Calvert Spelling CDs

[nestof3]

My son is going into the third grade.

He's a pretty good speller depsite the fact that we haven't done formal spelling (I see this in his writing).

At what grade level should I start?

And -- where is the least expensive place to buy these?

[OhElizabeth]

I think they start at 3rd grade, so you'll start there. I don't know that you can buy them anywhere but directly from Calvert. They're very affordable, $14 as I recall. Some things on their website are hard to find, but you can get good help by calling.

If you get the 3rd and he aces the test for a lesson, it gives him harder words to use in the activities. It ramps the words up to make them plenty challenging.

[TMarie]

Calvert uses the cds as reinforcement for their spelling workbooks.
Can the cds be used alone?
Also, I know this probably a silly question :rolleyes:... Does anyone know if the words and spelling are spoken on the cd, or is it all visual?

[DawnUK]

The words are spoken on the CD.

--Dawn

[TracyR]

Yes , You could use them seperately from the spelling book if you wanted. You can only get them through Calvert and they run about $20 . Unless you get lucky and find someone selling it themselves . I think the new DVD is MUCH better then the old ones .

[April in WA]

TracyR,

Could you tell me what you like better about the new spelling vs. the old? I've used the old and really like it. I've never heard anyone say they liked the new. I have not been able to buy used the 5th grade cd I need for next year yet and need to decide if I will buy the new one or not. Your input is appreciatated.

Blessings,
April in WA

[TracyR]

My daughter's like these new cd's much better. They are more colorful as far as pictures go on the Cd and have actual fun games on them , Versus the same old games on the old cd . Meaning the animation is more enjoyable for the kids . I guess it just all depends on the family but we like them alot more . But my girls are into computer games .

[Asmaa]

Hello,

The older Calvert Spelling CDs have a daily list of 10 new words....and older graphics like Tracy mentioned.

The new Calvert Spelling CDs, which were released in 2006, have a weekly list of 14 words for 3rd grade and 20 words for 4th and up.

The format is also follows: 1) pretest, 2) explanation of spelling focus (rule), 3) required and optional exercises, 4) posttest, and 5) review of words missed on pretest and posttest with optional enrichment activities (includes creative writing).

My children also prefer the newer spelling cds. We have used them for 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades. The cost is $25 including shipping.

Hope this helps.

Asmaa

[OhElizabeth]

Wow, I remembered the prices wrong! Oh well. We use just the cd, not a workbook, and really like it. It's the new, haven't seen the old. A voice reads the words and gives the sentence for the pre-test, then there is voice-over with animation, graphics, etc. as the student corrects. You get a good mix of auditory, visual, and kinesthetic (typing the corrections). The games are engaging and my dd just plain enjoys it. I've seen some discussions of new vs. old (which I haven't seen), and frankly I haven't understood it. The current is so charming and fun, can't imagine why you'd want the old. I think it's just a matter of what people were used to. If you get them, you'll like them! :)

[TracyR]

Yes. I agree the new one is alot more enjoyable . Has games that are really fun . The old one my daughter had gotten board with very easily because it was the same thing over and over and there wasn't any real animation . Its hard to explain because you would have to see them to compare .
I'm sure your son will enjoy the newer Cd's :)

[angela in ohio]

Dawn,

I have the 3rd grade CD that we aren't using anymore. It is the older edition, but you could try it to see if you like it. Email me if you want it, and I will send it off to you.