Vocab Workshop

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

Vocabulary Workshop is a product of William H. Sadlier, Inc., a prestigious American educational publishing company founded in 1832 by Irish-born brothers Denis and James Sadlier. The company began with the Sadliers' commitment to educational excellence, and it has remained in the family, reflecting a deep-rooted legacy of educational service and innovation. The Sadlier family's long history in educational publishing, particularly in vocabulary development, underlines their expertise and dedication to enhancing student learning. Vocabulary Workshop, their flagship program, continues to embody these values, helping countless students enhance their vocabulary skills.

Differentiation: What Makes Vocabulary Workshop Special

Vocabulary Workshop stands out in its field by offering a comprehensive, research-based approach to vocabulary learning. The program not only provides word lists but incorporates explicit instruction that promotes deep word knowledge, word learning strategies, word consciousness, and critical thinking. It engages students with a variety of exercises and interactive games, ensuring multiple exposures to new vocabulary in context, which aids in retention and application​ (Sadlier Inc.)​.

How to Get Started

To begin using Vocabulary Workshop in a homeschool setting, you would first select the appropriate level for your student, ranging from elementary to high school. The program is available in both print and interactive editions, allowing for flexibility based on your teaching style and your student's learning preferences.

How It Works

Vocabulary Workshop is designed to be integrated into daily learning routines. Typically, spending about 15-30 minutes per day on vocabulary activities is recommended. The program is structured to allow for both independent learning and parent-led instruction, depending on the student's age and needs. Activities include a mix of word usage, context exercises, and interactive assessments, making it adaptable for either open-and-go teaching or more prepared lesson plans​ (Sadlier Inc.)​.

Educational Concepts Taught

  • Vocabulary development across multiple grade levels

  • Word usage and comprehension

  • Contextual understanding and application

  • Critical thinking and analysis through word-related activities

What’s Good About It

Users frequently praise Vocabulary Workshop for its structured yet flexible approach to vocabulary learning. The program's integration of digital tools with traditional learning methods appeals to diverse learning environments, helping students not only learn new words but also apply them in various contexts. Teachers have noted significant improvements in students' writing and reading comprehension as a direct result of enhanced vocabulary skills​ (Sadlier Connect)​.

What Could Be Improved

While highly effective, some users feel that the program could benefit from even more diverse and culturally relevant examples. Additionally, there's a call for more advanced levels to cater to students at higher educational tiers who seek beyond high school level vocabulary challenges.

Advice from Parents

Parents recommend consistency with daily vocabulary practice to fully benefit from the program. They suggest incorporating the vocabulary words into everyday conversations and activities outside of the formal learning environment to further reinforce understanding and retention.

Ideal Fit

Vocabulary Workshop is ideal for students who thrive in structured learning environments and require clear, consistent academic challenges. It suits independent learners as well as those who benefit from guided instruction.

Probably Not a Fit For

The program may not be as suitable for students who prefer less structured, more exploratory forms of learning, or those who need highly customized learning interventions beyond the structured vocabulary development that the program offers.

Grades

The program caters to students from Grade 1 through Grade 12, offering various levels to address different student capabilities and needs.

Cost

The cost of Vocabulary Workshop can range based on the level and format (print or digital); however, typical prices range from approximately $12 to $99 per student edition.

Ways to Get It

Vocabulary Workshop can be purchased directly from the Sadlier website or through various educational product distributors. Both physical copies and digital access are available, providing flexibility for different homeschooling needs.

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Vocabulary.com is one of our top choices for Vocabulary. It was created by Michael Freedman. For systematic and fun way to independently learn vocabulary in-depth at a self-directed pace, we recommend Vocabulary.com Vocabulary.com is based on Visual Thesaurus, the interactive thesaurus and dictionary developed by the team at Thinkmap.

New York Times Word of the Day
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New York Times Word of the Day is one of our top choices for Vocabulary. It was created by . NYT Word of the Day provides a word and its definition along with the word's usage in a current NYT article, followed by a test question. This is a free learning activity based on the Times journalism.

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Wordsmith is one of our top choices for Vocabulary. It was created by Anu Garg. This is a fun way to learn a new word a day and is a good vocabulary supplement.

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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