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Our Family

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

TOS Review:New Monic Books Vocabulary Cartoons, Elementary Edition





Description: From the back cover, "Vocabulary Cartoons are mnemonics designed for learning new words. Memory experts say that memory aides are the best way to remember just about anything."


What exactly is a mnemonic? A mnemonic is a device that helps you remember something by associating what you are trying to remember with something you already know. Vocabulary Cartoons link together a rhyming word association with a visual picture in the form of a cartoon.







Geared for grades 3-6, The Elementary Edition of Vocabulary Cartoons teaches 210 words students should know. To view the word list click here. The cartoon-like format makes learning Vocabulary easy and fun. It is a great teaching resource for any learner and would be especially helpful for visual learners, ESl, ESE, and ADD. Each page shows the word, part of speech, definition, pronounciation, what the word sounds like, a comic-like picture, a sentence, and 3 examples using the word. To see some of their sample pages, click here. Also included are 21 review quizzes that have matching and fill in the blank questions with the answer key in the back of the book. The book is 253 pages long and costs $12.95. A discount is given when purchasing more than 10 books at a time.


Other featured products from New Monic Books include:

Vocabulary Cartoons SAT Word Power I

Vocabulary Cartoons SAT Word Power II

Picture Speller For Young Writers



What we liked: I used this book mostly with my 8 year old, with my 6 year old listening in. I actually have never deliberately "taught" vocabulary before. We usually just learn words that come up in our curriculum or in our read alouds. The boys absolutely loved the cartoon pictures. We only spent about 10 minutes a day, learning 3 new words and reviewing from the day before. The next day, Nick remembered the words and meanings that he had already learned. Several times I saw him pick up the book and read it on his own. I also liked the review quizzes that were included.




Some things to consider: Although the book is geared for grades 3-6, some of the cartoons may be a little scary for the younger ones depending on your child. There are some cartoon images that have ghosts, skeletons, and monsters. You may want to look through it first before giving it to your child if any of those images could be a problem for you or your child.



My Recommendation: Overall a great Vocabulary Book that helps kids remember words by putting both a picture and rhym in their mind in an easy and fun way. An easy way to teach kids new words that they will remember without having to invest a lot of time into it.


I received a complimentary copy of Vocabulary Cartoons Elementary Edition in exchange for writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation.