All About Spelling or Megawords?????? Help

[Felicia]

I am as confused as can be:blink:, mainly because I've been concentrating on what we will be doing for history and geography. My head is somewhat spinning.
Now for spelling. Can someone please compare these for me? Also, is megawords a vocabulary program like wordly wise or just a spelling program? We've done bju and retention is not there for my ds10. If we use megawords, do we still use wordly wise or would this program take care of spelling and vocabulary building? I have not even heard of AAS until today, (I know, where have I been, right?:001_unsure:) but by the way the boards look, many seem to like it. If any can give me any advice here I would really appreciate all input.

Blessings all,:)

[Lori D.]

All About Spelling is a newer spelling program which, I believe, currently goes up through about the 4th-5th grade level. New levels are added each year. It is strictly a spelling program, but is very thorough, giving the "why" behind the spelling patterns, plus spelling practice in a variety of modalities to match with all the learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic). See it at: http://www.all-about-spelling.com/


Megawords is a spelling program, and can be used as either a stand-alone spelling program, or as a very helpful supplement to any other spelling program. It is geared for grade 4 and up. The vocabulary comes into play in the wordlists used to practice the spelling patterns, so it is not a vocabulary program (introducing roots, or practicing vocabulary words), but rather enhances vocabulary through exposure to words through the wordlists and using the words in spelling practice. (Did that make sense?? ::tongue_smilie:)

This is just my opinion so take it or leave it, BUT... To us, Wordly Wise seemed to just be "busywork" as far as vocabulary learning and retention. What has worked much better in learning and retaining vocabulary here has been reading (a lot of outloud reading still, and defining words as we run across them); and studying Greek/Latin roots to help us "decipher" new words.

Anyways, check out this current thread on Megawords for more info:
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30249

BEST of luck in finding what works best for your family -- spelling and vocabulary wise! Warmest regards, Lori D.

[Felicia]

Thank you soooo much Lori. That did help tremendously. My dd12 kinda liked doing WW but I am not sure how much she gets out of it. We are thinking of doing English from the Roots Up or Vocabulary Vine.
As far as the spelling programs, you did clear it up for me as to how each worked. I appreciate your advice.:)

[Lori D.]

Hey, if your child *enjoys* doing the Wordly Wise, go for it! : ) Extra vocabulary exposure is great! : )

[Linda...inOwasso]

No experience with AAS, so can't help you there. We own Megawords 1, 2 & 4. I think they're awesome! The subtitle states: "Reading, spelling & vocabulary," and that's exactly what you get. I respectfully beg to differ with Lori. Megawords includes a heavy focus on Latin word roots, suffixes, prefixes, et. At the beginning of each lesson, you encounter a large list of words to be covered. Those words marked with an asterik are considered "common spelling words" and it is suggested that the student be responsible for knowing how to spell those words correctly. However, you get to pick & choose whichever words you will require your child to spell successfully. A lesson spans 2 weeks worth of work (M-F). Each day focuses on an aspect of the lesson such as: introducing the root words, matching Latin roots w/ English words, learning the meaning of various pre & suffixes and applying them correctly.

I highly recommend MegaWords. It's cheap, easy and solid. The workbook is well laid out and easy to implement. We have tried Wordly Wise and hated it. The words weren't commonly used and the assignments were strung out with unnecessary "busywork" such as crosswords, and so forth.

I hope I don't offend Lori... I just wanted to share our experience with MegaWords. Best of luck in your decision!

[Lori D.]

No offense taken, Linda! : ) Thanks for the clarification. I think what I was trying to get at (and failed -- lol!) was that Megawords is primarily a spelling program. : )

[Linda...inOwasso]

Thanks for such a sweet attitude Lori! Everyone's experience with the vast array of curriculum choices is so different and sometimes feathers get ruffled if you don't share another's opinion. I appreciate your kindness. :)

[AngieW in Texas]

I have emailed with a mom who has used both AAS and Megawords. She said that Megawords 1 would be perfect for right after AAS#3 (the highest level available right now).

If I has known about AAS at the time, I would have started with it, but my youngest is about 1/3 of the way through MW 1 right now.

I love Megawords. It's an excellent program. Megawords focuses on reading and spelling, but it also covers vocabulary. I have my 7th grader use Word Roots in addition to Megawords for extra vocabulary work.