 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
WordWit
- iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Price: $.99
- Category: Education
Common Sense Media says
Great tool uses context to explain commonly misused words.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that WordWit is a vocabulary tool for teaching and testing commonly misused words. It is best for teens and particularly useful for non-native English speakers, but can be enjoyed by anyone wanting to improve their language skills. The app presents over 100 pairs of commonly confused words. Kids can read a short definition of each word, an explanation of the difference between them, and read quotes that use the words in context. Sentence completion quizzes also test kids' knowledge. Completing the quizzes wins points, which may be redeemable for items from the developer at a later date. Word pairs and quiz progress can be shared on email, Facebook, Twitter, or Linked In. Several of the quotes and sentences mention mature material, such as going to war, having affairs, getting tipsy, or smoking, but not in ways that promote these behaviors.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn vocabulary, specifically the correct use of commonly confused word pairs like "amuse" and "bemuse." Each word in a confusing pair is defined and used in a sentence. Kids will also get tips for determining which word to use. The definitions are thorough and easy to understand, and the example sentences are interesting and helpful. The app tracks kids’ mastered words, which can be shared via social media. WordWit can help older kids improve their vocabulary and brings a little fun to the endeavor.
Subjects
- Language & Readingspeaking, vocabulary, writing clearly
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Arts
- Hobbies
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoningapplying information, memorization, thinking critically
- Creativity
- Self-Direction
- Emotional Development
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Tech Skills
- Health & Fitness
What's it about?
Kids spin a colorful wheel to land on a commonly confused word pair, like guerrilla/gorilla, cite/site, or revenge/avenge. Kids can read the definition of the word and how it differs from its "evil twin" and read an entertaining example sentence using the word. The same format is offered for each word in the pair, and then kids choose the correct twin of the word pair to complete sentences. Once they've completed five sentences correctly, they've mastered the word.
Is it any good?
WORDWIT stands out by providing clear, approachable explanations of commonly misused words. The quotes provide real-world examples of the words in context. The mastery quizzes are good for reinforcing learning because they recycle questions until you answer every question correctly. However, the quizzes are best done randomly rather than alphabetically, otherwise you'll face the same quiz more than once in a short period. The spinning and trends features to see word pairs give the app some color and pizzazz, but are not very useful.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn vocabulary, specifically the correct use of commonly confused word pairs like "amuse" and "bemuse." Each word in a confusing pair is defined and used in a sentence. Kids will also get tips for determining which word to use. The definitions are thorough and easy to understand, and the example sentences are interesting and helpful. The app tracks kids’ mastered words, which can be shared via social media. WordWit can help older kids improve their vocabulary and brings a little fun to the endeavor.
Subjects
- Language & Reading: speaking, vocabulary, writing clearly
- Math:
- Science:
- Social Studies:
- Arts:
- Hobbies:
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, memorization, thinking critically
- Creativity:
- Self-Direction:
- Emotional Development:
- Communication:
- Collaboration:
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Tech Skills:
- Health & Fitness:
How kids will learn
The colorful wheel may attract a player to the app, but it is just a feature to add a little fun. Instead of spinning the wheel, kids can search for specific words or choose from words that are "trending" in popularity with other players. The mastery quizzes recycle sentences until kids get them right. Since the app tracks mastered words, kids can review the words they've learned. Just knowing that these "evil twin" word pairs exist may prompt kids to double check usage of words they are unsure of, creating better writers and speakers.
How parents can help
- Steer kids preparing for the SAT to this app.
- Give kids access to a variety of reading materials, including books, magazines, even comic books. The more they read, the more vocabulary they'll be exposed to.
- Play the app alongside your kid. You may learn some new words, too!
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| Category: | Education |
| Platforms: | iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad |
| Price: | $.99 |
| Size: | 15.10 MB |
| Publisher: | Ballpoint Inc |
| Version: | 1.0 |
| Release date: | August 15, 2011 |
| Minimum software requirements: | iOS 4.0 or later |
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