Review: The WordUp! The Vocab Show by Compass Classroom

A few years ago while looking for an economics program for my son I came across Economics for Everybody (review) from Compass Classroom and from that time on I have been impressed with everything I've seen that they produce.

I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to review their vocabulary program, Word Up! The Vocab Show. Word Up! teaches vocabulary Latin and Greek roots and English words using an unconventional approach.This will help your child build their vocabulary to help them with vocabulary from literature, science, and standardized tests.

Word Up! covers 10 video lessons that included 20 Latin & Greek Roots, 200+ English words, and links to Online Vocabulary Flashcards. These lessons are hosted by Dwane Thomas who also does Visual Latin. Lessons include:

1. Water - Aqua & Hydra
2. Write - Scribo & Grapho
3. Earth - Terra & Geo
4. Many - Multus & Poly
5. Place - Ponere & Thesis
6. Time - Tempus & Chronos
7. Good - Bonus & Eu
8. See - Video & Skopeo
9. Throw - Iacere & Ballein
10. City - Urbs & Polis 

I received the download version and worked through this program throughout our school year. I used this with my 12 & 15 year old kids (the 6 year old joined, too). We would watch an episode and then they would work together on the iPad using the online flashcards. The online flashcards offered a variety of ways to "test" their word knowledge.

Of course, watching these prompted a lot of discussion and several times I found many of the words being thrown around in casual conversation. My kids never minded sitting down to watch an episode since they really interested in what Mr. Thomas was going to do or say. In fact, we enjoyed it so much my daughter will be using Visual Latin this coming year.

I will admit that we have never done a separate vocabulary program except what has been included in a spelling workbook and haven't been interested in adding one, but Word Up! is just different enough that I won't hesitate in using it again or doing any other available volumes that may be produced.

I did discover that I would have benefited having Word Up! in DVD format just because for me I kept forgetting about it since it was on my computer--out of sight, out of mind--I jjust couldn't remember it even when I wrote it down. I also know with the DVD my kids wouldn't hesitate to sit down and watch Word Up! just for fun.

Word Up! The Vocab Show is available in DVD, Download, or Streaming formats and is normally $25.00. Right now Compass Classroom is having their Back to School Sale and it is on sale for $17.50 until August 12, 2015. You can also download the first lesson for free.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this product from The Compass Classroom in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write an honest review, not was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.