Previous to All About Spelling, we tried 397 different spelling programs. Well, give or take. Of those spelling programs, we have only cared for one: AVKO's Sequential Spelling. I like the simplicity of Sequential Spelling's approach and I like that my boys were actually beginning to spell a few things correctly. With most programs, the student studies until they eventually ace the test, but then they turn around and misspell the same words when writing a letter to Grandma. Sequential Spelling showed some signs of sticking.
As much as I really liked Sequential Spelling, I LOVE All About Spelling. I used to believe that students would learn to spell by simply being exposed to good books. Then I tried to teach spelling and quickly realized that theory was ridiculous. It is true for only 30% of readers....the visual learners. All About Spelling was created to incorporate all three pathways of learning: Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic. It's full title is "All About Spelling, the Multi-sensory Program for Spelling Success.
Whenever we learn by using our preferred method of input, it sticks better. But using more than one method increases the absorption of what we're learning all the more.
The creator, Maria Rippel, encouraged me to begin with level 1 even though the boys thought it too easy. The books are not based on grade levels. Level one is simply the beginning level and each level builds on lessons learned. The program builds on concepts and it's better to not skip steps. I took them through the Level one book in about a week. I wasn't sure if I should bother with it at first because I knew they were well past a level one, but I am so glad I did it. It only took a week to get through all 24 lessons. We went very quickly, doing about 5 lessons per day. And in the end.....they did learn something new. Several things, in fact.
We didn't go through any spelling lists. We went through spelling rules. Our biggest breakthrough was the recognition of when to use "c", "k", "ch", or "ck" when spelling the /k/ sound. Did you know there was a rule for that? They learned when to use "c" or "s" to spell the /s/ sound. They learned that "l", "f", and "s" are usually doubled at the end of a single vowel, one syllable word. No more guessing or wondering if it looks right. Now they know.The first book also included so many things to help early readers. I will try Honor out in book 1 when we resume school in January as a phonics program. We'll take it slowly, but I think she will glean a lot from it.
About halfway through the second book, I knew it was time to slow down and focus. The boys were beginning to guess on the spelling of some words. Their guesses were mostly right, but they were still guesses. We had found their level.
The lessons are easy to teach. I open the book and follow the steps. We are finished within 15 minutes. Lovely. Ease of use is very important. The only negative I have to share about this entire product is the initial prep time I spent cutting out all of the flashcards. I used a $12.00 cutter from the craft store and it still took me several hours. However, they have since updated and the new material packets will come perforated. Everything past that original prep time has been very simple to complete each day.
The program has a one year money back guarantee, which takes the stress out of ordering. It is more expensive than Sequential Spelling, but comparable in price to other programs I've tried. If you are pinching pennies, I don't know that the audio cd is integral. And, while I suggest beginning with the first level, if you know your student is ready for a higher level then I think it would be possible to skip the actual lesson books for the early levels and just go through the rules cards found in their material packets. But if you have younger children who could inherit the books in a year or so, I really think it's worth starting with level 1. The Tiles are necessary, but if you have plenty of stick-on magnets on hand, there's no need to order more.For more thoughts on this program, check out Merry's blog and the TOS Crew.
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