With our sons aged six and eight, phonics are almost behind us now. Having seen them both get to grips with letter sounds and early reading, though, we appreciate a good phonics app.

Montessori Early Reading – Phonics & Rhyme Games looks to be exactly that. Released for Apple devices this month, it’s the work of developer Edoki, who used to be called Les Trois Elles.

Aimed at five year-olds and up, this uses rhyming games to reinforce the phonics learning that your kids are getting at school.

“It is proven scientifically that the brain needs to practice reading using rhyme games from a very early stage,” claim the developers in the App Store listing. “With this app, children will enjoy looking for the word that rhymes with…”

It works in four languages: English, Spanish, French and Italian, with 300 words to practise with across its three mini-games.

What we like especially, though, is the fact that this app also comes with printable sheets for parents that you can use when your device is turned off: the idea being you can play with you children whenever inspiration strikes them, even if your iPhone or iPad isn’t to hand.

Montessori Early Reading – Phonics & Rhyme Games costs £1.99 for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store.

Read about more phonics apps for kids on Apps Playground.