Read Younger, Get Smarter: Dictionary.com Learning to Read App Series for Kids

OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Dictionary.com, the leader in online word-discovery resources, today announced the release of a series of word-learning apps for kids age 3-6. With a growing need for exposure to reading in preparation for school, Dictionary.com's Learning to Read series represents the company's increased focus on developing age-appropriate reading tools for young children. The first app in the series, Learning to Read with Zoo Animals, will introduce children to the world of animals with a challenging but accessible lexicon of more than fifty words presented in a safe, ad-free environment.

Using word recognition, in-depth definitions, audio pronunciations, and more, Learning to Read with Zoo Animals helps 3-6-year olds expand their vocabulary and build the foundation for lifelong reading.

Dictionary.com developers have tapped the organization's 20 years of experience in digital education to design an environment that appeals to children and is based on principles of successful preschool curricula endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education. "With the rise of the information economy, an early grasp of language skills is proving to be increasingly critical," said David Wygant, Executive & General Manager at Dictionary.com. "We're developing apps that young children will have fun playing, but that will also help them take the first steps toward lifelong language proficiency."

Engaging app that gives parents insight into kids' gameplay
In addition to contextual definitions and eye-catching graphics, the app features intuitive self-guided scenes, real animal sounds, sticker rewards for words learned, and a parent dashboard with child progress tracking. During gameplay, kids are guided by a helpful "learning buddy" (a friendly walrus), and have the opportunity to reinforce what they've learned about each of the animals in an interactive quiz at the end of the game.

"All too often, for parents, the time their kids spend on mobile devices is lost time," said Kenny Chen, Director of Mobile at Dictionary.com. "We've focused particularly on developing an intuitive environment that kids will find engaging, and that will also make their in-app time educationally meaningful."

Building on the legacy of a trusted brand
With Learning to Read with Zoo Animals, the company addresses the growing need for quality children's learning products. "Dictionary.com's reputation as a trusted brand and focus on high quality will put this new app series in a different class," said Wygant. "Our long history of innovation in developing word-learning resources puts the company in a great position to contribute to kids' learning to read."

Currently more than 65 million people monthly rely on Dictionary.com for their word-related needs. This new app series is the latest in the company's continually expanding suite of reference and educational products designed to make word discovery available 24/7, in any location.

Future apps in the series will focus on topics both academic and domestic, including science, the arts, and places. New apps are planned for release every month.

Learning to Read with Zoo Animals by Dictionary.com is available today in the iTunes App Store for iPad and iPhone.

About Dictionary.com
Dictionary.com, LLC, the world's most authoritative online and mobile dictionary, helps people get smarter anytime, anywhere. Dictionary.com, an IAC (NASDAQ; IACI) company, offers its 65 million monthly users reliable access to millions of definitions, synonyms, spelling, audio pronunciations, example sentences, and translations from its properties at Dictionary.com, Thesaurus.com, and Reference.com, as well as through its suite of more than 24 apps across every major platform and its API data services. For more information, please visit www.dictionary.com.

For more information, please contact:
Michael Burke or Lori Shepherd
MSR Communications for Dictionary.com
[email protected] or
[email protected]
415-989-9000

SOURCE Dictionary.com