ESL students needing individualized, hands-on instruction in English fundamentals. 

Our Approach

•  Latin and Greek Roots
  90% of multisyllabic English words have Latin roots, and most of the remainder have Greek roots. Root words are the high-priority vocabulary in any text. In literature they set the context, describing characters, scenes, and moods. In the sciences they are the key technical terms. Word Voyage teaches a unique word-attack strategy called Slow Down, Break it Down. Our students take on the habit of analyzing unfamiliar words, rather than skipping over them – an essential skill for improving reading comprehension and test scores. To learn more, please see this white paper.

•  Academic Vocabulary
  The USDOE number 1 recommendation for improving reading comprehension is explicit vocabulary instruction. In addition to our unique roots-based word-attack strategy, Word Voyage also provides direct instruction with vocabulary from the student’s current reading assignments. These are the words the student needs now to advance academically. As confidence with challenging words goes up, critical thinking is also greatly improved.

•  Hands-On Grammar
  In addition to analyzing the meaning-structure of words, our students also learn to analyze the structure of sentences. Using the Word Voyage writing platform, the students write, analyze, and revise hundreds of sentences. All revisions are guided by regular, formative feedback from the tutor. The students learn that all details matter, and that academic writing must meet clear standards. The Word Voyage writing process follows a 72 point grammar scope and sequence.

  Logistics

•  Students must commit to at least 20 minutes of work, 5 days a week.

•  The tutor provides regular written feedback through the Word Voyage platform.

•  Google Hang-Out sessions are also included to support the student with sentence charting.