All About Spelling

This year we are using the All About Spelling program. J., my 5th grader, has struggled with reading and writing for years. I've tried lots of different approaches to spelling, and none of them seem to work particularly well and the traditional approach, which I prefer, seemed painful to J. I came across the All About Spelling program last year and decided we would give it a try.

So far it has been terrific. Because J. needed remediation, we started with the very first level. It is very systematic and tactile. Each lesson is easy to follow and implement. It makes use of spelling with letter tiles and pencil/paper. It includes dictation--phrases and sentences that incorporate words from the current lesson and review words. Many lessons we were able to introduce and complete in 1-2 days, if J. already knew or quickly grasped the concept. But, it is easy to extend a lesson to a week, when he has needed further instruction and review. He completed Level 1 in about 6 weeks. He is now working on Level 2, and doing very well. He actually likes doing spelling. He says it is his new favorite subject.

I plan to begin using Level 1 with E. (kindergarten) after the holiday break. Then I will be able to share how well it works with an emergent speller.