Sproutling - Interactive Learning App for Kids

An iOS educational app designed for children ages 2-4, built with SwiftUI and research-based pedagogical practices.

Features

Two Learning Tracks

Numbers & Counting (Math)

• Number recognition with visual objects (1-20)
• Counting practice with tap interaction
• Number matching games
• Subitizing (quick quantity recognition)
• Comparison activities (more/less/same)
• Six progressive levels

Letters & Phonics (Reading)

• Letter recognition with phonetic sounds
• Letter-to-word associations
• Phonics blending (C-A-T → CAT)
• Vocabulary building
• Systematic synthetic phonics approach
• Six progressive levels (A-Z)

Multi-Profile Support

• Create multiple child profiles
• Customizable avatars (50+ emoji options in 5 categories)
• 25 gradient backgrounds organized by color family
• Independent progress tracking per profile
• iCloud sync across devices
• Profile switching from home screen

Parent Controls

• PIN Protection: 4-digit PIN secures settings and profile management (stored in Keychain)
• Daily Time Limits: Configurable 5-60 minute screen time limits
• Time Tracking: Visual countdown timer in header
• "Time for Break" Screen: Friendly break screen when limit reached
• Sound & Haptics Toggles: Control audio and haptic feedback

Engaging Learning Experience

• Colorful, playful design optimized for young children
• Multi-sensory learning with visual, audio, and haptic feedback
• Positive reinforcement only - celebrations for success, gentle encouragement for retries
• Progressive reveal - scaffolded learning that builds confidence
• Star reward system - earn up to 3 stars per lesson
• Streak tracking - encourages daily learning habits
• Confetti animations for achievements

Progress Tracking

• Detailed progress screen with per-subject breakdown
• Star counts per level
• Overall completion percentage
• Learning streak display
• Total stars earned

Project Structure

Sproutling/
├── SproutlingApp.swift              # App entry point
├── Models/
│   ├── Models.swift                 # Core data models
│   ├── PersistedProfile.swift       # SwiftData profile persistence
│   └── ParentSettings.swift         # Parent settings model
├── ViewModels/
│   └── AppState.swift               # Main app state management
├── Views/
│   ├── Components/
│   │   ├── Components.swift         # Reusable UI components
│   │   └── ProfileComponents.swift  # Profile-specific components
│   ├── Screens/
│   │   ├── HomeScreen.swift         # Main landing screen
│   │   ├── SubjectScreen.swift      # Level selection
│   │   ├── LessonView.swift         # Activity delivery
│   │   ├── LessonCompleteScreen.swift
│   │   ├── ProgressScreen.swift     # Progress tracking
│   │   ├── SettingsScreen.swift     # Parent settings
│   │   ├── ProfileSelectionScreen.swift
│   │   ├── ProfileManagementScreen.swift
│   │   ├── ProfileEditorSheet.swift
│   │   ├── ParentPINSheet.swift     # PIN entry/setup
│   │   └── TimeForBreakScreen.swift # Time limit reached
│   └── Activities/
│       ├── MathActivities.swift     # Math activity views
│       └── ReadingActivities.swift  # Reading activity views
├── Utilities/
│   ├── SoundManager.swift           # Audio & haptics
│   ├── KeychainManager.swift        # Secure PIN storage
│   └── CurriculumLoader.swift       # JSON curriculum loader
└── Resources/
    ├── Assets.xcassets
    ├── MathCurriculum.json          # Math lesson content
    └── ReadingCurriculum.json       # Reading lesson content

Requirements

• iOS 17.0+
• Xcode 15.0+
• Swift 5.9+

Setup Instructions

1. Open the project

   open Sproutling.xcodeproj

2. Select a simulator or device

   • iPhone 14/15 recommended for best experience
   • iPad also supported

3. Build and run

   • Press Cmd + R or click the Play button

Customization

Adding Curriculum Content

Edit the JSON curriculum files in the Resources folder:

MathCurriculum.json:

{
  "subject": "math",
  "levels": [
    {
      "id": 1,
      "title": "Numbers 1-3",
      "subtitle": "Learn to count!",
      "cards": [
        { "type": "numberWithObjects", "number": 1, "objects": "apples" }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

ReadingCurriculum.json:

{
  "subject": "reading",
  "levels": [
    {
      "id": 1,
      "title": "Letters A-D",
      "subtitle": "First letters!",
      "cards": [
        { "type": "letterCard", "letter": "A", "word": "Apple", "emoji": "🍎", "sound": "ah" }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

Adding Sound Effects

1. Add .mp3 files to the Resources folder
2. Reference them in SoundManager.swift

Architecture

• MVVM Pattern - Clean separation of Views, ViewModels, and Models
• SwiftUI - Declarative UI with native iOS animations
• SwiftData - Profile and settings persistence with iCloud sync
• Keychain - Secure PIN storage
• @StateObject / @EnvironmentObject - Reactive state management
• JSON Curriculum - Externalized lesson content for easy updates

Research Foundation

Built following evidence-based early childhood education principles:

1. Concrete-to-Abstract Learning - Counting real objects before showing numerals
2. Learning Trajectories - Activities matched to child's developmental level
3. Multi-sensory Engagement - Visual, auditory, and tactile feedback
4. Systematic Synthetic Phonics - Proven method for early reading
5. Parent Co-Play Design - Designed for adult supervision per AAP guidelines

Credits

Built with pedagogical guidance from:

• NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)
• Research on systematic synthetic phonics
• Khan Academy Kids design principles

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Made with love for little learners