Wordy Qwerty is the follow-up program to Talking Finger's Read, Write and Type, which I reviewed earlier this year! While "Read, Write, and Type" focused on teaching a student basic reading, spelling, and typing, Wordy Qwerty takes the instruction up another level and teaches not only the mechanics of proper spelling, but the "whys" of proper spelling - the 20 basic spelling rules of the English Language.
Wordy Qwerty combines games and music to help a child learn and remember spelling rules, so it is easy for the child to use and apply them in real life work! While designed mainly for 2nd and 3rd graders to use, I believe any student struggling with a basic spelling foundation could benefit from it. For this review, my 4th grader (10 years old) and my 3rd grader (8.5 years old) used the product. It was neither too easy nor too hard for either of them, and they both enjoyed using it.
The program has 20 lessons, each outlining one or more spelling rules. Within each lesson, there are 6 games - each lesson follows the same pattern. At the completion of each lesson, a part of a "music machine" is constructed - but it isn't until all 20 lessons are completed that the student gets to see the complete machine in action! Here are some screen shots of some of the games:
As an added help, each rule is also put to music in a short song. The program sings this song, and the child also has the opportunity to sing along, too!
The musical aspect of Wordy Qwerty is extremely beneficial, in my opinion. I overheard my 4-year old singing "C says /s/ if it comes before E, I or Y...." and that is a perfect example of how songs help the rules "get stuck" in someone's head - even if they're not paying that much attention! They can easily be recalled for "real-life" spelling.
I also found that only being allowed to see pieces of the music machine was enough reward for each level, but also helped to encourage my children to do ALL of the levels, so they could see the final outcome. When one of my children finally got to it, everyone stopped what they were doing to go see what it was like - and even I thought it was pretty cool!
As a parent, I could check on each of my children's progress in my parental account. While not overly detailed, the report displays and graphs the score for each lesson. If I noticed one was a particular struggle, I would just have that child redo that lesson.
I found Wordy Qwerty to be a nice, easy way to slip in some reinforcement of spelling rules. I don't know that the kids realized they were "learning" - they just enjoyed having game time on the computer!
The price is $35 for a CD-ROM of Wordy Qwerty, or a family can purchase a 5-year online subscription for one or more student, starting at $25. You can also try a free lesson before buying, to see for yourself what you think! That page also lets you fill out a form for a coupon code for 20% off!
And, as always, be sure to see what other Crew Members thought of Wordy Qwerty by checking out the TOS Homeschool Crew Blog!
I also found that only being allowed to see pieces of the music machine was enough reward for each level, but also helped to encourage my children to do ALL of the levels, so they could see the final outcome. When one of my children finally got to it, everyone stopped what they were doing to go see what it was like - and even I thought it was pretty cool!
As a parent, I could check on each of my children's progress in my parental account. While not overly detailed, the report displays and graphs the score for each lesson. If I noticed one was a particular struggle, I would just have that child redo that lesson.
I found Wordy Qwerty to be a nice, easy way to slip in some reinforcement of spelling rules. I don't know that the kids realized they were "learning" - they just enjoyed having game time on the computer!
The price is $35 for a CD-ROM of Wordy Qwerty, or a family can purchase a 5-year online subscription for one or more student, starting at $25. You can also try a free lesson before buying, to see for yourself what you think! That page also lets you fill out a form for a coupon code for 20% off!
And, as always, be sure to see what other Crew Members thought of Wordy Qwerty by checking out the TOS Homeschool Crew Blog!
Disclaimer: I was given this product specifically for the purpose of reviewing here on my blog as a member of TOS Homeschool Crew. I received no other compensation in regards to this review.
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