Worshark 5 includes phonics, onset and rime, homophones, spelling rules, common letter patterns, visual and auditory patterns, prefixes, suffixes, roots, word division, high frequency words, use of words in context, alphabet and dictionary skills and more

What is Wordshark and how does it work?

Wordshark is a computer program that combines the fun and excitement of bright, multi-sensory games with the serious task of learning to read and spell. It is used widely in schools as well as at home.

More than 60 colourful games have been designed by teachers to teach and reinforce reading and spelling using over 9,000 pre-recorded words. You can also add your own word lists which is particularly useful for practising homework. The varied combinations of games and word lists create both variety and motivation.

The program in basic steps:

Step 1. Select a word list or set up your own words...To get to the database of words, click on ?Change word list.? The words are grouped into specific, carefully structured lists.

Step 2. Choose one of the games icons.... To find these, click on ?choose game.? (The words in your list will appear in that game.)

Step 3. Play the game! Then try the reward activity...

Step 4. Play again or pick a new game...The different games reinforce the words in various ways.

Step 5. When the words are learnt, choose a new list.

The program comes with an introductory manual. Printable resources include a full manual with advice on how to use the program. Video turorials and on-screen help are also provided.

For what ages is it suitable?

Wordshark is mostly used by students between 5 and 15. Some of the games are more suitable for younger children but many games are appropriate for any age.

How will it help someone with dyslexia?

Parents are often recommended Wordshark when they seek extra help for their children's dyslexia. As a result of dyslexia, children can have a negative attitude towards learning, so Wordshark combines fun and variety to create motivation and as a result, greater confidence.

Wordshark was created by teachers with practical experience of Special Educational Needs. Both the games and many of the word lists have been specially structured to assist those with any level of dyslexia.

How can Wordshark be used at Home?

Wordshark can either be used directly to support school work and homework (learning class spellings etc) or can be used independently to suit the student's own pace and needs.

If necessary, the school teacher can be asked to suggest the appropriate word lists for the student.

Once students are set up by the administrator, the program will keep a note of their names and personal settings.

It is recommended that the sessions are short but frequent as this not only maintains the child\'s interest but gives the necessary practice needed for success.

There are no hard and fast rules, but generally, three or four short sessions a week (about 10-15 minutes each) seem to work really well, to achieve significant gains.

Some children will need to repeatedly go over what seems to be very basic work before moving on, in order to make real progress. Equally, some children need to be encouraged to move on.

Parents should always follow the progress of their children in using Wordshark - encouraging them to try the recommended games (both for reading and spelling) and to move on through the word lists.

There is a special chapter for parents, in the manual within the program.

Can Wordshark be used with more than one child?

Yes. The number of student accounts that can be set up depends on the version of Wordshark that you purchase. Please refer to the version descriptions at the end of this webpage.

How are the words set out?

Teachers have a very wide set of word lists to choose from, grouped into courses. Several can be worked through in sequence - or dipped into as needed.

Specific courses includes:

• An easy-to-follow course to support The 2014 national curriculum spellings
• The Wordshark course (default) - a structured sequential course
• Everyday vocabulary lists (especially useful for EAL)
• Secondary school subject lists
• High frequency words
• A course to support 'Letters and Sounds'
• Acourse to support 'Alpha to Omega' by Beve Hornsby and Frula Shear
• An alphabet and dictionary skills course

Can you add your own words?

Yes this can easily be done.

Are records of student activities kept?

Records (printable) are kept once students have been added to the system. A facility is available to track specific progress.

Can specific work be set for students?

Once students are added to the system, it's possible to choose the words and games that they can use. This can also be done for groups of students.

What printouts are available with the course?

Sentence work sheets (crossword puzzles), spelling lists and word searches can all be printed out. Flash cards for each list can also be printed. (A4 size down to credit card size).

What does Wordshark run on?

The computer will need a USB port if the program is purchased on a USB.

For Windows: 10 Please note: the programs are not compatible with Windows 10 in S mode *

For Macs: OSX 10.9 to 10.15 and macOS 11.0 Please note: some issues have been reported with Mac OS 10.14 & 10.15 (Mojave & Catalina) and macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) *

* For more information about system requirements please go to: https://v5support.wordshark.co.uk/portal/kb/articles/tech-spec-for-wordshark-numbershark-5

(A microphone - inbuilt or otherwise, is also needed if you would like to record your own words.)

Wordshark can either be used directly to support what is being learnt in school or used independently to gain confidence in reading and spelling.

Parents should always follow the progress of their children and encourage them to try a variety of games using age-appropriate wordlists.

There is a special chapter in the manual which sets out ideas for using the program at home.

It is recommended that the sessions are short but frequent as this not only maintains the child's interest but gives the necessary practice needed for success.

There are no hard and fast rules, but generally, three or four short sessions a week (about 10-15 minutes each) seem to work really well to achieve significant gains.

It is good to be aware that some children need to go over what seems to be very basic work before moving on in order to make real progress. Equally, some children need to be encouraged to move on.

Versions:

The Home download version is intended for home use. It is intended to be downloaded onto one computer and you can enrol up to 2 students.

The School download version is intended for classroom use. It is intended to be downloaded onto one computer and allows you to enrol any number of students.

For detailed information about system requirements please go to: https://v5support.wordshark.co.uk/portal/kb/articles/tech-spec-for-wordshark-numbershark-5