SpellQuizzer

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

SpellQuizzer - as you can guess by the name- is an ingenious and affordable spelling program to aid your children with their spelling. I was pretty hesitant to use a computer program and really dragged my feet with this one. I thought it would be hard to install (it wasn't) and awkward to use (definately wasn't!). What did slow me down was finding a microphone (only because my husband didn't want me to go buy one. He knew there was one in a box somewhere!) Microphones are a dime a dozen and certainly shouldn't have been an excuse.If you are using this as a traditional spell quizzer, then you can build in prompts to remind about each practice word and a microphone isn't even necessary - but is recommended. However, with Spelling Power the microphone would be essential to use the lists the way it is supposed to be used.

This program has proved to be a lifesaver for us. My oldest son and daughter are supposed to take turns reading the lists in their Spelling Power books to each other.  However, while my 16 yo daughter LOVES spelling and reading , my son loathes it. So she is always nagging him to read her the list and he is always "forgetting" to get to it. It is not on the list of top 10 things and sometimes he struggles with pronunciation and using the words from her list in sentences, too. I know he was slowing her down in her progress, but she is far ahead and  I just didn't have enough hours in the day. I have often thought how nice it would be to record myself reading the lists and using the words in sentences so any of the kids could work on spelling independent of me and each other.

Then into my lap - through the The Old Schoolhouse Crew- dropped the opportunity to test out SpellQuizzer designed by Dan Hite.

I simply downloaded the software onto the computer my kids (by myself, I might add!) and started entering the lists. Set up was a breeze. It also saves on paper for us. My children only need to transfer the missed words to thier 10 step study sheet OR better yet start a custom list of words they missed so they can quizz themselves the next day.

The program is completely cusomizable and even my younger spellers will be able to use it. My son doesn't know it yet, but he is going to get practice entering the spelling lists in for the younger levels. There are even lists that can be imported from the website. I highly recommend this program as a handy tool to aid teaching. It works with ANY and all spelling programs. Additionally, it will help with keyboard practice. Younger kids could have an older child or parent type the word while they spell it, but even my 5 yo would love the novelty of getting to use the computer for spelling.

The program is only $29.95. You can also download a free trial offer for 30 days. If you are part of a school group or co-op bulk discounts are offered. Satisfaction is guaranteed. Dan's website is wondefully formatted and as easy to use as his program. Bravo! And thanks for the opportunity to review this wonderful program. It has been such a useful tool already!

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