UpDraft Phonics
Learn to Read CVC Words
Free · In‑App Purchases · Designed for iPad. Not verified for macOS.
iPad
Built on the Science of Reading by a Columbia CS grad. Drag letter blocks, hear each phoneme, and spell CVC words across 4 engaging rounds in 11 themed lessons.
UpDraft Phonics is a phonics game for early readers built on the Science of Reading. Designed for kindergarten through second grade, it teaches CVC words and word families through an engaging four-round gameplay loop.
HOW IT WORKS
Round 1 - Spell It
Kids hear a word spoken aloud, then drag letter blocks into place to spell it. Each letter makes its phoneme sound when dropped, reinforcing the connection between letters and sounds.
Round 2 - Swap It
The first letter slot unlocks. Kids swap the onset to build a new word from the same word family, deepening their understanding of how words work.
Round 3 - Find It
Three chalkboards appear, each showing a different spelling. Kids tap the correct one to complete the lesson.
Round 4 - Complete It
A sentence appears with a missing word, shown with a glowing question mark. Kids listen to the sentence, then tap the object that correctly completes it.
BUILT ON THE SCIENCE OF READING
UpDraft Phonics focuses on phoneme-grapheme correspondence, the foundation of structured literacy. Every mechanic is designed to reinforce the sounds letters make, not just their names.
11 THEMED LESSONS
Lesson 1: Classroom (-AT words)
Lesson 2: Witch's Cottage (-AN words)
Lesson 3: Kitchen (-IT words)
Lesson 4: Garden (-UG words)
Lesson 5: Swamp (-OG words)
Lesson 6: Camping (-AP words)
Lesson 7: Ocean (-IN words)
Lesson 8: Space (-UN words)
Lesson 9: Diner (-OT words)
Lesson 10: Bedroom (-ED words)
Lesson 11: Pirate Ship (-IP words)
Each lesson features a unique hand-illustrated backdrop, themed 3D letter blocks, and original audio recorded phoneme by phoneme.
HINT SYSTEM
Wrong answers trigger helpful hints rather than punishment. Distractor letters disappear after incorrect drops. Correct letters glow to guide kids to the right slot. Learning continues even when kids make mistakes.
DESIGNED FOR YOUNG LEARNERS
Large, tappable letter blocks designed for small hands. Clear audio for every phoneme and word. No reading required to navigate - kids can play independently.
Lesson 1 is free. Lessons 2-11 unlock with a subscription.
$2.99/month or $19.99/year.
Terms of Use (EULA):
https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
The developer, Dallas Scott, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
- Seller
- Dallas Scott
- Size
- 277.7 MB
- Category
- Education
- Compatibility
Requires iPadOS 16.0 or later.
- iPad
Requires iPadOS 16.0 or later. - Mac
Requires macOS 13.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.
- iPad
- Languages
- English
- Age Rating
4+
- 4+
- Made for Ages 6–8
- In-App Purchases
Yes
- UpDraft Phonics Premium $19.99
- UpDraft Phonics Premium $2.99
- Copyright
- © 2026 UpDraft Learn