Our Top Tips for Using the Letter Tiles App

Are you using the Letter Tiles app and need a few tips for using it more effectively? We’ve got you covered! Watch as Shanna demonstrates our top 11 tips in the video or continue reading below!

Tips for Using the Letter Tiles App

1. Add tiles to the word-building area.

   There are three ways to place letter tiles in the word-building area, so take your pick! You can drag the tile from the tile storage area and drop it in the word-building area, you can swipe the tile, or you can simply tap the tile.

2. Move the letter tiles around.

   There are two ways to move the tiles around the word-building area. Use one finger to move an individual tile or use two fingers to move an entire word.

3. Remove tiles from the word-building area.

   To remove one tile at a time, drag or swipe the tile down toward the tile storage area. To remove all the tiles at once, simply drag one tile up to the top of the screen.



4. Search for tiles in the tile storage area.

   The first way to find a tile in the tile storage area is to swipe left until you find your tile. To avoid grabbing a single tile, use two fingers on the screen as you scroll. You can also narrow your search by using the category tabs at the top of the Tile Storage Area to find specific tile types. For example, if you’re looking for a Vowel Team tile, just touch the Vowel Team tab to find your tile.

5. Use optional tile functions.

   When you touch and hold a letter tile, you are given two options. You can capitalize the first letter on the tile (ear becomes Ear) or you can hear the different sounds the phonogram on the tile makes.

6. Use the All Tiles option.

   Are you using an older edition of All About Reading and the lessons don’t quite match up? Or maybe you prefer to use the reading version of the syllable tags instead of the spelling version. Choosing All Tiles from the subject drop-down menu gives you the option of using all the tiles from all levels of both programs.

7. Lock the screen.

   To eliminate the possibility of adding unwanted placeholder boxes or moving tiles around during blending exercises, click the lock icon in the navigation bar above the word-building area.

8. Give your child fewer tiles to work with.

   If your child is having a hard time spelling a word, narrow his options by placing a limited number of letter tiles in the word-building area for him to choose from.

9. Use placeholder boxes to help your child segment words.

   When you tap the screen in the word-building area, a light gray box will appear. Each box is a placeholder for a single phonogram and can be moved around just like a regular tile. These Elkonin boxes (or sound boxes) can help children segment words into their individual sounds, a critical skill for spelling. The gray placeholder tiles can be helpful in many situations, such as the lesson in which your child must choose whether to use C or K at the beginning of a word.

   On the other hand, if you or your child finds it frustrating to have these placeholder tiles appear when touching the screen, you can turn them off in the settings menu.

10. Divide words into syllables.

    When it’s time to divide a word into syllables, you can easily pull the word apart by touching your fingers on the two tiles where you want to split the word and dragging outwards.

11. Watch the features videos on your tablet.

    Afraid you’ll forget some of these helpful tips? Don’t worry—there are videos right on your app to remind you of all these helpful features! Simply go to the Settings menu and click on either Overview or Advanced Features to watch the videos. To exit the video, touch your screen and find the X button in the upper right corner.

Have you discovered a tip for using the Letter Tiles app? Please share in the comments below!