Review: Dynamic Literacy

6/16/2015

Is your student struggling to understand what a root word is? Does he need to learn more words in general? Does she need to figure out what a prefix and a suffix is? If so, WordBuildOnline by Dynamic Literacy is just what you need.

Dynamic Literacy has come out with an interesting way to help children learn new words. They do this by using games to teach prefixes and suffices to children, and by doing so also teach them some root words. They do this, aiming at grades 2-4 with a program called WordBuildOnline. Children older then this could easily use the program as well for doing remedial work. It adjusts to the understanding of the student.

The program starts with the students meeting Lexi. He remains their guide throughout their lessons. Each lesson follows the same format with learning the meaning of the prefix or suffix, forming definitions, matching words with definitions, filling in the blank and choosing the best word usage.

Each step is clearly delineated. As you complete each step you earn a reward (which is just to show your progress).

As the student completes a lesson an email is sent to the parent. It merely informed that a lesson was done without informing of how well the lesson was completed.

So what Do I think?
I have to be honest here...I'm feeling very mixed about it.
Is my son learning about prefixes and suffixes?   YES.
Ergo, is he learning new words?   Yes.
Is he able to extrapolate that knowledge?   He's has improved immensely.

BUT... one part of the learning process is writing the definition of the word... and one can write ANYTHING in those spaces and still get a "Stupendous" comment.    My son, being the nine year that he is, has a WHOLE LOT Of fun with this section making up odd sentences and phrases because he can.     While I support creativity in this house, I'm not sure about this particular aspect of things.

Second: my son has a fairly rich vocabulary already. When I ask him if he thinks he's learning new words, his answer is a very quick "NOPE, but I know about prefixes good now mom".

Lately when I tell him it's time to do WordBuild he's very good at coming up with reasons why he shouldn't. Like we need to read our books, or perhaps he should do his math, or MOM... I haven't done my history yet!

So while the program has done what it says it will do (and done it well), and my son has gotten a firmer grip on what a suffix and a prefix are (kudos to Dynamic Literacy for that), I question it's long term usefulness in our schooling.

Product Details:
Vendor: Dynamic Literacy
Product: WordBuildOnline
Price: $30 per student. BUT I have a discount code for you. If you use the code anetintime purchasers will get 10% off wordbuildonline and 20% off the books. Pretty neat huh? :)
Age Range: 2-4 grade is the aim, good for older students as well.

Members of the TOS review crew are reviewing three different items. Click on the banner below to learn more about them.
WordBuildOnline
The system automatically adjusts the level of difficulty of the content based on the student's performance.

WordBuild: Foundations, Level 1
This is a physical product that includes two student books and a teacher book.

WordBuild: Elements, Level 1 Set (Includes WordBuild the Game)
This is a physical product that includes a student book, a teacher book, and the computer game.