I built a spelling app for kids with my 7-year-old

Name: I built a spelling app for kids with my 7-year-old
Availability: InStock
Author: narenst

by narenst·Jun 17, 2026·3 points·1 comment

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AI Analysis

●●SolidCozyNiche Gem

Built with a 7-year-old using Flutter and Leitner spaced repetition for long-term retention.

Strengths

•Leitner system ensures tricky words resurface while mastered ones fade appropriately.
•No ads, no tracking, no third-party data collection — genuinely privacy-focused for kids.
•Placement test finds starting level so kids aren't bored or overwhelmed day one.

Weaknesses

•Static word list limits growth compared to apps with dynamic vocabulary generation.
•iPad-only excludes Android tablets and web browsers many families already use.

Post Description

Hello HN! I made an iPad app with my seven-year-old daughter to make learning spelling fun.

https://spellabee.com/

We play Spelling Bee type games in our car rides, and she wanted to learn more words that way. So we built a simple app that teaches 10 words at a time, and lets the kids practice and master these 10 words.

The full word list in the app is static, and it gets progressively harder as the kid goes through the levels. There are no AI features in the app. I do not collect emails inside the app or have third party trackers. Based on feedback (reviews) and aggregate usage data I plan on updating the app with new word sets.

Although the app does not have any AI features I used AI to build the app itself. I used Claude to code the app using Flutter, do etymology research, and understand what alternative apps that are in the App Store. While the LLMs were good at providing a lot of information, I had to synthesize it and play a strong Product Manager role to drive the vision and keep the app simple. My daughter provided a lot of feedback and helped simplify the app and refine the UX. The "Bee Stage" design was inspired by her drawing.

Without AI tools, it would have been almost impossible for me to build and launch this app. But it still required a lot of decision-making and prioritization to get the product out of the door. I strongly believe that while AI is a powerful tool, human taste is the differentiator in well made products.

If you have a kid in K-5 who is interested in spelling bee type games, give it a try and I would love to hear any feedback you may have as a parent.

App store: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6768881287?pt=12867...