When creating a workbook in Whizzimo, you can choose between a phonetic workbook or a sight word workbook. Each type has distinct features to support your teaching needs.
Phonetic workbooks
Phonetic workbooks are designed for word lists where sounds can be broken apart using common phonics rules. For example:
d-o-g
ch-e-ck
c-a-tch
These workbooks are ideal for students learning to decode words systematically.
Sight word workbooks
Sight word workbooks allow both phonetic and non-phonetic words in word lists. This flexibility supports curricula that ask students to memorize phonetic words after mastering their decoding skills. For instance:
The word "and" is phonetic but may be treated as a sight word once familiar.
Default design for sight words
Sight words in activities appear in red letters with a clear background by default. You can customize this in Tile Settings on the Tile Design tab.
Visual indicator
Sight word workbooks include a red dot in the upper-right corner of the workbook for easy identification.
Activity differences
Some activities behave differently in sight word workbooks:
Tileboard: Only letters a–z and some punctuation are available.
Workbook Tiles: Grayed out because only letters a–z are used for words committed to memory.
Mini Tileboard: Grayed out for the same reason as Workbook Tiles.
Wordcards: Use Tile Design settings for sight word classification. The activity remains otherwise unchanged.
Timed Reading: Follows Tile Design settings for sight words but stays the same.
Flashcards: Letters reflect Tile Design settings, but word division settings (like onset and rime) are not available.
Letter Cards: Unavailable since only red letters a–z are needed.
Spelling Activity: Uses letters based on Tile Design settings. Only letters a–z and some punctuation are available.
Whiteboard: Functions the same as in phonetic workbooks.
Blank Tiles: Functions the same as in phonetic workbooks.
Using other tools
The Sentence Parts, Sentences, Passages, and PDF Viewer tools are available in both workbook types. However, you will need to manually add content for these tools in sight word workbooks.
By understanding these distinctions, you can choose the workbook type that best meets your instructional goals.