Learn Vocabulary without memorization!
WordBuild® uses the building blocks of English – the roots, prefixes, and suffixes – to give you the tools you need to be able to look at new words and figure out what they mean!
WHY
Why Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes?
WordBuild is based on morphology, the study of units of meaning in language. WordBuild students learn that the formula above is the key to English. Why the parentheses? Every word must have a root, but prefixes and suffixes are optional. Here are 16 words built from seven morphemes:
Add the root PORT and you get 32 words built from eight morphemes! Get the idea? Would you rather try to memorize 32 words or learn eight pieces of meaning that can be applied to hundreds, if not thousands, of words?
WordBuild Books
WordBuild in print form has been used in schools and by home educators for over 15 years.
Online Studies
WordBuildOnLine is a series of interactive products that do all the grading and recordkeeping for you.
Proven Methodology
Harvard, William & Mary, The University of Virginia, The University of Michigan, and on and on…
COURES
Our Course Offerings
Basic Skills for Elementary Students and English Language Learners
Courses from 12-30 Weeks
The Foundations Series of WordBuild focuses on the most useful prefixes and suffixes in English. Students add them to basic words to see how they change the meaning, spelling, or part of speech of the original word.
Intermediate & Advanced Courses
Courses from 14-34 Weeks
The Elements series focuses on the 93 most used Latin & Greek roots in English. Students build words, deconstruct words, and see and use words in context to gain a thorough understanding of meaning. The objective is to give student the tools they need to be able to decipher new words.
Guided or Self-Directed
Choose What Works for You
Whether you’re a teacher in a classroom setting, a Home Educator with multiple students, or an adult looking to improve your vocabulary and competitivness in the job market, we offer WordBuild in whatever form best suits your learning style and needs.
Get Started Today!
Start Wordbuild at the begining of a school year, in the middle of the year for a change of pace, or use it to keep those brain cells alive during break!
And hey, if you’re an adult, start anytime. What are you waiting for?
FEATURED
Popular Courses
25 to 30 Units of Instruction
Foundations Level 1
Students learn the most frequently used prefixes and suffixes, and some important spelling changes – the dropped ‘e’ and the doubling principle. Students who have mastered phonics and can sight read are ready for Foundations, usually by 2nd or 3rd grade. It is also appropriate for English Language Learners and as review for older students.
28 to 34 units of instruction
Elements Level 1
Students who have completed Foundations OR are in 6th grade or higher should be ready for Elements Level 1. Students focus on one Latin or Greek-based root at a time. Elements 1 also has review of prefixes and suffixes built in for those students who did not complete Foundations. This is when vocabulary explodes!
CHOOSE US
Why Learn With Us?
Established for Over 15 Years
The WordBuild model was created in 2003.
Thousands of Graduates
Over 15,000 people have registered for WordBuildOnLine and many thousands more have used our books.
World Class Educators
WordBuild was developed by a University of Virginia Professor and one of the best high school Latin, Greek, & English teachers in the country.
Learn From Anywhere
Online Learning Options
If you are a teacher or parent you’ll appreciate that there is little to no teacher/parent involvement required for students using WordBuildOnLine. Beyond occasionally checking student progress you can be involved to whatever degree you like.
WordBuildOnLine automatically differentiates content, meaning that student progress is monitored and students are presented with material based on their level of performance.
Oh, and it does all the grading and record-keeping too!
All you need is a laptop, PC, Mac, Chromebook, iPad or other tablet, and an internet connection. Tested with Chrome, FireFox, Safari, and Edge. There is too much information on the screens to use the program effectively on a phone.
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Students Say
I’m not afraid of big words anymore!
6th Grade Boy
Cool! It’s like taking x-rays of words!
7th Grade Girl
FAQ
Frequently Asked
How do I know where my student should start?
Students should have mastered phonics and be able to sight read a page before starting WordBuild. Second, third, and fourth graders should start in Foundations Level 1. Fifth graders can usually start in Foundations Level 2. ELL students or struggling older students should start in Foundations Level 1. Sixth grade and higher should start in Elements Level 1. NO ONE should start higher than that.
Can students share accounts in WordBuildOnLine?
No. Each student needs their own account so we can track their progress and adjust the difficulty of the content to maximize their gains.
How long does it take to complete a level?
We recommend going slowly enough to digest the material thoroughly. The program is designed to move at a pace of one unit per week, no more than 15 minutes per day. Foundations levels contain 25-30 units and Elements levels contain 28-34 units. If you need to go faster, you can easily double the pace and cut the time in half. If you go any faster than that, we don’t know how much will “stick.”
What is the full scope and sequence of WordBuild?
WordBuildOnLine Scope & Sequence
WordBuild in Print Scope & Sequence
Start A Course Today!
WordBuild and Wordbuildonline have been used by thousands of students to help make them confident readers and better communicators. Did we mention that it’s fun? There is nothing like the aha! moment WordBuild Students experience that makes them forever look at words differently. Watch that confidence grow in all other subject areas too!