TOS Review - Talking Fingers Wordy Qwerty

As part of the TOS Crew we recently had the opportunity to use Wordy Qwerty, an online software program from Talking Fingers. Wordy Qwerty is the follow-up program to their Read, Write & Type Learning System I reviewed this past fall and is geared for grades 2-4.

We were anxious to give this program a try.  My son had enjoyed the original program and was now ready to move on to spelling. :)


There are 20 lessons with 6 activities per lesson. Each lesson covers a different spelling rule. The 6 activities work with words for each rule.Through the 6 activities, students will build a solid foundation to help with fluency.

Foundation:

•  Most words follow about 20 easy spelling rules.
• There are several ways some sounds can be represented.
• There are many word families. By changing the first letter, you can make hundreds of words.
• Some words don't follow any rules. Learn to recognize those words right away.
• Having a student write what is being dictated (a word, phrase or passage) spoken to them, develops vocabulary, comprehension and fluency as well as spelling skills. 
• Filling in the missing blank while reading, develops vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency skills.

The lessons are taught using games, music, and catchy tunes called JingleSpells, which, not surprisingly, is the biggest hit of the program here.

Game - the child has to spell the word, then select which sound the letter makes

Keyboard Buddy - tell your child the spelling rule after a group of words is spelled

Jingle - after the rule is introduced, a jingle about the rule is sung. 

Your child can sing along by clicking on the microphone on the lower right.

Game - choose the correct spelling of the word. If both are correct, click both

Game - finish the sentence with the correct word (and spelling!)

Each level completed gives you another piece of instrument. Once all levels are completed, you have a complete instrument, ready to play for you. Did I mention the songs were the most enjoyed part of the program? ;-)

My 7 year old really enjoyed this program. I've employed some of the rules to life outside of Wordy Qwerty, not only in his writing but also with his reading. When he's stumbling over a word, not sure of the vowel sound, I remind him of what he learned with Wordy Qwerty and he pipes up with an enthusiastic, "Oh yeah!" 

There are several ways to purchase Wordy Qwerty, online versions, what we reviewed, and a CD ROM (check for computer compatibility before purchasing!).
Online license:
Individual - $25.00
Multiple child discount -$35+ depending on the amount of students.

CD:
$35 for the Home Edition  and includes the program CD, program guide, and JingleSpells.


You can receive a 20% discount on your next order by joining their mailing list .

If you'd like to see how the program works, and to see if you think it would be a good fit for your family, you can try lesson one for free .

To see what others on the TOS Crew thought of Wordy Qwerty, click here.

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions.