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.