Bluster!+App+Guide

 Bluster! iPad App //__ Can you give me an overview? What skills/content are targeted and practiced? __// Bluster! is an iPad app that is available for free from the app store that develops vocabulary and word understanding that has setting to specifically use for second, third, or fourth graders. Over 800 vocabulary words are implemented. It is engaging for students because of the sound effects and versus options when playing (in the versus option, a player is able to use weather attacks to slow their opponent down). This game targets rhyming words, prefixes, suffixes, synonyms, homophones, and adjectives in a three round game in which you are timed as you place the matching terms in the given boxes from the list until all words are used. 10 matches wins one round. In addition, students are able to play the game in a team mode in which students are able to collaborate to complete the task together. The object of the game is to make all matches from the word list provided as fast as possible to get the best time.  //__ How to use Bluster! __//



The home page of Bluster! is shown above. Play leads you directly to the game, honors lets you choose the players (single, versus, or team), and how to play gives you instructions for how to play the game successfully.

Students need only follow a few simple directions to play (these directions are taken right from the “how to play” section on the homepage):



1) Use spinners to select the number of players, grade level, and word match type. (See picture above)

 2) S wipe through the word list and find three matching words based on the match type selected. (Drag them to the boxes in the scoring area.) This is shown below.



3) Drag three words to the scoring area to make a match and clear word list before an opponent to win the game (or as fast as you can to beat the top time).

 *If a student doesn’t place three matching words in the scoring area, nothing happens: they must figure out the correct combinations on their own since there is no hint or help option. 4) Disruptor icons (in versus mode) can appear. These include storm clouds appearing in the scoring area. Make match to activate it and slow your opponent down with nasty weather.

Unfortunately, this game doesn’t allow you to save any progress. However, the game does keep track of how long it took the student to finish all three rounds successfully. This time can perhaps let the instructor know how much the child is struggling if a screen shot is taken of the result page.