**Please note, our this program has changed somewhat since our original review. I feel it had been improved upon, but haven't been able to write a complete review of the new program.**
Vocabulary:  Grades 2 - 8
Verbocity.com
For more information or to subscribe:  www.verbocity.com

Having a good grasp of our language, including a strong vocabulary, is crucial to every area of learning. John Harris, a homeschool dad, has done the research and created a steamlined approach to studying vocabulary. Verbocity.com  is a subscription service that provides easy-to-use vocabulary lessons via email.  A week's worth of lessons is sent each Monday -- all you have to do is open the attachment and print (you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to read/print the lessons).

It is already known that reading good literature helps to build vocabulary, but reading alone isn't enough.  Verbocity uses a quality literature selection with extensive footnotes so there is no need to guess what the words in the passage mean.  Each day the student reads the literature passage, referring to footnotes only when they are not sure of a definition.  Then the student is presented with 5 Target Words.  They read each word's definition and synonyms, then they are exposed to several sentences to demonstrate how the word can be used in a variety of contexts.  Finally, each day's lesson concludes with a Mach 6 retention drill where students must match the target words and their definitions not only from the current lesson, but from previous lessons as well.  The review of previous lessons rotates and ensures that each target word is drilled a minimum of six times over several months.  All of this takes place in about 15 minutes per day!  Adding these vocabulary exercises to my schedule was easy because the lessons are short.  I especially like that students are exposed to vocabulary in the context of quality literature instead of just being presented with a list of words and corresponding worksheets to complete.

Verbocity boasts a 7000 word lexicon which students master over a period of five years.  This list covers 100% of SAT student vocabulary.  Students can begin using Verbocity as young as 2nd grade and doing so will allow them to build a college-level vocabulary before they reach high school! 

Verbocity thinks you should be able to "try before you buy", so they provide a week's worth of lessons on their website.  They also provide a free assessment test so you can decide where in the program your child needs to start working.  They can accommodate those families who have children needing to start at different points in the program by providing the appropriate lessons each week.  I found Verbocity's customer service to be top-notch as well, which just adds to the value of their program.  I recommend you give Verbocity a test drive in your home to see if it's a good fit for your family!

Making the Grade:  A
Cost:  $28.95
Value for Your Homeschool Dollar:  10
Review provided by Cindy Prechtel, Editor