Analyzing how ‘GraphoGame’ helps Dyslexics to read

Previously in the last blog, How Video Games Enhance Learning for Dyslexic Children, we discussed how video games can help dyslexic children learn. Now, let’s analyze and dissect a game where dyslexic children learn to read by using phonetic sounds and interactive game elements.

Written by Zareen, Edited by Sadat & Zarif

Figure 1: Learning Phonetics with GraphoGame

In this blog, I analyzed different aspects of GraphoGame, such as game elements, gameplay mechanics, and accessibility features for dyslexic players. I also discussed how it makes learning phonetics, word formation, and spelling more engaging.

GraphoGame’s main focus is to help players improve their letter recognition, word formation, spelling and reading skills supporting their overall educational growth. The game is interesting and accessible to young learners, focusing on those with dyslexia. It incorporates a playful and imaginative environment into its educational content. The game uses vibrant visuals and captivating characters to create a fun and immersive learning experience. It transforms traditional educational environment into an adventure, making the learning process for children feel like play. This approach enhances motivation and engagement and reduces the anxiety & frustration often associated with learning difficulties. The inclusive design ensures that all children, regardless of their reading abilities, can benefit from it and enjoy the game.

Figure 2: Letters Box with Phonetic Sounds

Figure 2 shows us the initial interface of GraphoGame that features a colorful island scene with palm trees. It shows us a letter box containing various lowercase letters like ‘i’, ‘t’, ‘p’, ‘n’, ‘a’, ‘s’ & ‘c’ in different colors. A player can hear the sounds of the letters again and again by simply tapping on the letters on the screen. It helps players learn letters with their corresponding sounds. This engaging visual setup intends to make the phonetics (it is the study of the sounds of human speech) learning process fun and interactive for young learners. I gave an idea on phonetics on my blog on Mind Bender’s Hub LinkedIn – here: Understanding how learning words can be challenging. and how video games can help. | LinkedIn.

Figure 3: Learn Letters with Fun

The GraphoGame features a storyline where players embark on an adventure through various levels. Each level design intends to teach a specific literacy skill. The narrative includes colorful characters and immersive environments that provide a context for the learning activities. This adventure-based approach helps maintain the interest of young players, making the educational content more engaging.

Figure 3 shows an adventurous girl hopping on her magical hot air balloon. The sounds of letters power the balloon and the player’s mission is to help her fly higher into the sky. The AI voice pronounces the letters in its phonetic form. The player needs to tap the correct letter to match the sound. Each correct tap gives the balloon a burst of energy, lifting the girl higher. Conversely, tapping the wrong letter will slow down the balloon. This makes the level a fun and interactive way to learn phonetics.

Figure 4: Word Formation

In this level of GraphoGame (Figure 4), players engage with the following core game mechanics:

• Letter Selection: This level shows players the individual letters on the screen. They must select the correct letters based on auditory and visual prompts. For instance, if the target word is “sat,” players must choose the letters “s”, “a” and “t” from the available options.
• Word Formation: After selecting the correct letters, the game assembles them to form a complete word. This process visually and interactively demonstrates the concept of word formation, helping players understand how letters combine to create words.
• Immediate Feedback: The game provides instant feedback upon letter selection. If the correct letters are chosen, the word is displayed, reinforcing the correct choices. Tapping the wrong letter shows a red line in the health bar on the bottom right corner of Figure 4. This immediate reinforcement helps players quickly grasp the correct associations between letters and sounds.

These mechanics are designed to be intuitive and engaging, allowing players to practice phonetics, letter recognition, and word formation in an interactive and supportive environment. By repeatedly engaging with these tasks, players develop a stronger understanding of the fundamental building blocks of literacy.

Figure 5: Identifying Correct Words from Sounds

In this level of GraphoGame (Figure 5), players are asked to identify the correct word based on auditory cues. The AI voice pronounces a word from the given options, and the player must tap on the correct word after listening to the voice. This activity supports the development of several key literacy skills:

• Phonemic Awareness: Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and work with the individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. In this level of GraphoGame (Figure 5), by listening to the pronunciation of the word, players enhance their ability to recognize and differentiate sounds within words. It is undoubtedly a fundamental aspect of phonemic awareness.
• Sound-Word Association: Matching the spoken word to the correct written form reinforces the relationship between sounds and their corresponding written representations. This strengthens the player’s ability to decode and encode words which is essential for both reading and spelling.
• Spelling Practice: Seeing the written form of the word alongside its pronunciation helps players understand the correct spelling of words and contributes to improve spelling skills. Repetition of this activity reinforces the correct spelling patterns and phonetic rules.
• Auditory Differentiation: The need to accurately identify the correct word based on sound enhances auditory differentiation skills, which are crucial for effective reading and language comprehension.

GraphoGame gradually increases in difficulty, introducing more complex words and sound combinations as players progress. This support ensures that players are continually challenged but not overwhelmed and it promotes steady learning and confidence building. The progression design carefully aligns with the natural development of literacy skills.

Figure 6: Word Challenges

Simple CVC Words: This level of GraphoGame (Figure 6) starts with basic three-letter consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words like “nip”, “sip”, “tip”, “nap”, “cap” and “tap”.

Pattern Recognition: This level introduces players with words that follow similar patterns but changes in one letter, such as “tap” to “nap” or “cap.”

Engaging Elements: This level includes fun elements like hot air balloons with pirate symbols as rewards or challenges to keep the game engaging.

This progression helps children recognize patterns in word formation and phonics, essential for developing reading skills.

Text and Font: GraphoGame uses clear, dyslexia-friendly fonts that enhance readability. The game presents text in a large, legible format with high contrast to ensure it is easily distinguishable by the players.

Audio Support: The game provides robust auditory support, with clear, articulate voiceovers that guide players through tasks. This audio feedback is essential for strengthening phonetic skills and aiding comprehension for dyslexic children.

Possibility of Voice Repetition: According to the guidelines from the research paper titled, “An Approach to Accessible Serious Games for People with Dyslexia“, in all levels of a video game, a player should be able to hear the voice messages or texts repeatedly on the screen. GraphoGame follows this guideline.

Error Tolerance: GraphoGame is designed to be forgiving, allowing multiple attempts without penalty. This tolerance helps build confidence and reduces the frustration that can accompany learning challenges.

GraphoGame effectively combines engaging themes and narrative with educational gameplay mechanics and provides immediate feedback and reinforcement to support learning. Its accessibility features make it particularly suitable for dyslexic players and ensures that all learners can benefit from its educational content. By focusing on phonetics, word formation, spelling, and reading ability, the game offers a comprehensive approach to literacy education, making it a valuable tool for young learners, especially those with dyslexia.
The GraphoGame Method demonstrated impressive outcomes with transparent languages. Children at risk of reading difficulties showed notable improvements in spelling, letter recognition, and reading fluency while using GraphoGame. Encouraged by these positive results, GraphoGame was further adapted into various languages, including English, Spanish, and African languages like Cinyanja.

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