Syntax City

Where Grammar Becomes an Adventure

Welcome to Syntax City, a colorful and interactive learning experience where grammar rules come to life. Developed by Barbara Fernandes, M.S., CCC-SLP, this evidence-based app helps children strengthen their understanding of English syntax and grammar through engaging, themed activities across a lively digital city. Syntax City turns one of the most challenging areas of speech and language therapy — grammar and sentence structure — into a fun, data-driven learning experience for elementary and middle school students.

The City That Speaks Grammar

As “mayor” of Syntax City, you’ll guide students through a variety of real-world locations — each one focusing on a specific grammatical structure. Every destination in the city offers engaging visuals, clear voice prompts, and interactive reinforcement, helping children internalize correct syntax patterns through meaningful repetition.

Eight Locations, Eight Grammar Targets

Each location targets a specific grammatical skill and includes multiple levels of difficulty, ensuring a perfect fit for every learner.

Master Pronouns with Fun, Interactive Challenges

At the Ski Resort, children practice using he and she correctly while exploring a snowy adventure. Each question combines real-life photos, context-rich sentences, and playful visuals to make learning grammar intuitive and fun. Students listen, choose, and learn — with instant feedback and positive reinforcement after every correct response. Perfect for building understanding of subject–verb agreement and pronoun use in context.

Auditory Bombardment

Auditory Bombardment is a cornerstone of the Cycles Approach, and PLC makes it both effective and enjoyable. Children tap floating balloons to hear recordings of target words in a randomized sequence, improving their ability to hear, recognize, and internalize correct sound patterns. As they pop balloons, a score counter keeps track of progress, adding a motivating, game-like challenge. This activity helps children tune their ears to the correct production of sounds before they begin active speech practice—building a strong foundation for later success.

Hot-Air Balloon Game

In this uplifting activity, children say a target word, then drag the picture card into a colorful hot-air balloon basket. As the balloon fills with air, it gradually lifts off the screen—rewarding accurate productions with visual excitement and a sense of accomplishment. This game combines movement, sound, and reinforcement to encourage repeated correct productions of target words. SLPs can track each attempt using built-in scoring buttons (correct, almost, or missed) while keeping sessions lively and interactive.

Matching Game

This twist on the classic memory game is designed specifically for speech and language therapy. Children flip cards to find matching pairs of target words—but each turn requires them to say the word aloud, increasing the number of repetitions per session while keeping engagement high. The combination of visual memory and verbal production strengthens recall and reinforces correct articulation. The game adapts easily to various difficulty levels, making it ideal for individual or small group sessions.

Basket Paper Game

A favorite among children, this activity combines physical interaction with speech practice for a dynamic, hands-on experience. Students say their target word, tap to crumple the digital paper, and then swipe to toss it into the basket. A successful shot triggers fun animations and positive reinforcement—encouraging effort and persistence. By integrating speech with movement and reward, the Basket Paper Game keeps children engaged and focused, especially those who benefit from kinesthetic learning.

Puzzle Game

The Puzzle Game blends speech practice with problem-solving to build focus and anticipation. Each correctly produced word reveals a new piece of a hidden puzzle. As children continue, the full image slowly appears—providing a satisfying sense of completion and progress. This activity encourages repetition without monotony and supports language skills such as descriptive vocabulary, comprehension, and “wh” question practice as children discuss the revealed image.

Each activity includes words, carrier phrases, and sentences, ensuring speech targets are practiced across levels of difficulty.

Designed for Speech-Language Pathologists

PLC was built by SLPs, for SLPs. It reflects years of clinical experience and integrates seamlessly into individual or group sessions.

You can:

Work with 1 to 4 students at once
Track progress on multiple utterances per session
Score responses using either Standard Accuracy (missed, almost, correct) or Level of Prompts (prompted, imitated, correct)

Instant Performance Insights for Every Student

Track Progress Like Never Before

Syntax City automatically tracks accuracy and progress for each grammar target — from Do/Does to Irregular Past Tense. Color-coded bars make it easy to see strengths and areas for improvement at a glance.

Share or review reports anytime to monitor growth and celebrate success.

Whether you’re a speech-language pathologist, teacher, or parent, Syntax City makes data tracking simple, visual, and meaningful.

Personalized for Every Child’s Needs

Phono Learning Center makes it easy to create customized therapy plans for each student.

Add a new student, select their targets, and tailor every session to match their level and goals — all within seconds.

Key Features at a Glance

8 grammar-based locations, 400+ questions
Multiplayer mode (up to 5 players)
Voice recording and playback
Visual and auditory feedback
127 treasures to collect
Adjustable difficulty and audio settings
Comprehensive data tracking and reports
Developed by a certified speech-language pathologist

Give Every Child the Power to Be Understood

Download it Today from the App Store!

Compatible with iPads & MacBook Pro

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