

World’s Worst Pet
Spring 2014 Mobile AppsWorld's Worst Pet: Vocabulary, created by Curriculum Associates, LLC. is a fun, easy-to-use app in which children ages 9 through 14 learn and practice over 1000 vocabulary words. Snargle, the so-called world's worst pet, and his friends guide players through a variety of games and activities designed to promote language skills including: word meanings, word relationships, word categories, synonyms, and antonyms, among others.
In addition to these activities, the app includes a level in which children are asked to write an essay using words learned in the respective level. The activities in this app hone not only recognition but recall of diverse vocabulary terms. Our reviewers found this component of the app particularly useful, as new school curriculum requirements are focusing more on written responses than in previous years. Also, when children forget a word meaning or have difficulty navigating the app, they simply click the "word coach" in the upper corner of the screen for assistance. As a result of its design, execution, originality, and long-term play/educational value, World's Worst Pet is a good recommendation for children in the recommended age range.