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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Tried It Tuesday {VocabularySpelling City}

Wow!!  Time is just flying by!  Before I know it, Tuesday is here again each week.  I only blogged one other time since last Tuesday:(.  Sometimes I feel like I am just drowning in work (I know you can relate!).  I am still fighting sickness and my voice is STILL not back completely.  Not being able to sing along to my favorite songs is sure getting old!  Haha!!  
My Tried It:
Vocabulary Spelling City.com
I know that Spelling City has been around awhile (2008) but I finally got around to trying it out!  I downloaded the app (free trial version) on my four classroom iPads to use as an option at word work time.  The students have just LOVED it, however, they are not allowed to use the app each word work time (believe me, they would if they could!).


The "free version" has PLENTY for the students to do!  They were truly engaged the entire time at the center.  It was also super easy to set up an account and add my own spelling lists.

This is an overview of what free members can access:

The part that I was most impressed with once I started looking around the site more was the Vocabulary components that they have added.  In 2011, the site became VocabularySpellingCity to reflect the addition of significant vocabulary capabilities.  In 2011-2012, the site added writing practice activities as well (premium members only)!  There are so many options for free members as well though.  This screenshot shows how I can import different vocabulary lists for content areas.  There are vocabulary lists for math (grouped by standards), science, social studies, and more.
There are also these links to Language Arts lessons with free printables like these links for figurative language.  

I clicked on "figurative language" and then "enrichment lessons" and there are lesson activities with resources like this one:

 When I click on "Sample Word Lists", I can import word lists for figurative language into my Spelling City account too (free version!).  I never realized how much this website had to offer!
I would love for you to comment about how you use VocabularySpellingCity!
Also, do you have any app suggestions for my iPads and ELA center time?  I have four iPads and would also love suggestions for group projects if one comes to mind that you have tried.  
Thanks, friends!

10 comments:

  1. OMG - this is what I was going to post about today - trying Spelling City. I bought the membership for the first time this year. I am using it conjunction with the monthly spelling contracts I purchased at TPT - my students are loving it. Using the activities on Spelling City gives them 5 points towards their weekly points for their spelling work. I still need to take time to explore all the other opportunities on the site.

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  2. Spelling City sounds awesome! I love how you can import content specific vocabulary. This might work well for my homeroom kids. I'm always looking for center-like activities to engage them for 15 minutes each morning. (I like to target math and ELA because that is where most of them struggle.) We don't have iPads but many could use their smart phones, and I could sign out a few laptops. Hmmm...you've got me thinking. Thanks for the Tried it Tuesday inspiration!

    Kate
    Kate's Classroom Cafe

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  3. Great minds think alike! My blog post is about using the iPad also. Thanks for pointing out the figurative language. I need to look into more of what Spelling City has to offer. Thanks Holly!

    Tammi
    The Balanced Classroom

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  4. I have been using Spelling City for about five years. I inputted my spelling words several years ago for each grade level 3-5 all in one day. It has saved me a TON of time because I never have to go back in there each week to put them in. I love that Spelling City grades the test for you. I am not wasting time doing a spelling test whole group. I haven't checked out the Vocabulary part yet, but I should.
    I also need to write my Tried it Tuesday post...my teacher plan is due this week, so I will do anything to avoid writing that!!!!!!!
    Alison
    Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'

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  5. I have never used it, but my friend swears by it! She buys a membership every year. We aren't giving traditional spelling tests in our district anymore, but I'd love to check out the vocabulary! Thanks for hosting!
    Joanne
    Head Over Heels For Teaching

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  6. I have used Spelling City, but I didn't know about all of these extra goodies! WOW!!! I'm going to check that out tomorrow. :)

    Thanks, Holly!

    Jennifer
    Mrs. Laffin's Laughings

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  7. Very nice to see those iPads get a workout. I wish I knew more about apps, but I'm not too good with technology :( --just kidding.
    If you need to use any Adobe Flash websites on the iPads there are a couple of good apps you can by that will filter it all and make everything accessible. I can send you the names if interested.

    You should buy Explain Everything and then have the students create lessons or presentations based on lessons you've taught in the classroom. It is basically letting the students be the Kahn in Kahn Academy.

    matt
    Digital: Divide & Conquer

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  8. I used Spelling City years ago. I guess it's time for me to check it out again!
    Jeanette
    Third Grade Galore

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  9. I love Spelling City, but I definitely under-use it. Thank you for the reminder of all the options. Right now, my students can access it on our computers, but I need to load it on my iPad as well.

    Mary
    Fit to be Fourth
    Follow me on Bloglovin

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  10. Oh Holly! I am totally playing catch up on your blog. Switching back to fourth grade this year has kicked my butt. Anyway, I have been using Spelling City and plan on linking it up on Tuesday! Have a great Sunday my friend :)

    Tina
    Crofts' Classroom

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