Wordly Wise

Vocabulary
Written By Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

I have a special soft spot for Wordly Wise, since I used this curriculum to learn vocabulary as a child at the Montessori school in Ithaca, NY. I still have fond memories of the exercises and achievements along the way. Wordly Wise was created by Kenneth Hodkinson, Sandra Adams, and Erika Hodkinson, rooted in a dedication to improve academic vocabulary and reading comprehension through direct and systematic instruction. This program has stood the test of time, being in use for over fifty years. It has evolved to cater to the dynamic needs of diverse student populations, reinforcing its commitment to effective vocabulary education​ (EPS Learning)​​ (EPS Learning)​.

Differentiation: What Makes Wordly Wise Special

Wordly Wise sets itself apart through its structured and direct approach to vocabulary learning, which focuses on understanding words within the context of reading comprehension. Its robust word lists and varied exercise formats are designed to cater to different learning needs and styles, making it a flexible tool for homeschoolers. The program also integrates digital and print formats to accommodate contemporary educational environments​ (EPS Learning)​​ (EPS Learning)​.

How to Get Started

To begin with Wordly Wise, parents and educators can choose the appropriate grade-level book from the series, which is available from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The resources are available for purchase in both print and digital formats, and homeschoolers can access a range of supportive materials like student workbooks and online platforms for additional practice​ (EPS Learning)​.

How It Works

Wordly Wise is structured to be flexible with daily usage, typically recommending 15-20 minutes of vocabulary practice. The program is mostly self-guided but can benefit from parental involvement, especially for younger students. Activities include multiple exposures to new words through reading, writing, and discussion, enhancing both independent and interactive learning​ (EPS Learning)​​ (TheHomeSchoolMom)​.

Educational Concepts Taught

  • Vocabulary development across academic contexts

  • Reading comprehension skills

  • Critical thinking and contextual usage of vocabulary

  • Understanding of multiple meanings of words

  • Synonyms and antonyms

What’s Good About It

Users appreciate Wordly Wise for its thorough and systematic approach to vocabulary building. The program offers a mix of engaging and challenging activities that keep students interested and help reinforce learning. It's noted for its effectiveness in enhancing reading comprehension and preparing students for higher-level academic challenges​ (The Smarter Learning Guide)​.

What Could Be Improved

While highly valued, Wordly Wise could improve by integrating more visually engaging materials and interactive elements to cater to students who might find text-heavy materials less appealing. Some parents noted that the aesthetic of the books could be updated to be more engaging for younger students​ (The Smarter Learning Guide)​.

Advice from Parents

Parents recommend supplementing Wordly Wise with real-world reading to enhance vocabulary retention and understanding. Engaging students in conversations using new words and incorporating vocabulary games can also make learning more dynamic and enjoyable​ (TheHomeSchoolMom)​​ (The Smarter Learning Guide)​.

Who It’s an Ideal Fit For

Wordly Wise is ideal for students who thrive in structured learning environments and benefit from systematic instruction. It's particularly effective for those who are preparing for standardized testing or who need a strong vocabulary foundation for advanced academic work​ (The Smarter Learning Guide)​.

Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For

This program might not be the best fit for students who prefer learning through highly interactive or visually driven methods. It may also be less suitable for very young learners who might find the structured approach too rigid​ (The Smarter Learning Guide)​.

Grades

Wordly Wise is designed for a wide range of students, from Kindergarten through 12th grade​ (EPS Learning)​.

Cost

The cost of Wordly Wise materials varies, typically ranging from $10 to $100 depending on the book level and format chosen​ (EPS Learning)​.

Ways to Get It

Wordly Wise books and resources can be purchased through educational publishers, online retailers like Amazon, and through homeschool resource suppliers​

Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. This helps support my work but does not influence my review or recommendation.

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Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.

Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.

I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.

I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.


During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.

I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.

In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.

My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.

My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.

I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.

In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.

And I love to learn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/
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