Spectrum Vocabulary 2015 Grade 5

Spectrum Vocabulary is a heavily language-arts based, vocabulary workbook series, with an emphasis on learning and using words in context. Unlike Wordly Wise, there are no real "lessons" revolving around a word list, rather, vocabulary appropriate to that grade level is used on each workbook page while practicing language skills. Each workbook is over 150 pages in length, and is arranged by skill, not types of words studied. For example, in my sample for Grade 3, the table of contents lists 15 different skill sections, each which feature workbook pages using different age-appropriate vocabulary. The skills covered include: classification, synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, context clues, concept words, sensory words, plurals, suffixes, prefixes, root and base words, imported words, abbreviations, compound words, and contractions. In each skills section, workbook pages focus on using the language skill through different vocabulary words. Exercises involve matching words synonyms, doing crossword puzzles antonyms, filling in the blanks using the correct word when two homonyms are provided, classifying groups of concept words, making singular words into plurals, adding suffixes to words so they can be used properly in a sentence, abbreviating full words that are normally written as abbreviations, making contractions out of words, and more. If you are looking for a rigorous vocabulary program that introduces groups of words with a variety of practice exercises, this is probably not the program for you, but if you are looking for a vocabulary program with more of an emphasis on overall language arts, and nothing more difficult per grade than the national vocabulary standards, then this may be a good choice. A spot check of the two editions indicates the content of the newer edition (2015 copyright) is essentially identical to the older edition of this series (2003 copyright) although the covers are different.