All About Spelling Review

Well, before I get into all the curriculum that I've used that DIDN'T work for us, let me give a glowing review of one that has and is - All About Spelling. Here is why. My 11 year old daughter has a terrible time spelling. When she was 8, she was diagnosed with Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) as well as a mild language learning disability. I'll post more on CAPD later. So needless to say spelling isn't her strong point. I've tried A LOT of different spelling programs, some were quite expensive. They all just frustrated her or she didn't make any strides with them. I promised to be honest, so here is a list of spelling curriculum that I used that didn't work for her: Spelling Workout, Spelling Power, A Reason For Spelling (good program that I liked a lot and she liked it as well, but she just didn't remember the words she learned), BJU Spelling, SPIRE from EPS (great program, a lot like All About Spelling but much more expensive).

I found All About Spelling during a search on the internet and I am so glad I did. When I learned about her CAPD and LLD, I was told by a professional therapist that she needed training using the Orton-Gillingham method, a very multi-sensory program that teaches phonemic awareness. They had a program using this approach but we just couldn't afford it. All About Spelling uses this method. When I read that I ordered it immediately!

I was pleasantly surprised with the price of the program as well - just under $30 per level.

There is little parent preparation as the lessons are all written out and scripted for you. Love that! The only prep you need to do is cut apart the cards used for the lessons. I did that all ahead of time. You will need an index card file to keep them in. The tabs are provided for you.
The hands-on process is very easy. Your child will use the spelling tiles (individual letters of the alphabet) on a white board (you can put magnetized strips on the tiles - these strips can be ordered from the company) and the child will "build" words. The process of moving around letters to spell words is something that really helps to sink the words in their brain. My daughter loves to do this part!

Now to tell you about her progress. As I said, she is a struggling speller. If you've ever had a child who struggled in spelling - you know how frustrating it can be FOR YOU and the child. There were times I would almost be in tears. And I felt like a failure. But she is improving so much! We started out using Level 1. It was mostly review for her, words she already knew how to spell, but I wanted to really get the most benefit out of this program and start at the beginning. It helped to build her confidence as well. We did several "steps" a day. Now we are on to Level 2 and only do one step per day. One other thing I really like is the constant review built into the program. I am noticing that she is applying the things she has learned into her daily writing -- a process I thought would never happen. To say that I am estatic would be an understatement! I plan on continuing this program all the way through to the last level. Hopefully when I move on to a "traditional" spelling program, she will have all she needs to know solidified in her brain. She may always be a struggling speller, but she will have the tools to help her.

I like this program so much that I became an affiliate with the company. You can visit their site either by clicking on the link in the margin or following this link:

www.allaboutspelling.com/dres3

I'm that impressed by this program. I know what it is like to teach a child with learning disabilities and if I can help a parent through some part of their struggle, well, I feel that is the only decent thing to do.

Sheila