Word Connect helps kids practice and improve the following skills:

Working Memory: Recalling and retaining information in our minds while working.

In order to complete a puzzle and move to the next level, the player needs to use their working memory skills to recall how words are spelled as they are in the act of dragging their finger across the screen to spell it out. For players who struggle with working memory, looking at the letters on the screen and writing out as many words as they can on a piece of paper may help them if they are having trouble remembering the spelling of a word while they are using the touch screen to spell it out. The game also helps the player by showing them how many words they need to collect and how many letters are in each of those words. This makes it a little easier for the player to know how many letters they need for the word, which can help with spelling. Players can also use hints if they need just a little extra help getting started. 

Planning: Developing a systematic approach for setting and achieving goals.

By completing levels and finding additional words that were not in the puzzle, the player can earn coins. Sometimes the coins are in the word boxes of the puzzle itself. With these coins, the player can purchase hints for when they are stuck on a certain word or level. The player needs to use their planning skills with their coins because they are a finite resource.

Unless the player wants to spend real money on extra hint coins, they need to save and budget to use the coins only when they truly are stuck and need a hint. Players who struggle with planning may find that they run out of coins too quickly and need to struggle through a puzzle or purchase additional hint coins. For these players, making a plan to use the coins much like a bank account can help budget them out for when they are truly needed.