Favorite spelling program?

[Jennifer in NH]

I am looking for a spelling program for my dd7(1/2). She does not read fluently yet. We are a little over halfway through OPG and she has just started reading Pathway readers (1st grade level).
Any opinions on spelling programs you like or don't like and why? All information would be so helpful!
Jenny

[Beth in Central TX]

I like the spelling program published by Rod & Staff. It runs from 2nd grade to 8th grade. The scope and sequence for spelling includes work for phonics, building words, and dictionary skills. These areas are introduced, built upon, and reviewed throughout the spelling program. In grades 7 & 8, the program moves from a spelling focus to a vocabulary focus starting with Latin roots and moving to Greek roots.

The only downside is that the workbooks do not always have enough room to write in. However, the spelling books for 4th and 5th grade have recently been edited, so this problem may have been addressed. I haven't seen a new edition though. I'll be ordering one this month though to take advantage of the R&S sale going on.

HTH!

[one l michele]

If she's not reading fluently yet, I would definitely recommend SWR. I've been using it for two years now, there is a learning curve for the teacher, but we can help you through that. The results are amazing. It teaches the kids how to understand the English language, how to have confidence when tackling a new word, how to read better, and how to spell. It's also non consumable, so although it is about $130 new, you aren't buying a phonics and spelling program yearly. It's also efficient in that it combines the two so you don't need a phonics program like ETC.

[HollyDay]

SWR has been the most successful for me. I do have a love/hate relationship with it, but it does work.

[Closeacademy]

I really like SWR too. It is very logical. You do have to learn the program and really work with it to make it yours.

I focus on the phonograms and rules for K to 2nd. For 3rd I am focusing on actual spelling with the lists. We will do 1 list a week and I have gone through the enrichment stuff and typed up worksheets and activities for her to do.

But I have taught 2 children to read with it and am going to start using the list for straight spelling next year. :)

[cajun.classical]

I am looking for a spelling program for my dd7(1/2). She does not read fluently yet. We are a little over halfway through OPG and she has just started reading Pathway readers (1st grade level).
Any opinions on spelling programs you like or don't like and why? All information would be so helpful!
Jenny

I would recommend holding off on spelling for awhile. Build that fluency first. We don't start formal spelling until 3rd grade. We use Simply Spelling, a dictation program. Before that we do copywork exclusively.

[hwfquilts]

I agree about waiting for reading fluency. Definitely wait until she is reading well before adding spelling to the mix.

My older son did Spelling Workout through 3rd grade, then moved on to Spelling Power, as he had no patience for the activities in SW. My 2nd grader is doing well with Spelling Workout.

Heather

[Josie]

I love this program. It is so easy to use. It has really worked well for us. I think it would help an emerging reader get fluent.

Here is the link for All About Spelling:

http://http://www.all-about-spelling.com/index.html

[Jennifer in NH]

Thank you. SWR sounds daunting, what is so different about it? What will I need to be guided through? A few years ago I bought the Spaulding book, "the writing road to reading". I may still have it (in the attic), It was rather daunting and overwhelming...is SWR different, more user friendly, or not? Thanks again!
Jenny

[Johanna]

also agreeing. AAS...imho is the best transition from "phonics" to "spelling" for an emerging reader. Not too much writing, short lessons, cements rules, easy!

[Trivium Academy]

We did Spelling Workout A and B the same year we finished OPG, which was first grade. Then for second (this year) we were on SWO C when I realized dd7 needed more phonics instruction to aid her fluency. After researching more about when it is best to start spelling, what the most effective way to learn is, and looked at other programs, I realized we needed to drop spelling until dd7 is reading comfortably. She vocalized her frustrated about not being able to enjoy what she was reading b/c she was working too hard to figure out what the words were.

We dropped Spelling Workout, started the Explode the Code books and her reading is improving greatly. We will start Simply Spelling by Laurie Hicks sometime in her third grade year, it uses copywork and dictation to teach spelling rules in context and a whole lot more. The best thing is that it's simple, without complicated games or instructions to wade through. At least that's why I love it.

She did like Spelling Workout, I liked it. There's nothing wrong with it but I finally listened to what some of the other homeschoolers were saying about it being busywork and thought about what is really worth our time.

[Michelle in TX]

I second the All About Spelling recommendation. On their website, they have a section that addresses the questions specifically for SWR users, although it is down right now as they are updating their website. When it was up, I remember many SWR users thinking AAS was a very similar prgram and a little easier to use. I too think AAS would be a good tool for reinforcing the phonics and reading skills.:)

[Kathie in VA]

Okay I'll mention yet another one: How to Teach Spelling with the workbooks How to Spell. It teaches and reviews all the phonograms and spelling rules. There are no tests. Instead after introducing and doing some copywork, you do dictation from the TE. We do some oral dictation of words. The offer phrases also. Then we do the sentences. This is a great way to review all the old phonograms, rules, and sight words covered. I think its the only program that actually reviews the lessons.

Oh, and there are only 4 workbooks to the whole program. I think it works out to wkbk 1 for grade 1, wkbk 2 for grades 2-3, wkbk 3 for grades 4-5, and wkbk 4 for grades 6-7.

hth

[Josie]

When you get your packet you will have quite a bit of cutting to do. You will then need to read the intro in the book which is only 8 pages. Then you set up your "spelling box" and your tiles (make sure you get the magnets for the backs of the tiles), and then you start to teach. BTW, I use one of the magnetic calendar boards for the tiles. Others have used cookie sheets or refrigerators for the tiles. It really is that easy. If you have any questions you can email the author.

Good luck on your decision.

[Josie]

Well, it never seems to work out. I was trying to post a response to Jennifer's question. I will get this board figured out one day!