Great for all ages and skill levels

Words are the building blocks of your life.

A strong vocabulary empowers you to think, learn, read, write, and speak with ease.

eSpindle is the easiest and most powerful vocabulary program available today.

Forget flash cards, expensive software, time-consuming tutoring and ineffective routines - eSpindle works much faster and guarantees results!

• Why is eSpindle unique?

  
  eSpindle is fundamentally different from any vocabulary program you've used before.

   

  Traditional instruction is limited - either restricted by the amount of resources supporting the program or by how long and in how much detail the program can support the learner.

   

  eSpindle is different in three ways

   

  Practicing "your" words

  Our goal is to support this program with the entire English language, so you can get tutoring support for all of the words and exactly the words that are currently important to you.

  Our database of 100,000 is continuously expanded to meet this goal.

   

  It's all about you

  eSpindle custom-tailors everything to your needs; so, regardless of how fast or slow you learn, eSpindle will keep pace, patiently and attentively.

   

  eSpindle stays with you

  Words that are currently hard for you are practiced just until you can demonstrate that you have learned them – no less, no more.
  
  
  

• Does eSpindle only teach spelling?

  
  No, eSpindle also teaches vocabulary and offers two quiz modes:
   

  1 – The Basic Spelling Tutor simply asks students to spell the word they hear.
   

  2 - The Advanced Vocabulary Tutor first challenges learners to find the word based on the definition, sample sentence and clues provided. Entering words correctly before listening to it is rewarded with a bonus point. If the guess was wrong, audio support is used to enter the word correctly.

   

  In any case our word games show you:

   

              - how words sound,

              - what they mean,

              - how they are used in context,

              - one-click access to extensive online resources,

              - study tips for words that can be easily confused.

   

  eSpindle makes it easy to register vocabulary effectively in long-term memory.
  
  

• What age groups can benefit from eSpindle?

  
  Nothing is "out of the box" with eSpindle, since every session is custom designed to your needs. This makes eSpindle suitable for all ages and skill levels:
   

  -   students as well as adults,

  -   word whizzes and people who love language, and
  -   those who struggle or who feel intimidated by words.
   

  We recommend eSpindle for ages 7 and higher, although first grade level vocabulary is included as well.
  
  Why? Because as parents we believe that in the first years of learning how to write it is more important just to have fun with words, letters and the magic of writing.
  At this early age we recommend that you focus on making the young writer feel empowered and comfortable with this new skill. From second grade on, you can rely on eSpindle to make learning new words – how they sound, what they mean, how to spell them - easy and enjoyable.
  
  

• I have a spell-checker. Who cares if I can't spell on my own?

  
  Research has shown over and over that your spelling skills directly impact your writing and reading capabilities.
  
  Bad spellers nearly always are unenthusiastic writers. If your choice of words is limited by doubt and frustration, writing becomes a struggle, limiting the way you can share your thoughts.

  
  People with solid vocabulary skills quickly decide how to write based on what "looks right.” Their well-trained brain also lets them skim through text efficiently by making nearly instant "looks like" decisions.

  
  Slow readers typically have a limited vocabulary. As readers advance, they no longer read by decoding (as they did in the first months of reading), but by quickly associating the words on the page with a library of Mental Orthographic Images (MOI) built over a lifetime of learning. Building a powerful collection of MOI through vocabulary instruction is the first step to creating confident readers, writers and spellers.

  
  For more information, review our white paper or blog - "Cna yuo raed tihs?"
  
  Also, your future employer will care, and so will the people you interact with on a daily basis. Not knowing how to spell is taken as a sign of inferior education, and carries a negative stigma. Spelling errors reflect badly on your work, and subsequently damage the reputation of the company that employs you.

  
  Spelling errors on applications are more strongly weighed by most employers than grade averages or previous work experience. Many employers now require a hand-written sample of their future employees’ writing skills.

  
  A 2006 study revealed that 80% of employers found the writing skills - namely spelling and grammar - of high school graduates insufficient to meet the demands of the work place.

  
  Learning how to write correctly and confidently takes only a small effort and will reap big rewards throughout your life and career.
  
  
• How does eSpindle teach new words?

  
  At eSpindle, testing has a completely different meaning than what you may be used to – it's non-judgmental and simply assesses what needs more practice.

  
  We call eSpindle's unique process of combined testing and studying testudy™.

  
  It teaches vocabulary on average six times faster than traditional methods.
  
  Testing first, without previous introduction of the word, allows us to evaluate actual vocabulary knowledge and not just the student's overall short-term memory.

  By first assessing current knowledge, eSpindle can focus on vocabulary that needs further practice.
  This customized support quickly gets to the point, producing results that last.

   

  Scientists have known for nearly 100 years that a test-study approach yields superior results more effortlessly.
  However, only now does technology empower us to put this knowledge into action.

  
  Did you know that:

   

  - Students on average already know 75% of the words presented to them on their weekly spelling word list?

   

  - 2.5 hours per week are spent on average "studying" them?

   

  - Many of the words tested on Friday’s test are simply “crammed” into short-term memory, and are often not remembered by the student on the following Monday?

  
  By providing differentiated instruction, eSpindle saves time.
  It focuses all resources on what needs further practice.
  This structured process makes sure problem words are learned for life
  
  

• Can I add my own words? Can eSpindle provide homework help?

  
  Yes, you can add your own words easily.
  They will then be treated with highest priority, as preferred words, which means in the next quiz they will be presented first.

  
  After all added words have been quizzed, eSpindle will focus on the words on the practice list (words that were previously misspelled).

  
  Finally, eSpindle will introduce new words. If you do not want eSpindle to suggest additional words, simply check "Only quiz me on the words I add" on your account's preferences page.

  
  Our free word list wiki contains lots of useful word lists for various applications. Utilizing these lists, customizing eSpindle to your current learning goals is as easy as copy and paste. Please contribute to our community of learners by sharing your own lists here.
  
  

• What does "results guaranteed" mean?

  
  Nothing happens by itself, even with the use of the best possible tools.
  However, we have so many members who use our program on a regular basis and make great progress that we can extend this promise to you:

  
  If you use eSpindle regularly (a minimum of three 25-word quizzes per week) over a minimum of two months, you will start to experience substantial change.
  eSpindle is the most comprehensive and effective program available.
  We know that it produces amazing results when used regularly.

  
  If you used the program regularly, but it did not produce results you are happy with, we will refund your money.

  Our confidence is fueled by our own experiences, testimonials we receive, and the fact that most members renew their memberships.
  
  

• Can eSpindle be used in the classroom?

  
  Yes. eSpindle site licenses start at a minimum of 10 students. Please click here for a demo showing site license functionalities.

  
  A site license can be used by as many teachers as needed, who will all be able to send words to their students' accounts and review performance.
  
  eSpindle is all about customized instruction, and even allows you to arrange your students into an unlimited number of subgroups, so you can send them word lists customized to their needs.
  
  Request a 30-day free, no-obligation classroom trial today.
  
  

• Since this is a nonprofit project, why isn't it free?

  
  eSpindle Learning is not a traditional business, but a parent initiative.
  We founded a 501(c)3 nonprofit to create a confidence-building, frustration-free eLearning website.

  
  Our goal is to make academic knowledge accessible to all – and to empower people from all walks of life to build a broad vocabulary as a foundation of lifelong success.

   

  eSpindle is the Taj Mahal of vocabulary instruction, ambitious and wonderful, amazing and grand. Our program is currently based on a database of 100,000 words and continuously growing. Every word is complete with audio and definitions, often with sample sentences plus tutoring comments.

   

  The size of this project makes it unfeasible for any for-profit venture. It is one of those projects that will never be "finished," and which is only possible on the Web, powered by a community of committed supporters.

   

  Being a nonprofit means that nobody owns eSpindle or any surplus created, so all of the funds are used to sustain the program and future developments - of which there are many on our to-do list!
  
  In addition, we match every paid membership with a free eSpindle license to a disadvantaged student.
  So, with eSpindle it's "buy one, give one free"!
  
  eSpindle was built with tremendous volunteer and community support. With built-in sustainability we can ensure that this program will not only be available to you, but also to your children and to your children's children.

  Your membership fee sustains this project, and secures its future independently from tax dollars and grants. If you would like to support eSpindle in additional ways, your donation is fully tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.
  
  
• Why does my quiz always start with the same words?

  
  Every time a word is entered incorrectly it is added to your list of practice words.

  Practice words are repeated at the beginning of each quiz, right after any newly added preferred words and before introducing new content.
   

  They are repeated quiz after quiz until you enter them correctly three times in a row over subsequent quizzes. You can see your practice words and their study cycle status by going to you > practice words.

   

  The number of repetitions depends on your actions. Most of the time new words are learned within the minimum three repetitions. Other words (such as those you previously "learned" incorrectly) may take many more repetitions to enter long-term memory.

   

  For best learning results, it is better to take short quizzes frequently (ideally, daily) instead of larger quizzes every once in a while. Reinforcing content while it is still in memory allows you to learn with the least number of repetitions.

  Words that have been successfully learned are automatically removed from the practice word list.

  Imagine this: Parents or teachers no longer have to test for a word's retention since eSpindle carefully verifies that the student is able to use the word correctly. As long as students take quizzes in regular intervals, learning is guaranteed.

• Why don't you use multiple-choice questions?

  
  Multiple choice questions are not a teaching tool at all. They were initially designed to provide a simplistic testing format that allowed administrators to automate test evaluation.

  To use multiple choice questions in instructional materials is problematic!
  Brain research has shown over and over that our brain absorbs whatever is presented, regardless of any "right" or "wrong" labels attached to it.
  Asking a student to pick the right answer from a set of wrong answers is a sure-fire way to confuse the brain, and weaken the ability to produce right answers with confidence.

  Knowing how to pick a word from a list of alternative choices does not mean that you know that word. It often simply means that you can detect a higher likeliness that an answer may be right; this knowledge that by itself really does not mean all that much. It will not help you when you are looking for words while writing, reading or speaking.

  To succeed in life you need to know a word's meaning and usage, how it sounds and how it is spelled, and you need to be able to have the right word available to you when you need it.

  Only if vocabulary has been permanently stored in your brain's active database of words can it inspire complex thought and confident communication.

• Words are just not my thing. Can I still be a good speller?

  
  Absolutely! Even if you've always struggled with words, it is never too late to build a great vocabulary, and eSpindle was designed to help – no matter what your skill level, age or personal circumstances.

   

  It is true - some people learn words almost instantly and effortlessly, often simply by reading. Others need multiple repetitions to commit a new word to memory. 
  Often the "talented" learner is simply a confident learner—one who early on was empowered by a "can do" attitude and the joy and excitement of living with a large vocabulary. When we enjoy and value words, our mind pays special attention to them, so they are learned quickly and easily.

   

  If nobody inspired you to find words interesting, chances are your brain concluded that words are "hard" and "bothersome." Meeting new words made you feel frustrated and stressed causing your brain to resist learning them.

  
  Soon you were called a "bad speller," a "terrible writer" and "struggling reader." Fear of embarrassment soon made you avoid words, writing and reading altogether, excluding you from opportunities associated with having strong verbal skills.

   

  Good news: Changes can be made at any age!
  Did you know that about 30% of our registered members are adults?
  Sign up for a 10 day free trial today. Most members already notice a change in their confidence in this short time period.

  
  eSpindle guarantees results! If you take a 25 word quiz (this takes only 5 minutes!) a minimum of three times per week, we guarantee that you will see changes taking place in your everyday life that will want you to continue your studies.

   

  Words empower you to read, write and speak more effortlessly and effectively. Empowered by a broad vocabulary you will be able to absorb information more quickly and think more clearly.
  
  

• Can we share a membership?

  No. eSpindle's main advantage is that it tutors you based on your personal learning profile. If multiple users take quizzes under one account, this concept will no longer work for any one of these users.
  To keep this program affordable, we offer discounts for families working on spelling at home (please email us with the number of members you want to enroll).
  Site licenses for groups of 10 or more users and schools are also available.

• Where should I begin? What grade level should I choose?

  
  The right grade level is where you know the majority of the English vocabulary comfortably and are getting at least 80% of them right. For many students, this comfort level is about three grades below their actual grade level.

   

  Starting in your comfort zone will allow you to build your vocabulary foundation systematically. The quiz will automatically advance you towards words of increasing difficulty. You can easily change your grade level by visiting you > preferences after logging in.

  
  Please note:

  Words currently on your practice word list are not affected by any changes made to the grade level. If you find you started out in a level too hard for you, you may go to you > practice words and disable any words that are not appropriate for your current skill level.
  
  

• Why don't you teach phonics or spelling rules?

  
  We can describe the logic of our language through rules and phonics, or use rules to help us make a decision in a moment of doubt. The brain, however, is not making decisions through such analytical processes.
  If it were, reading and writing would become so slow, complicated and processing-intensive, that we would not be able to sustain it for a long time.

   

  Most people read and write based on Mental Orthographic Images (MOI), a "mental library" telling our mind how written words look and quickly attaching these shapes to meaning.
  Most of us form MOI effortlessly when we get the practice it takes, and then use these MOI to read and write with increasing speed and confidence.
  
  The majority of learners do not use rules to interact with language, but simply form MOI when new words are being learned – this is fortunate, let me add, since we are communicating in a language that contains a huge number (some say 13%!) of irregular or rule-contradicting words.

  To some, this process may not seem very smart, since it means the brain is downright memorizing new words. Upon closer look, however, it proves to be an amazingly effective and powerful approach, allowing for speedy processing of large amounts of data and giving us a glimpse into the vast and powerful capabilities of the human brain.
  Our brain has the power of an incredible super computer. It maintains a huge library of words so we can skim through text, hardly noticing that we are reading. It is this processing power that makes incorrect words jump out at experienced readers instantly, alerting us that something does not "look right."
  P.S. - Some learning disabilities reduce the brain's ability to form and/or process MOI. Often as a consequence a shift to a more analytical approach takes place. This is the reason why phonics seems to work so very well for students with learning disabilities.

  MOI-based learners (the large majority) rely on regular practice focused on introducing words in interesting context. After all, the brain will easily learn what it finds relevant and important

• How much time will this take?

  
  Learning new words and how to write them used to be a slow, boring task.

  eSpindle manages your learning progress, helping you learn new words six times faster, on average, than traditional techniques.
  
  Just by logging in for five minutes, 3-5 times a week, you will make tremendous progress in just a few months - as experienced by our members again and again.

  
  Taking short quizzes regularly (ideally: daily) is more effective then taking a long quiz every once in a while. Frequent sessions reinforce words before they're erased from memory, facilitating quick transition from short-term to long-term memory.

   

  Every time you log in, eSpindle will present you with a customized and up-to-date quiz, so you can instantly dive into learning, custom-tailored to your needs, even if you only have a few minutes.
  Our members also tell us that they find eSpindle sessions to be relaxing and "positively addictive."
  
  

• Do I have to download the program? 

  
  eSpindle is available online exclusively, and no downloads are needed.

  Streaming directly from our server is a great convenience, since this database with all its audio files would take up a huge amount of space on your computer.
  
  It also makes sure that the application you're using is always current, and that your learning profile is secure.  We also continuously update the database with new words, expand edits, and live-record audio.
  
  Enjoying an online subscription means that we manage updates and technical issues for you. The "e" in eSpindle does not only stand for "electronic," but also for "easy," "entertaining," and "efficient."
  
  
  

• Is this for American English only? What about the British, Canadians, etc.?

  
  eSpindle is currently focusing on American English. The audio files feature American pronunciations and the words in the modules prefer US spelling conventions. However, the program accepts UK and certain alternative spelling conventions as correct, and the database includes UK variants, so you can add them, if you like. With your support, we are looking forward to the day when we will be able to offer British pronunciations as an alternative as well.