Twinkl Spelling for Web ... Walkthrough Part 2 - Game Types
In this article, you'll learn more about each of the six game types available within the web-based spelling app.
For a full overview of what Twinkl Spelling can do for you, take a look at our video guide....
General Concepts
Before we dive into each game type, it is important to discuss some general concepts:
- Every game features all the ten spelling words of the chosen level and progress through a game is clearly indicated either by the gameplay itself, or by the onscreen progress indicator top right.
- The general idea of the training games is to practise and prepare for the "Compete" game, where a medal can be earned. Twinkl Spelling allows you, the account holder, to determine how the game is to be played, and you are free to use the game as you wish.
- There is no limit to the number of games that can be played, or the number of times a game is replayed. Training games allow incorrect answers to be actively reattempted within the gameplay, whereas, the compete mode will proceed through all ten words without reattempt to give a final result.
- Upon completion of a training game, if at least one correct answer has been given, a random gem is awarded.
- Upon completion of a compete task, if at least one correct answer has been given, a random star is awarded.
- Additionally, in compete mode only, if all ten words are answered correctly a gold medal is rewarded, nine out of ten results in a silver medal reward and eight out of ten results in a bronze medal reward.
- Whether a game can be exited mid-gameplay, depends on the settings you choose for each learner.
Let's have a look at each game type....
Word Search
The Word Search game type does exactly what it says on the tin! Upon launch, a word search grid is presented, along with the ten level words to be found. Each word audio can be heard if it is clicked in the list, and it is announced and highlighted purple when it is found within the word search grid.
After all ten words are found and the word search is complete, a gem reward is given via the 'reward wheel' spinner, then the user is returned to the training game menu to choose another game.
Word Jumble
The Word Jumble game is based on anagrams. Upon launch, one of the ten level words is presented, this is the word to be spelled from the available letters. The word disappears and it's constituent letters are shown in a jumble.
Correctly arrange the letters by clicking on them and submit the answer, or use the delete icon to correct any mistakes. If a word is spelt correctly, the next word is presented. If a word isn't quite right, it can be repeated before moving on, or skipped. Hear the word repeated by pressing the repeat button in the top right.
After all ten words are attempted, a gem reward is given via the 'reward wheel' spinner if at least one attempt was correct, then the user is returned to the training game menu to choose another game.
React! & React Extreme!
Balance speed and accuracy within the React! and React Extreme! games. Upon launch, one of the ten level words is presented, this is the word to be spelt from a choice of two letters within React! - one correct, one random, or a choice of four letters within the more challenging React Extreme!
The word disappears, leaving you to spell the word letter-by-letter by choosing the correct letter from the choices shown on the screen until the word is complete. If a word is spelt correctly, the next word is presented. If a word isn't quite right, it can be repeated before moving on, or skipped. Hear the word repeated by pressing the repeat button in the top right.
Why not let learners compete for the best React times using the on-screen timer? Their result will be displayed on the leader board screen at the end of the game.
Learners can also see the answers they got right and wrong and how long each answer took / the round took in total! A bonus time reward is given for every correct answer, whereas incorrect answers don't attract a time bonus, but they are not penalised either.
The normal gem reward is then given via the 'reward wheel' spinner if at least one attempt was correct and after this the user is returned to the training game menu to choose another game.
Whack & Spell Game
Upon launch, one of the ten level words is presented, this is the word to be spelt from a grid of moving letters. The word disappears, leaving you to spell the word letter-by-letter by choosing the correct letter from the grid until the word is complete. Hear the word repeated by pressing the repeat button in the top right.
After all ten words are attempted, a gem reward is given via the 'reward wheel' spinner if at least one attempt was correct, then the user is returned to the training game menu to choose another game.
Look Cover Write Check
Similar to the popular classroom retrieval technique, the LCWC game displays one of the ten level words , the word is read aloud, and then it is also used in a contextual example sentence. The word is gradually covered up until it disappears, leaving the word to be spelled letter-by-letter using either the PC keyboard or the on-screen keyboard. Hear the word and/or contextual example repeated by pressing either of the repeat buttons in the top right.
After all ten words are attempted, a results grid is shown for feedback. Then, a gem reward is given via the 'reward wheel' spinner if at least one attempt was correct and the user is returned to the training game menu to choose another game.
The Compete Game Finale
Finally, we have the compete game. This is launched directly from the level menu, not from the training game menu. The compete game is the only game where star and medal rewards can be earned and words cannot be repeated immediately if misspelled.
Upon Launch, one of the ten level words is read aloud, then a contextual example is read aloud and is also shown on screen. Spell the word correctly using either the PC keyboard or the on-screen keyboard. Hear the word and/or contextual example repeated by pressing either of the repeat buttons in the top right.
After all ten words are attempted, a results grid is shown for feedback. Then, a star reward is given via the 'reward wheel' spinner if at least one attempt was correct and finally a medal is rewarded if the user answered eight or more questions correctly. The user is then returned to the level menu.
Experiencing Issues?
If any of the games within the ‘Train’ or ‘Compete’ modes freeze in any way or you are unable to submit an answer, press the ‘Settings’ cog in the top-right of the screen. A pop-up should appear to enable you to reload the game. Unfortunately, progress made within that level may be lost.
If problems persist, please contact TwinklCares for further support.
This video gives a quick demonstration of the games available.
Summary
Hopefully, we've covered everything you need to know about our game types within the Twinkl Spelling for Web app. In the third part of the walkthrough you'll learn more about the reward system and game settings! Click here to continue to the Twinkl Spelling for Web ... Walkthrough Part 3 - Reward System & Game Settings.