SpellQuizzer Spelling Software Review and Giveaway (CLOSED)

My children hate homework. After spending all day in school, the last thing they want to do is do more of the same when they come home. By then, they are tired and simply want to go play. I usually let them take a short break, eat a snack, play a little video games, and then it's back to the books. Sometimes, they don't complain too much and just get it done, but most of the time, there is a lot of  "oh man" and "not yet" responses when I try to get them refocused on their assignments. I can't say as if I blame them, as being a nontraditional college student, I know how exhausting the whole process can be! But they have to do it, and usually it is the same type of assignments: Spelling words, reading and math. The reading is never met with attitude as both my children LOVE to read, and it usually takes some one on one time for them to get through a math assignment. We struggle mainly on those spelling words, because they seem to frustrate them more than anything else, and they get sent home nightly, so night after night, I hear nothing but whining when it comes time for spelling words.

That is why I was so excited to learn about the SpellQuizzer spelling software. SpellQuizzer is a spelling program that helps kids learn their spelling and vocabulary words. No more saying the words to them over and over. No more making them write each misspelled words five times each.  Instead, this new spelling program allows the parent to enter the child's spelling words, and then the child sits down with the computer and writes the words themselves, as many times as it takes, until they learn each and every one!!! I LOVE THIS!!! What is great about it is that it does not focus on one certain curriculum. Instead, it allows the parent to enter their own custom list of spelling words for their child. The list is completely editable, so it can be changed or added to on a continuous basis. Also, another great feature is that many spelling lists can be imported or exported so that other SpellQuizzer users can share lists. This is handy if you are a parent who home schools, as you can share your list with others who home school. In fact, the website even has a dedicated page for home schoolers to share and interact. Here they can import and export word lists and vocabulary words to share with other homeschooling families.

SpellQuizzer does not require any special skill and it is so easy that your child can create their own lists if they so desired. What is neat is that the program recognizes both US and UK versions of words, so if any word is inadvertently typed in wrong, it will alert you that the spelling is incorrect. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3 to set up.

1. Install SpellQuizzer to your computer. (Takes just a few seconds)

2. Select "Create a List" from the program's choices (or use one of the database spelling word lists)

3. Type the spelling/vocabulary words to create a list and then make an audio recording of the spelling or vocabulary word using a microphone or computer speaker. (I did not have a microphone and the speakers picked up my recordings loud and clear).

Keep it fun! When speaking the vocabulary or spelling words, use funny voices or sentences so that your child has fun while learning! The format that is suggested is to speak the word, and then use it in a sentence. I did find that since I did not use a microphone, some words came out sounding like other words. For instance: I said the word "Past" and my son thought I had spoke the word "Path". I think having a microphone might eliminate the confusion (they can be found in most electronic stores for under $20). However, he could usually figure out the word I was asking after hearing me use it in a sentence. I would also suggest repeating the word again at the end of the sentence.  An example: "Brown- The big brown dog wagged his tail. Brown" 


Excerpt from website:

 Children today associate computers with fun and writing on paper with work. 

This fits my children completely, and after a week of using SpellQuizzer, they were telling me "it's time for me to do my spelling words mom". That's a score!  The SpellQuizzer spelling software is available to work on computers running Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista or later.


The Good: What I liked about the program most is the simplicity of it!! It wasn't full of slow loading graphics and so it was easy enough that my child could use it straight away. The website includes a full page of instructions of how to use the program after download, so it ensures that it will be a program that you will use! I liked that I could download pre-recorded spelling lists such as Days of the Week, commonly misspelled words, Months, etc and that the database we create can be shared amongst other SpellQuizzer users. I have used the spelling software every night since my children started school on August 19 and my children still enjoy using it. They argue about who gets to use the computer first! My daughter is in the sixth grade, and her words are getting harder, so she doesn't know them the first time around. What is great about this software is that at the end of the word list, it will present another list of the words your child misspelled. They can then redo the words they missed ONLY! If the child needs to hear the word again, they can simply push "Play Word" and it repeats the word to them. I also like the fact that I can create multiple lists. I made separate lists for my son and daughter and it made it so easy for them to click on their name without any confusion!

The Bad: Throughout the whole time using this software, I only experienced one flaw. My daughter had the name "Anthony van Leewenhoek" to spell. I entered it in properly, however when my daughter got to it in her spelling list, it had only grabbed "Anthony van". I am not certain if there is a limit to how long the word can be, or if I had simply done something wrong. I edited it and attempted again. It still only recognized the "Anthony van", but when she entered just that, it told her she had spelled it wrong, when in fact she had spelled it exactly as it was listed. This is probably a unique situation, and it might have a simple cure, but she normally does not have words that long to spell, so I wasn't too concerned. I just thought I'd mention it as we did experience this during our review.

How to Get: The SpellQuizzer spelling software can be purchased directly from the website for $29.95 for a single PC license (other packages can be purchased for multiple uses) and downloaded immediately.

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ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!!!!

The fine people at SpellQuizzer have offered one reader a chance to win their own SpellQuizzer spelling software.

How to Win: Open to ALL, aged 18+, void where prohibited. Product will be delivered by email, so please have a valid email address visible in your profile or include in your post. I do ask that you read the full giveaway rules, regulations, disclaimer and disclosure on the Legal page. Please be certain to do the mandatory entry as the bonus entries will not be valid if the mandatory entry is not complete. Thanks!

Giveaway ends on September 19, 2010 at midnight central standard time. Winners will be chosen using random.org and will have five business days to respond to my email confirming their win. If no response, a new winner will be chosen.


Entries have closed for this giveaway! Winners will be chosen and announced soon!! Enter my other great giveaways for more chances to win!

Mandatory Entry: 
Leave any comment below!  (I am changing this from the mandatory "follow me on google friend connect", to just leaving a simple comment below. Those that entered previously, your entry still counts. I've added the GFC as a bonus entry, so if you entered before September 1, your entry will count as two).


Bonus Entries:

• Follow me on Google Friend Connect (+1 entry)
• Follow @spellquizzer on Twitter  (+1 entry)
• Follow @uniquecritiques on Twitter (+1 entry)
• Subscribe by email to Critique of the Unique (+2 entries)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (+1 each)
• Tweet about this giveaway:  Enter to #win the SpellQuizzer spelling software from @spellquizzer and @uniquecritiques http://dld.bz/tFhd -Ends 9/19 (+1 daily)

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FTC Guidelines require that I disclose that I received a copy of the SpellQuizzer software for the purpose of this review. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions are my own, honest opinion. Other opinions may vary. I am in no way affiliated with SpellQuizzer aside from this review, although I did receive written permission to use the photos and information contained herein. Thanks to SpellQuizzer for sponsoring the giveaway. SpellQuizzer is responsible for prize fulfillment.

 

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