Having two kids in high school seems impossible, but here we are! Like most parents of teens, I want them to be well prepared for the SAT test when it comes time to take it. So when we were given the chance to review Vocabulary Virtuoso PSAT-SAT Book 1 from The Critical Thinking Co., I knew I wanted it!
The Critical Thinking Co. has been around for awhile now. I'm sure somewhere along your homeschooling journey, you have come across one of the many amazing books offered by this company. They provide both students and parents with a huge selection of books to help with their educational needs. Reading, writing, math, science, and social studies are subjects that are covered in the products. The Critical Thinking Co.'s goal is to help develop a students critical thinking skills so that they can improve their grades and test scores. By helping students improve their critical thinking skills, they are helping them achieve their goals and dreams for the future.
What is Vocabulary Virtuoso PSAT-SAT Book 1?
For this review, we received a digital download of the eBook Vocabulary Virtuoso PSAT-SAT Book 1 from The Critical Thinking Co. The book can also be purchased in a paperback version. Both are $16.99. The eBook version can be printed out and used by multiple students. The eBook is 208 pages and introduces students to 180 vocabulary words and covers a few concepts.
~Literary~
characterization, idioms, puns, jargon, aphorisms, allusions, irony, and theme
~Rhetorical~
Art of Persuasion in Speech and Writing, Using Extended Simile to Write a Poem
~History~
The Renaissance and Renaissance Artists
Vocabulary Virtuoso PSAT-SAT Book 1 is broken up into 20 lessons that focus on a vocabulary list. After 4 lessons, the book does have a small review section that covers what the students have already covered in the previous 4 lessons. At the end of the book, an answer key is provided!
Each lesson contains a vocabulary list, definitions, pronunciation key, parts of speech, and different words choices for each vocabulary word. The word choice section covers synonyms, idioms, and various word phrases. The lesson also provides students with a variety of activities to help them learn the new words and more importantly understand the words and how to use them correctly. All the activities will encourage students to build a stronger vocabulary.
Each lesson is broken up into different sections. So for example in lesson 1, students had to use the vocabulary words to fill in sentences, add the vocabulary words to a story, unscramble the word to find the correct spelling and to learn what it means, match the vocabulary word to its definition, and complete sentences to show that they understand the meaning of the vocabulary word. The purpose of the book is to increase the students vocabulary and improve their language arts skills. Both of these goals will create stronger readers and stronger writers, which will hopefully prepare them for college and their future jobs.
How Did We Use Vocabulary Virtuoso PSAT-SAT Book 1?
Since we received the eBook, I was able to print out each lesson for both Michael and Therese. I did one lesson at a time and had them add them to their English binders. Since each lesson is broken up into different sections, I had them complete one or two sections a day. Here is an example how we worked through a week.
~Lesson 1~
Day 1~ Read the list of vocabulary words, pronunciation key, and definition. I also had them listen to the pronunciation on their phones so they knew they were saying the word correctly.
Day 2~ Complete section A & B- Sentences
Day 3~ Complete section C & D- Fill in the story and unscramble the word
Day 4~ Complete section E- Match the word with the definitions
Day 5~ Complete the sentence
We spent one week on each lesson. You could easily spread it out to cover each lesson for 1.5 weeks. This would give the students a full year to work through the book.
What Did We think of Vocabulary Virtuoso PSAT-SAT Book?
Let's be honest. Their first reaction after reading the vocabulary list for week one was "Who even uses these words?!?" After explaining to them why it's important to learn new words, they diligently sat down to work through the lesson. Being strong readers, they both have come across a wide selection of words over the years. New vocabulary words and how to look them up was nothing new for them. They both found the lessons easy to follow and complete. The lessons did require them to think and use their brains, but neither of them found the lesson frustrating or too difficult.
I loved the fact that they were learning new words that they had never come across before. I was pleased the lessons were fairly simple and easy to understand. This allowed them to focus on the vocabulary words and their meanings, which I hope will prepare them for the SAT test when they go to take it. Our current school year is coming to an end, so we will stop working through Book 1 and pick it up again next year. I've already added it to our lesson plans. My plan is to purchase book 2 once book 1 is completed and complete book 2 by the end of next year.
If you're looking for a study aid to help build your students vocabulary, I highly recommend this this book from The Critical Thinking Co.
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Till Next Time,
Monique
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