I noticed a recent comparison from another spelling practice app called SpellCrush, which seems to be a new app that focuses mostly on fun and games. It's great to see more tools entering the spelling space, but as a tool grounded in literacy research, I want to clarify some technical distinctions with SpellMe to correct what they got wrong. They listed a few details about features in their comparison which were not accurate. The table below puts that right:

The Feature Truth Table

Science and Orthographic Mapping

With SpellMe, my goal was to focus on what actually moves the needle in literacy: orthographic mapping. One of the most important features in the app is how we handle errors. Instead of just giving a generic "incorrect" message, our feedback system uses color-coded visual cues to show the student exactly where their spelling aligns with the correct version and where it doesn't. Whether they were one letter away or missed the mark entirely, the feedback is designed to bridge that gap and guide them back to the correct spelling. It’s about helping the brain recognize patterns and build visual memory, so that when a student masters a word, they truly understand its structure.

Why It Matters

One of the biggest priorities for me was creating a space where kids can actually concentrate. We know that for many learners, especially those with ADHD or dyslexia, a busy screen can often be more of a barrier than a help. That’s why SpellMe is designed to be calm and focused; we want the brain’s energy going into phonemes and spelling patterns, not processing unnecessary distractions. It’s also about empowering the adults in a child’s life. I didn't want parents or teachers to just see that a "level was cleared". I wanted them to see exactly which letter-sound gaps a child is navigating. By providing that specific insight, SpellMe becomes more than just an app; it’s a tool that helps us understand a child's unique learning journey and guides them toward becoming a confident, fluent reader. It is important, however, to note that SpellMe is not just for neurodivergent learners, but for all learners. However, considering issues that neurodivergent students struggle with, helps all students, just like the philosophy of the Curb Cut effect.

I will be writing more about the real meaning and importance of play, fun and gamification (Intrinsic vs Extrinsic motivation); as well as the importance of mistakes and learning from failure in future blog posts. In the meantime, feel free to try out the SpellMe features and compare them with the many other spelling apps already out there. Each has their own unique strengths, so if you can't find what you're looking for with SpellMe, try any of the others. Whatever you decide, we'd love to hear from you.