advertisement

red line
SuperKids Software Review - The Parent's and Teacher's Guide to Childrens' Software
free newsletter! spacer tell a friend! spacer contests
spacer
software
  reviews
  bestseller list
  price survey
  what's new
  product support
  search
spacer
educational tools
  ask a scientist
  math worksheets
  vocabulary builders
  hangman
  iPhone/iPad apps
  logic games
  brain food
spacer
educational insights

feature articles
spacer
marketplace
  iPhone/iPad apps
  reading corner
  movie corner
spacer
SuperKids home
  about SuperKids
  advertise!
  humor
  links
  help
spacer
  * * *

Promotions




  * * *

spacer all reviews >>> vocabulary software

Vocabulary Software -- The Big Picture

A good vocabulary is important. Why? A strong vocabulary is an essential ingredient of effective communication. Conventional vocabulary teaching typically stresses rote memorization (think flashcards), and/or the use of context clues. Clearly, computer software can simulate flashcards and track performance. We wondered if software developers had found any other approaches.

  • Words Rock! [for ages 4 to 14+] from EdAlive, is a strong drill and test vocabulary/spelling/grammar program, hidden in a modest search game. The educational component will be attractive to parents and teachers, as well as to those students who want to learn or challenge themselves.
  • Vocabulary Stretch [for ages 12 to 18+] from Merit Software, is an old-style, automated workbook program, with repetitive drills and tests. Our testers found it to be very boring.
  • Word Adventure 2K1 [for ages 7 to 12] from WordSmart, spices up the repetitive process of learning new words with graphics, a target game (a favorite among our testers), a matching approach, fill in the blank, and other techniques. Our kid reviewers still found it boring, but better than flashcards!
  • Quadrinarian Word Find: The Search for Meaning [for ages 5 and up] from Ohio Distinctive Software, is a narrowly focused program, providing word-find puzzles dressed up in many different packages. If you like hidden word puzzles, you may like this program.
  • Kaplan: Writing and Vocabulary Essential Review [ages 14 to 18] from Encore Software, helps high-school students to improve their composition, English and standardized test skills. This program is best for motivated students who are willing to read a computer screen for several hours and can independently apply large amounts of abstract information to specific assignments.

Can't find one that meet your needs? Check out other Vocabulary programs SuperKids has reviewed.


SuperKids Ratings Ratings Key
Title
Publisher
Education
Value
Kid
Appeal
Ease
of Use
Buyers Guide
(Price Survey)
Words Rock!
    EdAlive
4.5 3.5 3.0 PC / Mac
Vocabulary Stretch
    Merit Software
2.8 1.5 3.3 PC / Mac
Quadrinarian Word Find: The Search for Meaning
    Ohio Distinctive Software
3.5 2.9 4.0 PC / Mac
Word Adventure 2K1
    WordSmart
5.0 2.5 4.5 PC / Mac
Kaplan: Writing and Vocabulary Essential Review
    Encore Software
3.0 2.0 4.0 PC / Mac
Reviews of Other Vocabulary Programs


back to top of page



Go to: About SuperKids Educational Software Review
Questions or comments regarding this site? webmaster@superkids.com
Copyright © 1998-2024 Knowledge Share LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy