The Intention of My Blog


Welcome, my beloved readers!

In case you're wondering, it's not a typo up there for you see the definition of goodly is:

used as an adjective to describe something
1. of ample or good size, ex: a goodly amount.
2. of a fine appearance, ex: a goodly young man.
3. Archaic. of good quality, ex: a goodly gift.

I am a mother who home educates her children; I would be pleased if you'd look around. You never know if I might have something to your liking. I've blogged about different topics. I hope you enjoy your stay here. May God bless you with peace, a renewing of your mind, and rest as you read my posts.

Please remember to subscribe to my blog, using any variety of methods, which are below to the right, including Facebook.

Thanks to all for your patience as I have been on the mend. I had double heart bypass surgery in February of 2013, and I needed to focus on my recovery, which has been in steady progress. Thanks for your kind consideration.


Thanks for visiting!



Tuesday, August 16, 2011

S is for Spelling with the Nintendo DS



I'm currently participating in 
an ABC's for homeschooling challenge.  
Since it falls on Tuesdays, 
I am adding a technological slant to the challenge.  
I hope you stay tuned and enjoy my entries.


Scripps Spelling Bee for Nintendo DS

As I mentioned last week, I searched for games for my six year-old.  Daddy had bought her a used Nintendo DS.  I am okay with my kids getting a game console of any sort, as long as I can find educational games.  That's when I found this spelling game at www.amazon.com.  

I was immediately drawn to Scripps Spelling Bee.  I wanted to add a technological aide to our homeschooling that would cover spelling.  Spelling is required in Texas, where we live.  I was looking for any materials and/or methods to help improve spelling.  I was hoping that it would work for my youngest daughter, who was close to six years-old.


Menu shows different options

The player can be quizzed with spelling words.  He/She can practice spelling.  Then, there are even fun games to spell.


Settings for game play

You can change the difficulty level of spelling.  There can be up to eight players.  Also, you can use the stylus pen to print the letters to spell.  I'm not in favor of that.  I preferred the KeyPad, which is in the QWERTY style because the spelling is more accurate and wastes less time.


QWERTY keypad plus

You can see the QWERTY keypad.  It's easy to see, and easy to use.  Also, there are additional buttons, including the book that gives definitions to the words; the quotes button gives a sentence in which the word is used; the world globe gives the word origin, and the speech bubble says the word outloud.


Screen when word is spelled wrong

If the player spells the word wrong, this screen pops up.  It gives you the opportunity to try again.  It will also show you the word's spelling.  For example, I was told to spell the word for a group of actors.  The word was boodle, but I thought it was broodle.


To me, these are the advantages to Scripps Spelling Bee:

1. The game is challenging.  The player can progress through the levels.

2. Listening skills are tested.  The player must listen to spell the required words.  If you can't hear the words, you can look up the definition, how the word is used in a sentence, and the word origin.

3. The game is well-organized.  A study list can also be included.


Here are some disadvantages to Scripps Spelling Bee:

1. Must be able to read.  A competition is held in one of the modes.  To go amongst the menus, you should be able to read.  That makes is more enjoyable.  Even I found it fun to practice my spelling skills.  I did pretty good.

2. Words to spell sound garbled.  Player needs to be in a quiet place to hear the words.

3. It is too advanced for a six-year old.  My daughter said it was too difficult for her.  My other kids do have usernames within the games.  My kids range in ages from 11 to 15.  It is more appropriate for fourth grade and above.


For more information about educational games for the Nintendo Wii and DS, please visit Mentor InterActive Inc.

Well, thanks for reading this entry about how I've incorporated technology into spelling for my children.  

Next week, I will be covering the letter T.  
Please stay tuned!


How about you, my readers?  Do your offer alternative methods to improve spelling?  Have you considered using technology for your children to practice spelling?  If so, which ones?  I believe in finding resources to help in the home school.  I encourage you to expose your children to education through technology.

I pray that God gives you all, my beloveds, His wisdom and peace.
This has been an entry for the Technology Tuesdays series.

6 comments:

  1. You sure seem to be able to find lots of educational games for that Nintendo DS. When I considered getting one, all I could find were "non-educational" games. Hmmm.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Naomi,

    I think it was my kids who told me about there being educational games. Nintendo has some educational type games for the Wii so we figured there had to be some good games for the DS, too.

    There are also games for math and science, too. Hoping to get those, too.

    Rebecca G.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the review, this is awesome. I may have to buy it for my little gamer. Another game we just got that seems to be helping with his spelling skills is Wheel of Fortune for Wii.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Cara,

    I was glad to tell about the spelling for the DS.

    I love the Wheel of Fortune game that shows on TV. I think it helped me know the importance of spelling correctly. I think it's awesome that there is a game for the Wii. I will have to look into it.

    Rebecca G.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Our favorite spelling resource of the tech variety is a website called Spelling City. My boys play all sorts of games and things on there to practice their spelling words.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dawn,

    I've heard of that website. Unfortunately, I know that my kids won't do their work online. I just let the kids go to the educational websites as it pleases them. I know that my youngest one likes to go to pbs.org and startfall.com so perhaps I can mention spelling city to her.

    Thanks for the tip. It's good to know that there are kids that like Spelling City. ;)

    Rebecca G.

    ReplyDelete

I welcome all comments. Please leave one, and I will respond. Thanks so much!

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...