Abecedarian: Should I add spelling?

[chiguirre]

We've been using ABCD B for a month and both of my hsers are enjoying and learning from it. To be fair, it's been review as far as reading goes, but it does seem to help them think about how to spell a word. I've noticed ds really saying and thinking about the component sounds of words when he's doing copywork. That's a big step forward.

My question is if and when I should add a program specifically for spelling? Does ABCD teach enough spelling on its own? I see that ABCD C seems to emphasize spelling. Does that mean the focus shifts to spelling rather than reading the sounds? I can't really tell from the samples.

If you do add in another spelling program, which one fits best with ABCD? When did you start the other program? Do you alternate? How, completing a level in one and then switching or doing both at the same time alternating days?

Thanks for your help!

[Ottakee]

http://www.prometheantrust.org/soundfoundationsbooks.htm Apples and Pears spelling would be a wonderful program if you decide you need one. Works great for struggling learners and isn't the typical "learn the word list for the week" type program.

[chiguirre]

Ottakee, thanks for the suggestion. Do you know if there's a less expensive place to buy A&P. It costs as much as All About Spelling and it's consumable. I'd prefer to buy something I can use with both hsers and resell if possible.

[Ottakee]

Sorry, that is the only place I know of to get it as it is from England. You could check the used board or even this board to see if someone has the level you need for sale. More and more people are using it. One thing you could do--would be a bit of a pain but would work would be to just buy the student book and read the directions from the PDF file on their website.

[Kleine Hexe]

I use AAS. I don't think ABCD would be enough spelling for ds. I started with level 1 AAS while we were doing ABCD level B.

[chiguirre]

Kleine Hexe, do you use ABCD and AAS simultaneously or do you alternate? Do you attempt to coordinate them or just do 15 minutes each?

Are you using ABCD C now? How much spelling does it have? Could you explain how the extra Spelling book works?

Thank you for your help!

[NCW]

ABeCeDarian does have a Spelling Patterns Workbook that is done after completing Level C. Perhaps it could be done concurrently - I'd just call and ask. It is actually very good, and has really helped our daughter improve her spelling. It seemed to move a little fast for our son, so we are trying Apples and Pears with him (just started it in December).

Personally, I like how ABCD uses and reviews patterns to help kids remember what they need to. I don't yet see that as clearly in Apples and Pears - some of the word groups have nothing discernible in common, so it seems more like rote memorization.

Both spelling books use sentence dictation, as well as rewriting words to increase memorization. I currently expect to use Apples and Pears until ds is ready for the ABeCeDarian book - and I plan to have dd move on to their Level D after she completes the spelling workbook.

hope that helps! every kid is so individual - we have the luxury of picking and choosing what is just right for each one.

NCW

[Jumping In Puddles]

:lurk5:

I'm wondering if I should go to level C and the Spelling book or if I should use AAS instead.