Any reason why this is a bad idea?

[joannqn]

My daughter hates "learning" things she already knows. When I found out just how far ahead in language arts she was, I switched her spelling curriculum to Spelling Power. I chose it because it eliminated the repetition.

We don't use the program as it was designed. Rather than doing daily pretests, I enter the words into a spelling program that they use to practice them. The program repeats the audio I recorded, and they type in the word. If they get them all right, they are done. If they get any wrong, they have the option of repeating the missing word. They only do spelling twice a week; it takes about 5 minutes to go through about 25 words. Then we do a test just so I have a written record on Friday.

Well, today my daughter told me that spelling was boring because it was too easy. I usually give her two lists (about 50 words) a week to get her through them quickly, hoping to get her to more challenging lists faster without skipping the few words she doesn't already know. So, I looked ahead and we'd have to get to the last level or two before we'd find more than a few words at each level, but even then, she'd know 75% of them or more.

So, I did a quick google search and found a website of SAT vocabulary words. I was thinking about using those for her spelling, and require her to learn both the spelling and meaning of the words. The program we use has a way that I could incorporate a basic definition. Is there any reason not to do this?

This would be in addition to Caesar's English that she's already doing for vocabulary.

[Kalah]

I think it sounds like a great idea, JoAnn! I'm all for keeping kids engaged in their learning. If she's bored, it would be great to adapt spelling to help her stretch.
BTW, my almost 10yo's weakest subject is spelling so I'm feeling a little bit jealous right now. :o

[lionfamily1999]

That sounds good. If she makes it through that then maybe you could add in some root word work (Latin/Greek root words) and just drop spelling all together.

[Jen in PA]

I think it sounds like a great idea. You are challenging her and maximizing the time she puts in by covering vocabulary at the same time. Keep us posted on how it goes!

[Sara R]

The kids who compete in spelling bees study the SAT words. No reason why she shouldn't. She could also look at spelling bee word lists, if she thinks that sounds fun.

[jlovebaker]

I second that one. Not sure what the point of spelling is for someone who is already a good speller ... maybe just move straight into vocab/roots. I dropped spelling a few weeks into homeschooling with my then 4th graders - I didn't even try it with my then 6th grader. I think it's a subject that automatically goes on the list but for some kids I don't think it's that important. It's a nice filler and easy to grade in a classroom setting - just not sure it's needed in a homeschool. Just my two cents! I know others feel differently. We're not missing it!

[Caribbean Queen]

Studying random vocabulary words didn't get me to learn anything long term. I just studied for the test and then forgot everything. Reading increased my vocabulary more than 'Vocab study.'

I'd just drop Spelling.

[LisaDSB]

It's Spelling Bee Season right now -- would your daughter be interested in joining one? My kids don't do much formal spelling through the year (we never seem to get to it, although I have Spelling Power too). They do, however, participate in spelling bees and wow, are those words ever hard! My DS9 has moved up to the grade 4-6 level this year and I can barely spell half the words on his list. There are 400 of them, so I plug them into the website Spelling City and they play games to try and learn them. It's almost too challenging, and my kids both read and spell well beyond grade level.

[joannqn]

She's never shown an interest in spelling bees. I think the biggest issue is she won't do anything that requires standing in front of people. Maybe I'll order some spelling bee movies to see if I can peak an interest for the future. I also don't know how to get into them. I never hear about them locally.

[ElizabethB]

My daughter didn't even want to say her name at the beginning of CC, now she gives animated presentations, her best one so far was the one where they got an off the cuff topic!

My 4 year old, as well, he did't look people in the eye or say more than a word at the start, now he's doing great.

(There is a 3 minute presentation at the start of every CC class, we've done 13 or the 14 classes so far, we had to miss one.)

So, if you start small and work your way up with consistent practice, she could start to blossom, too. Both of my children take a while to warm up to people and are not naturally good at speaking in front of people. (I'm the same way, actually--they are probably now better public speakers than I am, in general, unless you get me started on phonics and teaching people to read, then I'm fine. Strangely enough, I can also play trumpet in front of 20,000 people with no fear yet don't like to speak in front of more than 2 people!)

Your spelling plan sounds fine, BTW.

I've also looked into spelling bees and not been able to find much info, although the little I did find suggested they started at 3rd grade in general. You'd think there would be something in the area, though, it's just a matter of finding it, you're in a big enough area to support that kind of thing.

[pmurphy]

As long as she is consistently spelling words correctly when she writes then I'd say there is no need for spelling anymore. The vocabulary idea sounds great!

Tricia

[Moonbeam Jones]

If you are looking for spelling bee movies, I would suggest the documentary Spellbound.
Also check your local newspaper or google Scripps Howard for local spelling bees. I believe they are the sponser for the national spelling bee that is seen in Spellbound and yearly on ESPN!

[Dana in OR]

JoAnn, if I may ask what is the name of the spelling program you use that records the words and lets the student practice ? Sounds interesting.

[joannqn]

My daughter didn't even want to say her name at the beginning of CC, now she gives animated presentations, her best one so far was the one where they got an off the cuff topic!

What is CC?

JoAnn, if I may ask what is the name of the spelling program you use that records the words and lets the student practice ? Sounds interesting.

I use SpellQuizzer (http://www.spellquizzer.com/Spelling-Software-For-Homeschoolers.htm?RefAff=HSB490). I initially found it when I was asked to review it back in May. I gave my honest review of it on my blog. (http://www.homeschooldistractions.com/2009/05/spellquizzer-fun-spelling-program.html) We are still using it weekly.

[ElizabethB]

What is CC?

Classical Conversations (http://www.classicalconversations.com/)

It's a bit expensive, but it's a nation wide co-op, and they have them most places we're likely to move, so I can keep some consistency and also not have to spend a lot of time looking around for groups and co-ops each time we move when I'm tired and surrounded by boxes.

You can teach to help offset the costs if you think you'll like it. In a few weeks they will start opening up to people looking to come see a class to sign up for next year's groups. It's not perfect, but it's been good for my children so far. (It's the only school we do with our 4 year old other than some occasional work when he is interested. The other day he got very upset when I forgot about his CC class, I told someone we didn't do school with him yet, he corrected me!)