New York Times Word of the Day

VocabularyELA
Written By Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

The New York Times Word of the Day (NYTWOTD) is a vocabulary enrichment resource part of the Times's Learning Network. It was developed as an educational tool to integrate real-world language into learning by using the day's news as a backdrop. Although the exact founder isn't specified, the program is crafted by The New York Times educational team, reflecting the newspaper's commitment to educational initiatives and journalistic excellence. This resource stands out not just for its daily educational content but also for its unique integration with current events, providing a practical context for vocabulary learning.

Differentiation

What sets the NYTWOTD apart in its category is its real-time linkage of vocabulary to current events. Each day's word is not only defined but is also presented within the context of a recent New York Times article. This approach not only enriches vocabulary but also enhances students' understanding of the word through real-life applications. It’s an excellent tool for making vocabulary lessons dynamic and immediately relevant, distinguishing it from more static or traditional vocabulary programs​ (Modulo)​.

How to Get Started

To begin using NYTWOTD, parents and students can simply visit The New York Times Learning Network website. There's no registration or prep work required, making it an accessible tool for quick learning sessions or integrated daily lessons.

How It Works

The NYTWOTD program is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, ideal for busy homeschooling families. Each word takes about five minutes to explore, with no prior preparation needed. Students can engage with the word independently, making it suitable for self-directed learning. The program suggests spending a few minutes each day learning the new word, its usage, and completing a quick review question​ (Modulo)​.

Educational Concepts Taught

  • Daily Vocabulary: Introduction of a new, often sophisticated word each day.

  • Contextual Learning: Usage of the word in a current news article context.

  • Comprehension Skills: Understanding and discussing the word’s application.

  • Critical Thinking: Analyzing the word within the broader context of the article.

What’s Good About It

Users appreciate NYTWOTD for its integration of vocabulary with daily news, making learning relevant and engaging. The format is succinct and manageable, ideal for integrating vocabulary practice into a busy day without overwhelming students. Additionally, its accessibility as a free resource makes it a popular choice among homeschoolers looking for high-quality educational tools without additional cost​ (Modulo)​.

What Could Be Improved

While NYTWOTD is highly valued, its use of sophisticated vocabulary pulled from current news can sometimes be too advanced or sensitive for younger students. This aspect might limit its applicability for younger children or those new to advanced vocabulary studies. Some parents might prefer a program that offers a more tiered approach to vocabulary that accommodates different learning levels​ (Modulo)​.

Advice from Parents

Parents recommend using the NYTWOTD as part of a broader learning routine that includes discussing and using the new words in additional sentences or contextual settings beyond the provided examples. This practice helps reinforce learning and ensures that students can apply their new vocabulary in various contexts, enhancing their language acquisition and retention.

Ideal Fit

This program is ideal for students in grades 6-12 who are looking to expand their vocabulary in a meaningful way. It suits self-motivated learners who benefit from minimal supervision and enjoy connecting their language learning with current events and real-world applications.

Probably Not a Fit For

Younger students or those who require a more structured or supported learning environment may find the program challenging. It may not suit learners who need more foundational vocabulary practice or those sensitive to the mature or complex themes sometimes present in The New York Times articles.

Grades

The program is targeted at students from 6th to 12th grade.

Cost

NYTWOTD is a free resource, making it an accessible option for families on any budget.

Ways to Get It

The program is available online through The New York Times Learning Network, providing easy and immediate access for anyone with an internet connection.


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Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.

Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.

I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.

I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.


During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.

I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.

In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.

My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.

My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.

I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.

In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.

And I love to learn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/
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