Newsletter April ’25 Wordshark Online
In this newsletter we find out what most of us don’t know about Wordshark and we learn ways to be mindful even when we’re busy!
Wordshark’s Code: 6 Questions to Paul the Programmer
We all know our way around Wordshark, but how much do we know about the programming and code behind the program? Let’s ask Paul!
Question 1. Paul, how and why did you become a programmer? Answer: It was accidental. I did biology as a degree because I found the subject really interesting, rather than any thought about what jobs it might lead to. After that…” Continue reading (blog)
Exams? Revision?
As regards SATs, Secondary subject lists and Phonics Screening Check, take a look at ways to apply Wordshark. There’s also a link to our blog about helping students cope with the stress of exams/revision.
Easy ways to be mindful
Most of us are short of time, especially those in the teaching profession.
The good news is that straight-talking psychologist, Ellen Langer tells us that we can become happier and healthier simply by bringing “a mindful attitude to whatever we’re already doing.” Here are a few examples:
- Notice new things (down to the smallest detail and including what you think you already know!)
- Find ways to see familiar tasks as interesting
- Bring curiosity to interactions
Using your voice or the voice/s of students
‘Say’ games: There are several games where the student responds out loud to say/record the written word/sentence/sounds. They hear their own voice back, followed by Wordshark’s pre-recorded sound – and they see the waveforms.- What you’ll need: Speakers (as usual), and microphone
- Where else can you use your voice in Wordshark? Creating your own lists! Even if the words are already pre-recorded, make your own recordings!
Did you know?
- Added to The Oxford English Dictionary in 2025: ‘Moggy.’ For example, “to go moggy” is to lose control of one’s emotions or behaviour.
- April’s full moon is a ‘micromoon.’ This happens when the moon nears its farthest point from Earth.
- The English word April comes from the Latin ‘Aprilis’, the name given to the month by the ancient Romans.
