Improve your homeschool student’s vocabulary by using this fun, interactive, advanced vocabulary video game!
My younger twins (age 12) LOVE playing video games. One son, in particular, would probably play all day long if I let him! Now, I really don’t like them playing video games because I feel like there are so many more productive things to occupy their time and minds…which is why I limit their “electronic time” to just 30 minutes per day during the week.
And, they ONLY get that screen time AFTER they have completed all their schoolwork AND their chores.
But, even though they do everything I require of them to “earn” their electronic time, I still cringe when I see their hands glued to the controllers or their eyes entranced by the action on the screen…
EXCEPT, when they are doing/playing something educational.
Now that, I like! And, I let them use their gadgets for games like that without the same limitations!
That is why I LOVE to find educational games for my boys, especially the younger ones! I kind of feel like I’m tricking them into learning! They are into the competition and gaming aspect, while I’m into the actual learning that’s taking place while they are engaging with their screens.
I’ve mentioned it before, but my younger set of twins are not nearly as fond of reading as my older kids. And, it shows! At age 12, my older kiddos were much better spellers and their vocabulary was much more substantial.
So, in effort to work on expanding their vocabulary I decided to “trick” them with a video game! Vocabulary Quest, to be exact!
What is Vocabulary Quest?
Vocabulary Quest is a game-based software program that is designed to help homeschool students (grade 5 through 12) improve their vocabulary.
Now, this is not some basic vocabulary program…it is advanced! In fact, I’m slightly embarrassed to say that I didn’t know what a few of the level 1 beginner words meant!
I mean, really, do YOU know the definition of aver? What about agog? I feel smarter just from testing out the program myself!
The best part is when I hear my boys using one of their newly learned vocabulary words in everyday conversation! Now, THAT is cool!
How does Vocabulary Quest work?
You begin the game by selecting your avatar and deciding on the degree of difficulty.
I started my 12 year old boys out on the Easy-Hard / Beginner / Easy mode. I knew that I needed to set them up for success if I wanted them to have continued interest in the game.
However, I started my 14 year old boys out on the Random / Hard / Normal mode. So far, these settings have suited them all just fine.
Once the settings have been decided, read through the battle (game) instructions.
And be sure to familiarize yourself with some of the handy tips.
Then, begin to practice the new words by first selecting Level 1 on the left side of the screen and then simply clicking on the words one at a time. The words are presented five at a time.
My favorite tip was discovered by one of my sons. As I was introducing the game to him, he said, “This is good! I like this, but I wish it would use the words in a sentence.”
We noticed a little “i” and clicked on it (see the graphic below) and viola, the word was used in a sentence!
Once you’re ready to actually practice the words, click on the blue shield above your word list. The following screen will give you access to various practice games and activities to prepare you for the vocabulary battle!
Once you’re well-prepared, it’s battle time!
My Favorite Things About the Software:
While I’m not a big fan of the monsters and fighting (I don’t care for them in ANY of the games my kids play), this pales in comparison to what I love about the game!
Seriously, the game has become part of our daily school routine! And, not just for my 12 year olds.
Once my 14 year olds saw the game, they were even more excited! In fact, my oldest son remarked, “That’s pretty cool, mom! These are words that I don’t even know!”
He continued, “One of my resolutions was to learn a new word every week, but I haven’t even done one yet…that [playing Vocabulary Quest] probably got me all caught up right there!”
Music to my ears!
Here is what it all boils down to:
Vocabulary Quest is…
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1) Capacious – The list is massive. There are 1200 advanced vocabulary words included in the program to learn. Hello, SAT prep!
2) Mesmeric – My boys have enjoyed this new way of learning vocabulary! It definitely beats using boring flashcards.
3) Solitary – I’m NOT a fan of recurring payments. That’s why I love that access to Vocabulary Quest is a one-time payment!
4) Interminable – Do you have multiple kids that need to use the program? No need to purchase access for each child! Y’all, it’s unlimited access for unlimited users! High five for big families!!
5) Variegated – There are multiple different ways to practice the vocabulary (multiple choice, matching games, crossword puzzles, fill in the blank activities, flash cards, mini tests, battles, and more).
6) Sophisticated – The technology allows you to easily keep up with words that need extra practice by adding them to the list of Recommended Words to Study.
7) Fun – Vocabulary Quest is a, dare I say, FUN, way to incorporate vocabulary practice into your homeschoolers day! They will love the games! You’ll love their new and improved vocabulary skills and word usage!
**Did you like my use of new vocabulary? I was inspired by Vocabulary Quest!
**By the way, in case you were wondering, aver is an verb and it means “to say something in a very strong and definite way.” Agog is an adjective and it means “very eager or curious to hear or see something.”
After reading what I had to aver about Vocabulary Quest, aren’t you agog to check it out for yourself!
Visit Vocabulary Quest on Facebook or head to the Vocabulary Quest website to try a FREE demo download of the game!
This post was originally published on January 27, 2020.
Celebrate 365 ~ March
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