A Google user 1
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Very basic vocab starter, son (6) really enjoyed it, shame it doesn't carry on with more vocab, and sentences. Had to install another app to progress in the language and the new app isn't as good or fun. Please expand!
A Google user
4
Sunday, April 15, 2018
I'm not sure why this app has such mediocre reviews, because it's the best Swedish learning app for children on Android. Don't be put off by the price tag. The quality is well above the other children's apps available. It's not very expensive (the price of a sandwich), but worth a great deal more to your child. Also, remember that even free apps require you to 'pay' by exposing your child relentlessly to advertising, or by encouraging your child to beg for in-app purchases. A lot of apps also require an internet connection, which uses up expensive data. Gus can be played offline. Gus could also be a fun introduction for an adult beginner, who is very intimidated by the prospect of learning a new language. It won't teach you to speak sentences, but I can guarantee that you will learn some basic vocabulary, no matter how much you struggle with language learning. It will give you a sense of confidence and show you how languages can be fun. It would also be a fantastic option for adults with learning disabilities. PROS: * The app does not use English, so it can be understood regardless of the user's first language or language ability. This is achieved through the use of visuals, making it suitable for even the youngest children, as well as children learning Swedish as their first language. Visual association is the method by which we learn our first language, creating stronger connections than translation methods. * Learning is delivered in a way that's kinetic and interactive, encouraging environment exploration and utilising a variety of different finger movements. * There's no shortage of games. Each vocabulary topic is accompanied by its own unique game, so there's no repetition. The games are creative and well-designed, and most importantly, they're genuinely a lot of fun. This is possibly the greatest strength of the app, as most gameified language apps repeat the same concepts and can even be quite tedious. * The animation and UI are just gorgeous. Attractive, colourful, polished, and intuitive. This is a professionally-designed app. Gus, the mascot, is cute, and I like that the home screen is a map of Sweden. * Each word is accompanied by audio of the pronunciation, delivered by a clear and pleasant female speaker. * Each word is also accompanied by its gender (en or ett/common or neutral, e.g. en katt, a cat; ett flygplan, an aeroplane), although there is no explanation of this grammatical concept, as that is beyond the scope of the app. * The background music is quite pleasant, and the app isn't overloaded with annoying sound effects. As a parent, this isn't one of those apps that will drive you absolutely crazy. * New activities are unlocked each time you complete a topic. Trophies are awarded for in-game achievement, and can be viewed at any time in one's trophy cabinet. Suggestion: An interface with separate buttons for muting the background music, sound effects, and audio pronunciation. * Include an alphabet feature. Edited