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Q1: My ten-year old son needs practice for a spelling bee.  What content do you have that will help him?

A: Try to find topics/subjects among the 165 word lists that interest him.  Choose words that are challenging, not too hard, and make flash cards.  You might want to play for pennies.  If he spells a word correctly, he wins the coin.  If he makes an error, he pays you.  Always enlist the help of his teacher who can also provide encouragement, suggestions and other word lists.

Q2: My wife and I have two sons who are disinterested in learning.  Their scores are low.  What would motivate them?
A: If your sons enjoy using the computer show them Vocabulary University sessions. They might “like” the faculty members and the graphics behind the various puzzles. Working together, you can show them the “roots/cells” of words and how useful they are in deciphering meanings of unfamiliar words.  After all of you look at the words in a particular session, and at the “story”, you could make up another one together. Boys and girls seem to thrive if there is a “contest” to see who can invent the funniest one etc.  If they “like” the idea, try completing levels 1, 2 or 3. Answers are provided.

Q3: I am a senior citizen with too much time on my hands.  I really enjoy puzzles and words.  Do you have any ideas?
A: You can use our daily root puzzle featured on the home page. If a “timed” puzzle is of interest, go to http://www.aarp.org/fun/puzzles/ and http://www.aarp.magazine.org/games/  and choose the word games category, our Rootonym puzzle.  If you want word challenges, try levels 2 or 3 in Vocabulary University. If you like words in general, choose a word list and using the alphabet, add words to those already existing.  We would love to include your additions!

Q4: Our school desperately needs vocabulary.  Do you have a Word of The Day?
A: We offer, instead, “Root-of-The-Week".  We have a daily puzzle on the home page that uses  roots/cells to promote an "easy" way to remember the meaning of a word.

Q5: What is the point of having a site that stresses Latin and Greek roots?
A: Most state standards now require the introduction of Latin and Greek roots.  Since words are composed of “roots” from Latin and Greek, learners can decode parts of words to better understand their meaning and the significance of reading passages.

Q6: I am a sophomore in high school. Your stuff is hard for me. What do I do?
A: Start at the beginning by clicking on Root-Word Lesson Plans on any session level 1.  Study the roots and words that are introduced in the story.  Don’t begin to solve the puzzles right away. If you hit the submit button at the bottom, you will see the answers and sentences using the words.  After you study the examples, go back to fill in the word blanks.  Try other activities to reinforce what you have learned.  Don’t challenge yourself with the harder puzzles at first.

Q7: I am from India.  I want to improve my vocabulary.  I like lists. What do you have?
A: 185 lists are separated into school subject areas, into calendar appropriate spots and by themes.

Q8: My teacher assigned To Kill A Mockingbird.  I hate reading. Do you have a way to help me?
A: If you scroll to the bottom of the home page, you will see a section for 125 assigned/recommended readings.  Click on this book and study the vocabulary.  Once you know the meanings of new words, your reading should be easier.

Q9: What is the best way to make use of your word lists?
A: Teachers tell us they like to encourage students to vary their vocabulary as they speak and write.  Grammar is an essential component of English. When you choose words, identify its part of speech.

Q10: My daughter is studying for the SAT’s.  She also has summer reading.  Where should she begin?  I need help.
A: For the SAT’s, I think our SAT/ACT-type puzzles will be helpful in review of vocabulary.  Levels 2 and 3 of Vocabulary University should provide challenges.  If she uses the vocabulary from the assigned books that you can find on our classic/assigned reading pages, her comprehension should improve.

Q11: Just curious.  How come you folks don’t charge for your stuff? How can you do that?
A: Carey and I have benefited from excellent educations.  Our three sons have also been fortunate to have fine college experiences.  We have created more than 1900 pages and 1200 graphics as our give-back.  Few things are more important than a good education and a good working vocabulary.

Q12: I love your content.  Can I link to your site?
A.  We encourage you to link and pass on information about our free content.

Q13: What can I do to help support your efforts?  I just love the content you are providing for us as teachers.  I need for you to continue developing your great resources!
A.  You can help us by sharing our site with colleagues, teachers, friends. Tell as many people as you can about our resources. If would be helpful if you click on the ads on our pages. We receive a small amount from them.

Q14: If I find a typing error, should I email you?
 A.  We are most appreciative of any comments and suggestions.  Please tell us if we have mistakes and indicate where it/they are located. Please use jancook@vocabulry.com