This short sampler for our EtymaMentor software program shows how the program works. The Etyma program works slightly different than our other Mentors as there is no sound with each root, prefix, and suffix. Students attempt to type in the missing part of a sample word with the root, prefix, or suffix left as blanks. The program keeps track of their errors and successes. The program is extremely simple to understand so that even the youngest speller may use it with very little assistance.

See our entire list of samplers that are available for download so that you may try before buying. We offer samplers for Geography, Mental Math, Spelling, Vocabulary, Science, Written Round Readiness, and LitCrit.

FAQ: Why Study Etymology?
Over 60% of words used in the English language have Latin or Greek roots.  If this large percentage is not convincing enough to start learning your roots, prefixes and suffixes, think of all the other language origins that may appear in a spelling bee or on your path through higher education.  Many Japanese and Spanish words have hard and fast rules on how words from these languages are spelled, and these rules are very easy to master.  Going further, French and German both have language patterns that are consistent.  For example, if you know that a word is from German, and it has a long 'i' sound, you know it is spelled 'ei.'  The more patterns you know of various languages, the more valuable it is to know from what language a word originated.

Looking for more etymology products?  Try our Spelling Rules Book!