Helping Your Child Become a Better Speller

It is important to first note in my All About Spelling reviews that the activities are designed to maximize learning by "teaching spelling through the three main pathways to the brain: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic." (All About Spelling, 2007-2009) This approach is based on the understanding that children learn best by doing. Therefore, every lesson incorporates activities based on sight, sound and touch. (Parents and teachers working with special-needs learners will find this aspect of the program particularly helpful.) Since each of these areas is a critical component of learning, none should be overlooked or skipped.

The required components for using the program include the following:

• Starter Kit (with the 105 color-coded phonagram letter tiles, attachable magnets and interactive phonogram CD-ROM that are necessary for teaching Levels 1-6)
• One Teacher's Manual
• One Student Material Packet per student

Each Student Material Packet includes¹:

• Four sets of flashcards printed on card stock and ready to be cut apart. Flashcards are designed to help the student learn and review phonograms, words, and spelling rules.
  • Phonogram Cards for learning to read the phonograms
  • Sound Cards for learning to write the phonograms
  • Key Cards for learning the spelling rules
  • Word Cards for mastering the spelling words

• Twelve labeled index card dividers that organize the flashcards in the Spelling Review Box so you can customize your student’s review.

• A set of five colorful tokens that provide your student with a fun, tactile way to segment words and identify individual sounds.

• A progress chart and completion certificate that allow you to track and celebrate your student’s success.

A key component to the program is that it is master-based instead of grade-level based, which is a distinct difference when comparing the lessons to other spelling programs! This means that your student does not move on until he/she has achieved mastery of the skills introduced - and are not held back if he/she is ready for a more difficult challenge or advanced pace. Each lesson builds on the previous lesson, and continual review is incorporated directly into the program. For these reasons, the program is an excellent choice for both remedial and gifted instruction and learning.

Designed for all ages - preschool to adult - there are currently five levels. A sixth level is due to be released shortly. By the end of Level Six, your student will be spelling at the high school level.

The most beneficial component of the All About Spelling reviews is the scripted lessons. Each plan is clearly laid out and easy to follow. Not only are the necessary materials readily identified, but so are the different components of each lesson. I know exactly which portion of the lesson is review, new teaching, practice or reinforcement. While I am no longer in the classroom, I can easily see that this would be an added bonus for teachers preparing lessons for substitutes, classroom aides, support staff or student-teachers. Having the scripted lessons means that you are assured your students are receiving accurate instructions offered in a manner which is already familiar to them.

The All About Spelling program has been a blessing to our family. I am successfully using it with all three of my boys - each with their own learning styles, challenges and successes. If you have been looking for a truly effective spelling program, your search is over. All About Spelling is the key to your student's "spelling success!"

To learn more about the All About Spelling program or place an order, visit the author and creator's website at http://www.all-about-spelling.com/

^{1 Information regarding the All About Spelling program components was obtained from the All About Spelling website (research conducted 11/10/09), and is also based on the author's personal use of the program in a homeschool setting}

Image courtesy of the All About Spelling website

Offered as a disclaimer: I did receive a free copy of the lower-level program to assist with the review, and as an enthusiastic supporter of the program, you will find my testimonial on the creator's website.