left hand has always been stronger and that is now his dominate hand. Having an app that can accommodate that switch is so useful in creating that muscle memory and would allow him to be successful. It also makes it easy to switch back when another child wants to play with iTrace. iTrace supports multiple players and keeps a full history of each child’s work.
Where to Buy iTrace
iTrace retails for $3.99 at the AppStore.
I seriously am going to get this for my little guy!
I have a similar app on my android. It’s great!
Anne – Mommy Has to Work recently posted..Shutterfly Valentine’s Cards and Gifts Giveaway
My daughter Aubrey is learning how to write so this is perfect for her.
Mellisa recently posted..Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies
I need this for my son!
Lolo recently posted..PBS Kids Premiers Peg + Cat This Fall
I am going to have to download this app.
Sounds like a great app.
Stefani recently posted..GiftGiv iPhone App Review
Sound like an awesome app!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins recently posted..Keep Your Valentine Warm and Cozy with this Cute Classic Lamb Belted Hipster from Wilson’s Leather + $100 Wilson’s Leather Gift Certificate Giveaway – Ends 2/11
How fun! I wish they had had something like this around when my boys were little.
Kathleen recently posted..Paleo Paprika Cauliflower Rice
I’m going to try this for the toddler.
Notorious Spinks recently posted..Entertainment Talk: Developing a Musical Ear
It’s a great idea. I used to teach kids with special needs, and struggles with fine motor skills stopped many talented kids from being able to express themselves without someone scribing for them.
Rachel recently posted..Foodie Meets Mommy
Oh! I think I am going to buy this for my son. He’s teachers said he often need a bit of help with this. Thank you for sharing!
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV recently posted..Lovely Pocket Diapers | Newborn AIO Cloth Diaper Review
What a great app – this would be so helpful for my daughter!
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom recently posted..Make Your Own Stylish Storage Boxes
We have this game and my 2 year old is loving it. We were in the car a lot today so she asked for “letters” while I was driving. she’ll be printing in no time!
Jennifer recently posted..“First Flush Celebration” Times Square Takeover!
I would like this in cursive.
Colleen recently posted..Basket Pong a Fun Twist on Basketball
we absolutely love this app!! So great for learning!
Courtney recently posted..Warming up this winter with #DRAsianMeals!
This looks like an awesome app.
Theresa recently posted..Ivy Bridge College
This is a cool app! I love all of the educational apps for kids today!
JulieD recently posted..Pantry Vegetable and Pasta Soup
What a fun app! I love finding new apps to play with and share with my nieces and nephew!
Jenn @therebelchick recently posted..An Easy Valentines Day Chocolate Bark Recipe
Can’t wait to try this one!
Meghan @JaMonkey recently posted..Are the Falcons Heading to the Super Bowl? #RiseUp
This is a great app! My son would love this!
Christa @ Little BGCG recently posted..Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins
This is a nice app for those younger children learning their letters.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy recently posted..Epson Expression Photo XP-850 Small-in-One Printer Review
we have a few similar apps for our iPhone and iPad as well.
Katie recently posted..Lazy Saturday
I have tried this and it’s a great app! Thanks!
debra pearlstein recently posted..Valentine’s Day shopping at JewelryKind.com
We use a number of tracing apps with my daughter… haven’t tried this one though.
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie} recently posted..Butternut Squash Lasagna (on-the-fly)
This looks like a great app. I love that you can use your finger or a stylus.
Billie recently posted..Funny Friday January 18
My son is still perfecting his writing and could use some extra practice. This looks like a great solution!
Marcie W. recently posted..Justice Tween Girls Perfume Review & Giveaway (2/11)
We use this app and love it!
Leilani recently posted..Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament – Buena Park, CA
iPad apps are really awesome, they make our life easy, Why don’t iTrace was available when I was a Kid !
Himanshu Negi recently posted..How iPad Application Development Services Useful to New Business Entities
nice posting….i like this thank you