Recently, I received a copy of a spelling program from TedCO Software called SpellQuizzer. As a family who follows an eclectic method of homeschooling, we are always searching for new ways to teach and learn the various subjects. Spelling is always a challenge for us because my oldest daughter is very hands on when it comes to learning. For her, worksheets and the typical ways of learning spelling is very tedious. For us, SpellQuizzer was a good fit. It was easy to install and we could start using it within minutes.

When you start it, you will see the following window which shows the basic functionality of the program.

What I like about SpellQuizzer is that when creating your own custom word list, you not only add the word to the list but you can record the word and even a sentence or so with it. SpellQuizzer makes use of your computer’s microphone. If you don’t have
a microphone with your computer, you can purchase one fairly reasonably or choose not to use that functionality. When choosing what I would record for each word, I tried to make up sentences that my kids would appreciate. They enjoyed the personal touch and it made it fun as well.

You can also add a text reminder that displays when your child is quizzed on a word. This is the window that the child sees when being quizzed on the words in a list.

The above example uses a text reminder that identifies the word that is being spelled. Personally, I chose to put the meaning of the word as the text reminder. Using SpellQuizzer, now my daughter can work on her spelling easily by herself. Since I add the word’s meaning as the text reminder, she can also learn vocabulary at the same time. I plan on creating lists for other subjects such as science, history and also for our Bible studies. Since SpellQuizzer is fairly flexible, it is easy to supplement most of your subjects in this manner.

In the options menu of SpellQuizzer, you can choose to have a different sound played when a word is spelled correctly, incorrectly, and when the entire list has been spelled completely correct. My kids got a kick out of this and it helped reinforce how they were doing. It made it into a kind of game for them.

Creating lists was so easy that both my kids made up lists for each other and had fun recording the words and sentences. This was another bonus for me, because they are getting twice as much out of this program. A spell checker is included in the software which ensures that when anyone enters a word that it will not misspelled.

If you choose, you can also take advantage of the download-able lists from SpellQuizzer’s website or from other individuals using SpellQuizzer. If you select the “Import spelling lists” function from the main window, it will guide you through adding a list into your program for your use. If your homeschool co-op or group is using this software then you can save time by sharing word lists instead of having everyone manually enter the same lists. SpellQuizzer even has a bulk purchase discount if your group is interested in using their product.

I have only scratched the surface of SpellQuizzer. You can find out more information directly from their website. The website has video demonstrations that will show you how to use the software in more detail than I have included in this review. The software comes with a very informative help file that can be accessed from the main menu window. You can also select the F1 key to access help while using this software.

For a single license, SpellQuizzer costs $29.95. Since it is download-able, you don’t have to wait to receive it and can start using it right away. For an additional cost, you can also choose to receive a CD of the software. As I mentioned, there are also
other purchase options available from TedCo Software on their purchase page.

If you are considering SpellQuizzer but are still not sure if it is right for you, why not download SpellQuizzer from their website for a free 30 day trial?

Filed under: TOS Crew by Barbara
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