Wednesday, June 3, 2009

SpellQuizzer Review (and giveaway!)

I was recently given the opportunity to review SpellQuizzer spelling software. SpellQuizzer is a spelling program that allows you to build custom spelling lists for your children.
Here's how it works:
You type in a word, record it in your own voice, and add it to the list. Keep adding words until your list is complete. To practice the list, you'll choose the "Quiz me on a list" option. The program will say the recorded word, and wait for you to type it in. You can repeat the word as many times as you need to. If you answer incorrectly, the program will correct you. If you answer correctly, the program will proceed to the next word. You have the option to review the words in order, or to randomize them.
Here are my thoughts about the program:
Installation was easy. The program walks you through the process, including trouble shooting when necessary. I had some trouble getting my mic to work, because I'd never used it before. I followed the suggestions in the "help" section, and my husband and I were able to figure it out without much trouble. (This was not reflection on the product, by the way, just our technological ineptitude.)
The program is pretty intuitive. There was no need to read lots of lengthy instructions. I had it figured out in about 2 minutes, once the mic was working.
My four year old son can spell a few words. (Thank you WordWorld and Letter Factory.) I decided to test it out with him. I made a short list, and had him spell the words. In this case, I typed t he words for him as he spelled them, since he isn't very proficient with the keyboard. He got them all correct, and at the end of the list, the program cheered loudly. After we were done, he wanted to do some more.
When I agreed to review this product, I wasn't sure if it would be age appropriate for my son, who is only just starting to read and spell. I now feel that it is. In fact, I think this software would be helpful to just about anyone with kids in the house, whether the kids are homeschooling, or attending public or private school. The great thing is that it's totally adaptable. It also seems like this would be a great help for parents of several children, since one child could practice their spelling words while you help another child with something that requires more hands on help.
The SpellQuizzer site has a page devoted to homeschoolers located here. They also have several ready made spelling lists, including Dolch sight words.
You can download free trial of SpellQuizzer at http://www.spellquizzer.com/, but Dan at SpellQuizzer also offered to sponsor a giveaway here.

One (1) commenter will receive a full version of the program, valued at $29.95.

For your first entry, go check out the SpellQuizzer site, and let me know why you think it would be useful for your family. (You must do this for any subsequent entries to count.)
Additionally you may:
Blog about or link to the giveaway, and then leave a separate comment with a link.
Become a follower, and leave a separate comment saying so.
That's a total of 3 possible entries.

The giveaway will end on June 10, 2009, midnight central time. Please remember to leave a way for me to get in touch with you, if you are the winner.

Good Luck!




This giveaway is listed at All Things Bloggy.

7 comments:

  1. What a very cool product! My kids are just on the edge of being able to use something like this. But it'd be fun to try.

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  2. This is very cool!

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  3. I have one child that spelling is a challenge for, but she loves the computer. I think this would be a great thing to assist her in mastering spelling. Thanks for the review!

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  4. Hi! This is my first time to your site. I am glad I made it in time for a chance to win :) I like the quizspeller because I have 6 kids under age 8 and I homeschool. IF I win, that means it is FREE (yaa~!) for me and we need to find a better spelling program for my kids. So, that's it! :)

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  5. Hey, look there- I joined your followers so add me in again pleeeease! Thank you!

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  6. My boys are obsessed with words, and my 3-year-old is teaching himself how to spell/read. They would both love this.

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