Have you been looking for a vocabulary curriculum that's more than just lists of definitions? One that teaches not only the definition of a word, but also its connotation? How about a curriculum that teaches your children the words well enough that your kids actually incorporate the vocabulary words into their everyday speech?
We've been using Wordly Wise since we first started homeschooling in 2005, and we've been extremely pleased with the program. The curriculum, written originally for a public school setting, is set up so that intense teacher preparation or participation isn't required, making it an ideal program for homeschoolers with multiple children or students who prefer independent study.
Vocabulary Reinforcement through Online Practice
Another aspect of the program we've incorporated this school year is Wordly Wise's free online practice at WordlyWise3000.com. At the site, the student can listen to the vocabulary words, definitions, and sample sentences being read, as well as addition explanations about each vocabulary word. The audio lessons can even be download in MP3 format so you can listen to them away from your computer!
WordlyWise3000.com also provides several interactive activities for each book, including flashcards and a synonym/antonym matchup, which are the two activities we've found most useful for vocabulary reinforcement.
I know Wordly Wise isn't the only quality vocabulary curriculum for homeschoolers on the market. I'd love to hear what your favorite vocabulary curriculum is. Leave a comment and share your experience. What's worked for you?
We are a Wordly Wise family! I have been using it for years, and my children love it. I even have a public school teacher friend using it to supplement in her classroom, and to challenge her own children during the summer months. It is a wonderful curriculum!
We just started using Wordly Wise this year, and I really like it. I didn't realize that they had online practice. My boys would love that!
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A1 LOVES Wordly Wise, I will have to look into the online tools. I looked at them once, and then…. well honestly forgot about them! Thanks for the reminder.
If you happen to have a right brained child. One who tends to struggle with something just like wordly wise, you might look into Vocabulary Cartoons. A2 is SO right brained, and she loves these! Makes it come alive for her. When she has to work a workbook, her brain actually shuts down. All the repetition bogs her down, just as a computer might get bogged with too much information.
I assume A3 will love wordly wise though… isn't that the best part of homeschooling…catering!!!
We've never used Wordly Wise or any other vocabulary curriculum (other than some advanced spellers), but we read very widely. Furthermore, the children are learning two foreign languages , and we dabble in Latin and Greek for the purpose of building vocabulary.
My daughter knew most of the vocabulary words in her SAT prep book, so our method is working for us. It's not for everyone, though, and that's the great thing about homeschooling. We can cater to the moms as well as the kids. 🙂
Annie Kate
My daughter uses Wordly Wise, but I didn't realize that internet activities were also available. I'll definitely check that out!!
Catherine