Penny
02-17-2008, 05:47 PM
Well, after using (playing?) this program for a while, I'm definately sending it back.
It simply puts a workbook in a 'game' format where one must choose the correct definition within a certain time frame. For example, Word Drop simply drops vocab words from the top of the screen and the child is to match these words with the definition before they hit the bottom. The next game is essentially the same thing, only one must match the definition in a card file format before the timer goes off. There is a crossword puzzle with no time limit. Through all of the formats the definition never changes, ie no new nuances for the word or different ways to use the word. The words are never used in context or any kind of sentence.
For children in the lower levels, the game is too fast for them to read and understand the definition. My 7 yr old could never read at the level of the definition without help. In fact, the whole timer thing stresses ME out.
This is definately NOT a good tool. I would love to see a program where the definitions are given, and spoken in well chosen context in multiple ways for the child to hear. Then possibly a game (with no time limit) could be played to use the words. I think hearing the words and hearing them spoken in well chosen sentences is a missing part of our daily Wordly Wise time.
But, I'm going ahead and buying that next Wordly Wise level!
Penny
It simply puts a workbook in a 'game' format where one must choose the correct definition within a certain time frame. For example, Word Drop simply drops vocab words from the top of the screen and the child is to match these words with the definition before they hit the bottom. The next game is essentially the same thing, only one must match the definition in a card file format before the timer goes off. There is a crossword puzzle with no time limit. Through all of the formats the definition never changes, ie no new nuances for the word or different ways to use the word. The words are never used in context or any kind of sentence.
For children in the lower levels, the game is too fast for them to read and understand the definition. My 7 yr old could never read at the level of the definition without help. In fact, the whole timer thing stresses ME out.
This is definately NOT a good tool. I would love to see a program where the definitions are given, and spoken in well chosen context in multiple ways for the child to hear. Then possibly a game (with no time limit) could be played to use the words. I think hearing the words and hearing them spoken in well chosen sentences is a missing part of our daily Wordly Wise time.
But, I'm going ahead and buying that next Wordly Wise level!
Penny