ParrotFish – Sight Words Reading is an engaging educational platform designed to help early and struggling readers master high-frequency sight words through structured, play-based learning. Using a proven pedagogical foundation, the app presents over 300 commonly used words in the form of six distinct mini-games, each focusing on a different cognitive learning strategy. With intuitive progression, optional customization, and classroom-tested outcomes, this app makes reading development both effective and enjoyable.
Multi-List Sight Word Integration
- Build reading fluency from trusted curricula.
- Includes three primary word lists: Dolch, Fry, and Magic 200 (M200W), covering over 300 essential sight words.
- The lists are segmented into 22 progressive levels, organized by frequency and complexity, to reflect real classroom learning progressions.
- Lower levels begin with only 6 words, gradually increasing to 12, ensuring steady cognitive and linguistic development.
Six Strategic Learning Games
- Targeted reinforcement through varied gameplay.
- Each mini-game promotes a unique reading or decoding skill such as visual recognition, auditory memory, or word construction.
- Designed to minimize frustration and maximize retention through repetition, accuracy-based rewards, and non-threatening practice.
Games include:
- Peter Puffs: Match identical words to build visual tracking skills.
- Super Shelly: Identify matching word pairs to enhance auditory and visual memory.
- Crabby Clara: Assemble words from letter tiles, developing letter recognition and word structure understanding.
- Edgar’s Eggs: Identify incorrect options using memory and discrimination.
- Wally’s Words: Recall and recognize a word shown previously.
- Stella Stars: Listen and select the correct word from choices, reinforcing auditory decoding.
Adaptive Progression and Motivation
- Structure learning for confidence and mastery.
- Games automatically track progress and adjust challenge levels based on performance and word familiarity.
- Feedback is immediate and rewarding, encouraging learners through visual cues, friendly characters, and motivating affirmations.
- Incorrect guesses are gently redirected; only accuracy and speed are rewarded, reducing reliance on trial-and-error.
Customizable Settings for Versatile Learning
- Accommodate different learning environments and styles.
- Users can toggle uppercase/lowercase display, control music and sound effects, and choose to play levels sequentially or unlock all levels for open exploration.
- Supports both independent learners and guided instruction, with printable word lists and flashcards available separately.
- Male and female voice options present words with clear, expressive pronunciation across various fonts to accommodate visual diversity.
Offline, Ad-Free Educational Tool
- Safe, distraction-free digital learning space.
- Completely offline-capable and ad-free, ensuring uninterrupted focus and safe use in home and classroom settings.
- One-time payment unlocks full access—no subscriptions or hidden purchases.
- Also available in an EDU version for institutional deployment.
Reading and Cognitive Skills Developed
- Learning through play translates into real-world reading success.
- Enhances foundational reading competencies such as:
- Sight word recognition
- Visual and auditory discrimination
- Short-term memory recall
- Fine motor coordination (via touch interaction)
- Directional tracking (left-to-right progression)
- Following complex instructions
- Builds transferrable reading techniques to tackle irregular and advanced words later in literacy development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many words are included in the app?
Over 300 words drawn from the Fry, Dolch, and Magic 200 lists.
Q: Is the app safe for young users?
Yes, it is fully ad-free and works offline with no third-party tracking.
Q: Can I use it in a classroom setting?
Yes, it is approved for inclusion in Google Play for Education and used in real classrooms.
Q: Are there any in-app purchases?
No, unlocking the full version is a one-time purchase with no additional costs.
Q: Can I track my child’s progress?
The app tracks progress within levels, but does not include external reporting.
Q: Does it work on tablets?
Yes, it is optimized for both smartphones and tablets.
Q: Are the games based on proven educational methods?
Yes, each game aligns with specific cognitive learning strategies tested in real educational environments.
Version History
v4.05 —— 30 Jun 2025
Bubble drag fix—resolved issue with dragging bubbles appearing in incorrect positions.
v3.99 —— 15 Mar 2025
Widescreen support added—optimized layout for broader device compatibility.
Framework update—under-the-hood improvements for better performance.
v3.91 —— 10 Jan 2025
Framework update—continued backend enhancements.
Minor bug fixes—routine maintenance for smoother gameplay.
