Which Word Root program do you like? Why?

[Blessedfamily]

I'm placing an order today. This would be elementary. I wanted something simply laid out and not too cluttered. Workbook exercises are fine.

Word Roots- by Mind Benders
English From the Roots Up
Vocabulary Vine
Vocabulary From Classical Roots
I'm particulary interested in perspectives on "Red Hot Word Roots"

Thanks,

[YJ in AL]

English From the Roots Up has been very successful around here. It is simple and easy to use.

Yvonne in AL

[jensway]

I also used English from the Roots up here. Very easy to use. A little boring, except when playing with the cards. Root words are not one of our favorites but just needs to get done.

[matroyshka]

I admit to never having tried any of the others, but we're using Word Roots here and are liking it very much.

It is definitely simply laid out and not cluttered. Each page focuses on 2-3 different roots, prefixes and suffixes. Sample words from them are given, the student should circle the root and underline the prefix/suffix and then define the words (mulitple choice).

Then, the student is given sample sentences in which they must use the words in context.

Every 7 pages there are three optional review pages given for that section.

You don't say what age, but the above describes the Word Roots books are aimed for grades 4 and up. They have a new book, Word Roots Beginning, aimed at grades 3-4 that is laid out a bit differently, but is also good (my almost 8yo is using that one, my 10yos are just finishing A1).

[KarenNC]

We're doing Vocabulary Vine and it seems to be working.

[Blessedfamily]

Thanks all. This is for student in 3rd grade Grammar. We'll use the beginning book, whichever we choose.

When I look at online samples for book1 in all of the aforementioned programs, each covers different word roots. I think if I try one and don't like it, I can go to another program next time and won't be repeating the same roots.

I tend to make these things too complicated and am trying to just narrow it down and pick one.

[KarenNC]

Thanks all. This is for student in 3rd grade Grammar. We'll use the beginning book, whichever we choose.

When I look at online samples for book1 in all of the aforementioned programs, each covers different word roots. I think if I try one and don't like it, I can go to another program next time and won't be repeating the same roots.

I tend to make these things too complicated and am trying to just narrow it down and pick one.

My daughter is also 8 and in 3rd grade in grammar (though much higher in reading and vocabulary) and has been able to work on it independently since shortly after starting.

[Julie in MN]

Word Roots- by Mind Benders
English From the Roots Up
Vocabulary Vine
Vocabulary From Classical Roots
I'm particulary interested in perspectives on "Red Hot Word Roots"


These are very different programs. They are probably all good. I think you should decide what type of program would work best in your family, and go from there.

1. Mind Benders program is on CD-ROM. I like that it isn't easy to "win" unless you really memorize those meanings, at least temporarily. I don't like that the game kinda interferes with the root lesson. It's been a great follow-up for us.

2. EFRU & VV are card-building programs. I have both & like both. EFRU is very clearly laid out, pick up & go, tho I suggest adding extra practice or games for retention. VV has more to it, so it takes longer to get into, but then has extra games, more info, and carefully chosen words so kids aren't learning words that no one uses.

3. Classical Roots is a workbook. Didn't work at our house.

4. Never heard of Red Hot here.

[matroyshka]

These are very different programs. They are probably all good. I think you should decide what type of program would work best in your family, and go from there.

1. Mind Benders program is on CD-ROM. I don't like that the game kinda interferes with the root lesson.

Word Roots is available on CD-ROM, but it is also a series of five workbooks. We use the books only and like them very much.

Mind Benders is actually a different series of books (or also available on CD-ROM) of grid logic games from the same publisher (Critical Thinking Press)

[Julie in MN]

Word Roots is available on CD-ROM, but it is also a series of five workbooks.

Woops, you're right! I forgot about that! Another option for her.

[Blessedfamily]

I like the look of Word Roots.

The Voc Vine bingo game looked like so much fun I ordered it.

I know they might never cover the same roots at the same time, but I want to keep it fun and light.