Help Center

Creating Your First Child Profile

When you first open KidShelf, you'll be prompted to create a profile for your child:

1. Tap "Add Child" or the + icon
2. Enter your child's name (or a nickname)
3. Choose an avatar emoji
4. Select their approximate reading level (you can change this later)
5. Tap "Create Profile"

Navigating the App

KidShelf has three main sections accessible from the bottom navigation:

• Library: Browse and select stories to read
• Progress: View reading stats, XP, levels, and speech analysis
• Settings: Adjust app preferences and calibration

The current child's avatar appears in the top corner—tap it to switch between profiles.

Choosing the Right Reading Level

KidShelf organizes stories into three reading levels:

• Beginner: Simple words, short sentences, lots of repetition
• Intermediate: Longer sentences, more vocabulary variety
• Advanced: Complex sentences, challenging vocabulary, chapter books

Start with a level where your child can read about 80-90% of words correctly. Some challenge is good, but too much can be frustrating.

How to Read a Story

1. Select a story from the Library
2. Tap "Start Reading" (or "Resume" if continuing)
3. Grant microphone permission when prompted
4. Read the highlighted words aloud
5. Correctly read words turn green
6. Swipe or tap arrows to turn pages

Getting Help with Difficult Words

When your child encounters a challenging word:

• Tap the word to hear it pronounced
• See the syllable breakdown to help sound it out
• View the word definition to understand meaning
• Use the skip button if needed (in Settings, you can enable/disable skipping)

Tapped words are automatically added to the "Practice Words" list for later review.

Earning Stars

Children earn 0-3 stars for each story based on reading accuracy:

• 3 Stars: 90%+ accuracy
• 2 Stars: 75-89% accuracy
• 1 Star: 50-74% accuracy
• 0 Stars: Under 50% accuracy

Stars contribute to XP and achievements. Encourage re-reading stories to improve star ratings!

Calibrating for Your Child's Voice

For best results, calibrate the app to your child's unique voice:

1. Go to Settings > Calibration
2. Have your child read each practice word aloud
3. The app automatically adjusts sensitivity based on their speech
4. Complete all 15 calibration words for optimal results

Adjusting Word Match Sensitivity

If the app is too strict or too lenient, adjust the sensitivity:

1. Go to Settings
2. Find "Word Match Sensitivity"
3. Move slider left for more lenient matching (good for younger children or those with speech challenges)
4. Move slider right for stricter matching (good for older, more confident readers)

Understanding Speech Pattern Reports

The Progress screen shows speech pattern analysis:

• Pattern accuracy %: How often your child correctly produces each sound
• Common substitutions: Sounds your child may substitute (e.g., "w" for "r")
• Practice recommendations: Sounds that may benefit from extra practice

Tap "Practice" on any pattern to access targeted word exercises.

Speech Recognition Not Working

If the app doesn't seem to hear your child:

1. Check microphone permission: Go to device Settings > Apps > KidShelf > Permissions and ensure microphone is enabled
2. Reduce background noise: Find a quiet space without TV, music, or other conversations
3. Speak clearly: Have your child speak at a normal volume, not too soft or too loud
4. Hold device closer: Keep the device about arm's length from your child
5. Restart the app: Close and reopen KidShelf

App Doesn't Recognize Words Correctly

If words aren't being matched even when read correctly:

1. Run calibration: Go to Settings > Calibration
2. Adjust sensitivity: Move the sensitivity slider more to the left (lenient)
3. Check for background noise: Even small sounds can interfere
4. Try the practice mode: Use Sound Training to practice specific sounds

Stories Won't Download

If you can't download new stories:

1. Check internet connection: Downloads require an active connection
2. Check available storage: Ensure your device has enough free space
3. Try a different network: Some networks may block connections
4. Restart the app: Close and reopen KidShelf

Once downloaded, stories work fully offline.

Progress Not Saving

If reading progress seems to disappear:

• Don't force-close the app: Always let the app save before closing
• Check the correct profile: Make sure you're viewing the right child's profile
• Avoid clearing app data: This will delete all saved progress

Progress is saved locally on your device. It won't sync across devices.

Screen Turns Off While Reading

If the screen turns off during calibration or practice:

• The app should keep the screen on during active reading sessions
• If this isn't working, check your device's screen timeout settings
• Try restarting the app