Mar. 7, 2009 - SpellQuizzer
I was given the chance to review a product called SpellQuizzer. It is created by Dan Hite and he says about his program "SpellQuizzer is a software product that is simple and narrowly focused: it helps children practice their spelling words. With SpellQuizzer you make custom spelling lists by making a sound recording of each word as it is added to the list. The software is then used by the child to practice their spelling."
The SpellQuizzer download was easy to download and install. Getting started was easy as well. However, if you don't have a microphone, it isn't as user friendly. There are many helps and directions to get you going on how to add spelling words and hints. Mr. Hite says there are up to 1,500 words in his downloadable spelling list. Which you can then hunt through to add words to your child's spelling list.
My daughter's spelling list had 220 words and inputting only the first ten words and a corresponding hint took me almost a half an hour. While this progam is supposed to save time and work for the homeschooling parent, it didn't do that for me. When I attempted to use the downloadable lists from the website I had to hunt for words because they are not in alphabetical order, to me, this is not benefical either. If I had a microphone it would be easier to verbally add words and hints - but I can't attest to that since I don't have and didn't purchase a microphone.
Overall, my assessment is if you have a microphone this could be a good value for the $29.95, for which you own it - no time constraints. You may also download a free 30 day trial at the SpellQuizzer website. If you are like me and don't have a microphone and don't have the means to purchase one then this isn't such a good value and it would be better to practice your child's spelling words the old fashioned way, face to face.
