Simple Bash script English Spelling Game for kids

    Ask your 5-7 years old kid to learn and practice English spelling is a nightmare for both of you.  The harder you try, the worst you'll get. An instant solution is to download a couple of spelling games from the App store or Play store to the smartphone, and let the kids mess with it. However, I am finding this less controllable because I cannot customised the words I want them to learn. So, I thought why don't I just make one for them. My skills are currently limited to some Bash commands and my previous Perl experience should be enough for me to complete the task.

    In order for you to use this script, you need a Mac computer (with OS X 10.6 or later) and its Terminal.app. Download the "spelling_game_v1.zip" file which contains the Bash script (spelling_script_v1.sh) and the word list file (wordlist.txt). Remember to checksum: MD5 = c8e60745142b7b78151e3aacf5404a24. Place the zip file in your Documents folder, then unzip it. Launch your Terminal.app, then change to the following directory using the following command and hit enter:

cd spelling_game_v1

To start the game, insert the following command and hit enter:

bash spelling_script_v1.sh

You'll then be welcomed by your default voice of speech and your game shall begin.

 # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # 

 ~ Welcome to the English Spelling Game! ~ 

 # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # 

How to spell ~~~~~ ?

re_

You don't have to spell the whole word, instead you will be given some alphabet hints. Type the whole spelling below and hit enter. If your answer is correct, you'll be greeted and prompt with the new question, otherwise it will tell you the correct spelling and you'll be given a second chance. You can quit at anytime by pressing the keyboard short [ control + z ] to stop the script from running, then insert the following command and hit enter to completely terminate the script:

kill %1

The words in the wordlist.txt file can be edited using the TextEdit.app, feel free to use your own vocabulary list. The Cambridge Key Vocabulary List (A2 Level) is a good start. Let me know your thoughts on this script. Enjoy!

Door Fox

Download link to "spelling_game_v1.zip"

P.S. To checksum, use the following command:

md5 spelling_game_v1.zip

And you should get the same in return:

MD5 (spelling_game_v1.zip) = c8e60745142b7b78151e3aacf5404a24