VocabAhead

VocabAhead  SAT Vocabulary Cartoons, Videos, and MP3S.

This is a book consisting of 300 vocabulary words. These are words that are typically found on the ACT and SAT standardized tests.

There is one word per page. Each word is given in bold print, the part of speech is given, then a definition and a picture to help you link the word and definition. After the picture there are two or three usage sentences. Most of the time at least one of the sentences goes with what is pictured.  At the end of the page, synonyms and antonyms are given.

After every 10 words a Review quiz is given. Each review consists of matching the word with the definition and fill in the blanks with the appropriate word.

When this book is purchased, you are then entitled  to a free download of videos and MP3S of each word in the book. These can then be listened to, watched on your computer or put on an IPod, IPhone and IPad. 

How the ClarkClan used this book:

     Sarah (13) was the one in our house who primarily used this book. I would assign 10 words a week, with the review test being taken on Friday. Sarah tried more than one approach with this book. First she just took the book, read the words and meanings and then took the test. After about 2 weeks of this method, we decided to try the MP3S and videos. We did not download the MP3S to her IPod, but listened to them on my computer. Sarah quickly decided she did not want to watch the videos. This was because the video was simply a still, color picture and definition with a voice that would read the word, part of speech, definition, sentences and synonyms and antonyms.

     She then tried listening to the MP3S while reading along with the book. She found with this option, she learned the  correct pronunciation of each word. With no pronunciation guide for each word in the book, it was nice to be able to hear the word said out loud. The only problem we had with the MP3S was they downloaded into the computer in alphabetical order. The book is not in alphabetical order. This made listening while reading the book a little impractical as we had to search for each word. Sarah eventually decided that it was easier for her to just go back to reading each word and definitions in the book and taking the quiz..

     Sarah’s retention of the words was mediocre, nothing spectacular. When I asked her if she liked the book she said it was “okay”. While this book was not the best fit for Sarah, I still think it has good qualities. If you are going to be taking the ACT or SAT within a year, this may be a good resource to help prepare. The VocabAhead website has some very nice features. You can listen or watch the videos for many words, you can create study lists in the “Study Room”. Teachers also have many features they can access on the website.     

Where to Buy:

VocabAhead  SAT Vocabulary Cartoons, Videos, and MP3S is available from Amazon for $12.95.

Also available is  VocabAhead One Thousand SAT Vocabulary Videos & MP3s DVD-ROM from Amazon for $24.99

This book may not have been the best fit for us, but check out the other reviews to help you form a balanced opinion. Visit the Crew Blog and read what my Crew mates had to say.

As an Independent contractor for The Old Schoolhouse and member of TOS Homeschool Crew I received the book VocabAhead along with the video and MP3 downloads for free from VocabAhead in exchange for my honest review of their product.