Our Spelling Program

I don't know if I just never paid attention in school, or if my teachers really sucked. Much of what I learned about Elementary Education came in college. I remember my professors presenting concepts that I should have learned, and it was such a novel idea for me. I remember when one of my professors told us that when a word starts with the 'k' sound, it can start with a C or a K. I always knew that, but then he actually taught us the rule. When a c is followed by an e, i or y, it has the 's' sound, so words like kit, and kept have to start with a k. It made so much sense to me. I remember bringing home a spelling list every week in elementary school, and memorizing all the words and then going to school and passing the test. I am sure somewhere along the line, some of the basic rules began to make sense to me because of the repetition, but it would have been so much easier to learn the rule, and then practice it again and again and connect the whole concept together. That is what I love about this spelling program. It teaches spelling by teaching the rules of spelling. It seems like a very logical place to start.

Anyway I am getting ahead of myself. I found the All About Spelling program when I was searching for some file folder games. They had a free download (and who doesn't love a good free download) and I started reading up on the program. It was exactly what I was looking for. It taught spelling starting at the rules. My kids also are "out of the box" learners, and they need a multi-sensory approach, and that is exactly what this spelling program offers. I didn't even have a clue it existed, or how great it would be for my family, until I tried All About Spelling.

One of my favorite things about the program is the price. Levels 1 and 2 are just under $30 each, and Levels 3 and 4 are just under $40. They also include everything (except the spelling tiles) in the packet. It is easy to keep organized, and review is built right into the lesson plans, so the kids really retain the things they have learned. (These are just a couple of the hundreds of cards that come with level 1.- The letter tiles need to be bought separately, but one set of tiles takes you through all the levels.)

Here is my son- The ultimate out of the box learner- learning to spell. When we first started the program, he would not write at all!! Once I started teaching him how to spell, I realized one of the reasons why he would not write was because he didn't have a clue how to sound out words. He knew a few words because he had memorized them, but he didn't even know how to start figuring it all out. Writing is still not his favorite thing to do, but he is now writing and reading. He will label things in his pictures, and write notes to us. He tries, which is something he never did before. I do love the fact that he gets lots of practice in spelling, and he is able to really get the concept down before he gets sick of writing.

This picture is totally staged, but I think it is adorable! Allen has always been great at reading and spelling. I had him start at level 1 just to fill in any gaps he might have. He has learned quite a bit.

My little writer!! I also love the fact that although writing is not the focus of the program, they do incorporate it. Every lesson ends with writing out the spelling words, and dictation, which reviews previous concepts.

He was worried that everyone would cheat off his paper. LOL!

At the end of each lesson, the kids get to put a sticker on their progress chart. I introduced several of my co-op friends to this program (One has even taught spelling and reading programs for years) and they all loved it. They had kids on many different levels and each family really enjoyed the spelling program. It has been exactly what we were looking for. We love it

All About Spelling

Here is my daughter spelling with tiles.