Weaving magic with words!

Launched in 2016 in London, Mrs Wordsmith is one of the fastest-growing, VC backed startups in the UK. “We help young people learn efficiently through engaging content from the Hollywood artists behind Madagascar and Hotel Transylvania. Our words are carefully selected and curated by Cambridge University data scientists to ensure that children learn the words they will come across at school and in the books they read,” shares Sofia Fenichell, Founder & CEO, Mrs Wordsmith.

They are the first company to illustrate the English language in to re-imagine the dictionary for the visual world we live in. Their programme has been created by leading neuroscientists and linguists for long-lasting results – creating an appreciation of language, improved reading and writing skills, confidence and ability in school.

The journey…

“I started my company as I did not find such products in the market for my children. I was looking for something which was very specific and more engaging. I wanted something which is better in illustrations, is more contemporary and more effective. I really wanted to improve my children’s vocabulary and language skills and there wasn’t something which had good quality illustrations and contemporary topics,” she tells.

“Over a period of time, I have realised that vocabulary is very important for your child’s development. When the words are presented in a very funny way, it enables the child to learn English more quickly,” she adds.

Inside the books…

“When I was examining market, I realised it was driven by editorial and there was no data science. I also looked into the research around how to curate a word. I realised we have data of words we use more frequently. When we teach children words, we should teach them the words which we use more frequently. We should also teach them words which are connected to each other in different topics because if you learn in topics, than you can learn more quickly,” tells Sofia.

“We are getting a patent to our learning technology which enables us to select words for children based on age and topics. We put a lot of time and effort on editorial and base our content on facts today. There are still a lot of books in the market which were first published in the 1960s or 70s. Some of them even talk about posting a letter, which we hardly do in the age of emails,” she adds.

The books…

“We have two categories of books — one for younger children (3-7) and another for older children (6-13). For the older children, we have a storytellers dictionary which teaches you to improve your writing skills. We also give data of how to use a word. This is an Amazon bestseller,” tells Sofia.

Talking about her books, Sofia shares, “Every word has a story in it. One of my favourite books which we have launched is about driverless cars for little kids. No one is really doing books about topics such as these, even when the world is changing at a very fast space. We also have books about robotic chefs. These books are interesting as they also have a QR code inside. So, children can scan the word here in English and hear its pronunciation. All of our products are easy to use, at home, on the go, or at school.” Sofia is also open to bring such books in India, in both Hindi and English languages.”

“We focus on how humour and images accelerate learning, memorability and motivation. We wish to engage and elevate the children,” she says.

What’s new?

“Well, we are launching an app! It’s an Epic Word Adventure in which kids scoot around and explore a world where absolutely everything is powered by words. The more words kids learn, the more word power they earn, and the more there is for them to unlock. Like everything we’ve ever made, the game is deeply rooted in pedagogy, but it’s also wildly creative, hilarious, and unpredictable, so kids are going to love it. We’re very excited about it,” concludes Sofia.

“Over a period of time, I have realised that vocabulary is very important for your child’s development. When the words are presented in a very funny way, it enables the child to learn English more quickly,”