Details about Sentences and Definitions

With the addition of sentences and definitions, WizardsSpell advances itself from just a spelling tool to a vocabulary, reading, and literacy builder. Each word can have a sentence and a definition! Students can choose which cues they want to hear during the practice session, or teachers or parents can configure this in the student profile. Now WizardsSpell can be used to help students learn terms in other subject areas: Math, Science, History, Religion -- No limits.

You need to read this page, before getting started with sentences and definitions. It explains what the sentence and definition library is and is not, who can edit what, what you can expect from sound, and other key information. To keep the information below as succinct as possible, when information applies to both sentences and definitions we refer to them both with the term "tips", as they both help with comprehension.

Are the tips my own, or do they belong to a commonly shared library?

The library is shared; only one sentence and definition is allowed for each word or term. WizardsSpell is providing definitions for all 5000 SAT words. Otherwise, the WizardsSpell community will begin adding sentences and definitions for all words in the dictionary. Here at Wizardsspell we will begin by adding tips to all lists in our list library.

Who can edit tips once they are created?

If you are adding a tip for the first time, you can edit it up until the point WizardsSpell creates sound files for it. Once we create the sound files for it, only WizardsSpell can change it. Anyone can request a change or modification to the sentence by clicking on the

icon.

What if I have a better recommendation for the sentence or definition?

On the Sentences and Definitions form (Step 2 in the 1-2-3 Spell sequence), the icon

is located to the left of each field. To request a change, click on that icon, and supply your recommendation. If we agree, we will replace the existing tip with your recommendation.

What if tip sound quality is bad?

WizardsSpell uses the best Text-To-Speech software in the industry, however the sound quality is not equal to that of human speech. Students can report sentences and definitions that are difficult to understand by clicking the button on the bottom of their practice page that is labelled "I cannot understand what is being said". WizardsSpell can often, and will try to, improve the sound quality by rewording the tip.

How long will it take for sound files to be generated.

Allow 2 days for sound files to be created. We always attempt to generate sounds in less than 24 hours. However, the addition of sentences and definition may require more effort, and may take longer. Any pressing concerns can be addressed to: sounds@wizardsSpell.com.

Can I supply more than one word to be spelled?

Up to 30 characters are allowed for each word. You are not restricted to a single word; we allow spaces. The size of the field below is 30 characters and the example term is 20 characters.

How long can the sentences and definitions be?

Each tip can be up to 150 characters. The example below gives you a perspective as to how much text that is:

What are the WizardsSpell guidelines for sentences and definitions?

KEEP IT SIMPLE! Keep sentences and definitions as simple as possible. We want them understood by the broadest possible range of ages. We are not the dictionary, and we don't want to read like a dictionary. Many of us have children struggling with language, spelling, literacy, and memorization. Give thought to creating the shortest, simplest version of the tip. Think Simple, Simple, Simple.
USE WORDS NOT SYMBOLS. The term "Pythagorean Theorem" is allowed. However, users should enter the definition in all words, for example:

NOTE: As is done above, commas can be used to create a pause in the tip.

RICH CONTEXT. Give careful consideration to make the tips rich in context.

Instead of...	Use something like....	Because...
I like apples.	I like to eat apples.	The student can understand that it is a food.
The arbor is beautiful.	The arbor of ivy created a shady place for me to sit.	Communicates that the arbor is made of plant life, and is above the person.

Use word in sentence - Don't use word in definition: You will be required to use the word in the sentence. For a definitions, you will not be allowed to use the word. This will allow us to put together more student activities in the future.

WizardsSpell reserves the right to reject or modify any sentence or definition based on it's quality. We only support English. We will generally delete phrases in other languages unless they have become a normally accepted part of the English language, for example: Fiesta. This type of word generally becomes part of Webster's Dictionary; that is our "litmus test" for acceptance. Sound files may or may not render these words in an understandable format.

You can refer back to this page at any time by clicking on the "Help?" link at the top of the sentences and definitions form.