SpellQuizzer

It seems I've done it again! I've judged a product prematurely and then been surprised.

I believed I would not like this new program we were given to review called SpellQuizzer. Why would I want a program that simply quizzed my student on spelling words? Why would I want to take the time to record words for the audio feature for such a program? We use All About Spelling and Spelling Power so we don't even have "weekly spelling lists"! I'd NEVER use something like this program.

As the say, "never say never!" SpellQuizzer is an ingenious spelling software that takes the drudgery out of spelling practice. Don't ask me why students prefer this to the old fashioned methods of "calling out words" -- but they do!

After installing the program, the parent inputs the list of words they want their student to practice using a microphone (which costs about $10 at most any local store). The student opens the spelling program each day and chooses their list to practice. The student practices spelling by typing the words as they are called out by the computer program in the parent's own voice (or a funny voice if the parent is creative). A typewritten hint can also be used in place of the audio feature if you don't want to use a microphone.

Cool sounds accompany success and errors - that's the fun part!. The student gets immediate feedback and can practice missed words again at the end of the "quiz". Just 10 minutes of practice a day will yield good results.

SpellQuizzer is adaptable for virtually any spelling program. Even though we don't use a program based on weekly spelling lists, I found this a handy program for those problematic words that need extra practice.

More applications! (Ok, I admit it this is why I like this program so much!)

Spelling isn't the only way to use SpellQuizzer. Following the suggestion of another Review Crew member, I entered the definitions of the vocabulary words for our science chapter. The student reads the definition in the hint box and types the answer. You can use the audio feature for definitions as well. (You can even use the same word for two or more definitions). For example -

• What is the part of a cell that contains DNA? Ans: nucleus

This has been a huge help to my student as she learns to "study" for a test.

Entering the words took only minutes.
Don't have minutes? There is an internal spell checker on the word entry function so the student can even be required to enter their own spellings list!

SpellQuizzer costs only $29.95 for the registered download which also gives you access to the spelling lists posted on the company website. There is a multiple license discount which homeschool groups and schools can take advantage of. This one time fee will give you years and years of practice for all of your students - what a deal!!!

This is one program I think any parent can use effectively. Dan Hite developed this program to help his own children with their weekly spelling lists. Installation and implementation is very simple because Dan has provided very helpful FAQS and help lists -- even I didn't have any trouble with this program!

The best part is that you don't have to take any one's word for it -- you can try the program FREE for 30 days. You won't have access to the imported lists during the trial, but you'll get to see how the program works for your family.

Here's a quick review:

• SpellQuizzer works with any spelling program.
• Parents create custom lists for each child which can be saved for use by subsequent children in the family. This is a great feature for the busy parent of several children.
• Children practice typing and spelling at the same time!
• Your student hates handwriting, but that won't keep them from practicing spelling!
  
• Children can enter their own word lists because there is a spellcheck function..
• Children practice independently - no more calling out words while cooking dinner!
• You don't have to use the microphone feature; you can type prompts (definitions)
  

More ideas:

• Use the prompt or the auditory feature to quiz on definitions of vocabulary from other subjects - science, math, literature, foreign language.
• Practice lists of problematic words.
• Download lists from the website - Dolch Sight Words.
• Download all your spelling words for the year during a summer planning session. You can move words from one list to another. This would be a great way to help your children prepare for the Spelling Bee or the Geography Bee.
  
• I suggest having the student spell aloud while typing - or auditory sequencing reinforcement.

• This program will be a good practice medium for the reluctant student who hates to write with a pencil -- typing can be easier for them.

Check out the other reviews at the Review Crew website -- you'll get many more ideas on how to use this innovative product.