New Review!!! Vocabulary Cartoons!

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About the product/service: As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received a free copy of a very cool book called Vocabulary Cartoons, Elementary Edition from New Monic.  The book, geared towards 3rd through 6th graders, teaches the "210 words every grammar student should know."  The book also contains 21 review quizzes with matching and fill in the blank questions. 

The idea behind the book is to use a "mnemonic device" to help your child remember the words.  I was going to try to explain mnemonic, but in the end, I decided to just use the definition from the New Monic site. 

Vocabulary Cartoons works on the principle of mnemonics. A mnemonic is a device that helps you remember something by associating what you are trying to remember with something you already know.

This illustration from the website shows exactly how this works.  You can download more samples here.

What are the pros of this product? This is a simple and easy to use book that teaches vocabulary while making it fun.  The comic format makes it feel like you are being entertained rather than taught!  Expanding your vocabulary will make reading and writing more enjoyable, and face it, it will lead to better test scores on those "oh so lovable" standarized tests.  (There are also two books for older students which teach SAT words.) 

As the company states, "Learn a word a minute, and never forget it!"


What's not to like? Well, I can't really think of any.  I suppose if there are people out there who don't like to make up or read silly stories to remember the definitions of words, then they won't like the book.  And, I suppose, when it really comes down to it, you could forget the words if you don't use them. ;)  (Heck, I sometimes forget my kids' names!)


The Crazy Mom take:  I could have written this book.  Maybe not illustrated it, but I could have written it.  Why do I brag so?  LOL  Well, because this book does what I have been doing all my life. I have always come up with creative ways to remember things from phone numbers to names to definitions.  I once knew a lady called Corebell.  I envisioned an apple core and a bell and I never forgot her name.  I don't always make up a story, but sometimes I do.  People have always been impressed with my ability to remember things, but really I've just been using this very same sneaky little trick to make myself look good!  LOL  I love it!!!

My kids have enjoyed thumbing through this book too.  In their co-op writing classes (Hello Mrs. F!!!) they get extra credit for learning new words.  To get the points they have to know the word, the definition, and how to use it in a sentence.  This book is perfect for this!  I haven't used it in any formal way, I haven't had too.  You could make lessons out of it, but why?  I have a feeling your kids will do as mine did and just pick up the book on their own and learn some new words!  :)

Happy learning! 



What's the bottom line? $12.95

I am going to give Vocabulary Cartoons New Monics 5 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out! http://www.vocabularycartoons.com/home/

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783111/

*The Smiley System:

I can't really recommend this product.

I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!


Disclaimer!!! I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew. I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others. Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way. I am in no way obligated to give a positive review. I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal! What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive.

As with all products, you must do the research before buying. Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying. I can't guarantee that a product will work for you. You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s). I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review. I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else. I am simply giving my opinion; only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath. Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!

Copyright 2010 Ramblings from the Crazy House 2http://www.vocabularycartoons.com/home/pages/Cartoon-Samples.html