Homeschool Reviews

Rummy Roots
Publisher:  Eternal Hearts
For more information or to order: www.homeschoolingfromtheheart.com

Is it possible that learning and strengthening vocabulary skills could be as simple as playing a game?  I’m embarrassed to say that I have owned the game Rummy Roots for several years, but it lay buried in a drawer. Early this year I brought it out into the light and decided we should give it a try.  Why did I wait so long?!?!

Starting with a basic “Go Fish” type of game, Rummy Roots teaches 42 Greek & Latin roots.  After learning the basic meanings, players move on to creating English words with the root cards as they play three more rummy-style games, each with increasing difficulty.  All the word lists and glossaries are provided for players to refer during the game.  As you move up in difficulty “bonus” and “stump” cards add more fun and strategy becomes important.  The creators of Rummy Roots recommend it for ages 8 and up.  Everyone starts with the pre-rummy, ‘Go Fish” game, and young children will most likely need to stay at this level for some time. 

Sometimes it seems that educational games focus so much on the fun that there isn’t much educational value, while others are so educational they aren’t fun at all.  Rummy Roots strikes a great balance.  Forget the workbooks!  With Rummy Roots your children will eventually learn 42 roots, 193 vocabulary words, and have the knowledge to decipher over 2000 other words.  After you’ve mastered Rummy Roots you can learn 42 more roots with the game, More Rummy Roots.   However, don’t rush your kids through the levels – just like any curriculum, it is important to move at their own pace.

I scheduled our vocabulary study for twice a week.  We only used Rummy Roots and I have been amazed at how much we have learned.  I believe we have had the same results with Rummy Roots as we would have with most traditional workbook programs.  This method of study will definitely be preferred by your social or hands-on child! While some might choose this game to supplement their vocabulary studies, I believe Rummy Roots could also be used as your only vocabulary program.  Imagine…telling your kids it’s time to study vocabulary, and then breaking out a game! 

Making the Grade:  A+
Cost:  $15.95
Value for Your Homeschool Dollar:  10