Spelling Curriculum for 6yo who is does not appear to be a natural speller

[A.J. at J.A.]

I've used SWO for my older son (now in 3rd grade) since 1st grade and he has done well. Apparently he is a natural speller, because my now 1st grader is having problems learning the words in SWO A. I was wondering if you could give me some other ideas on spelling curriculum that might be better for him. I have coupled SWO with some copywork of the words but that doesn't seem to be helping too much either. He is a "young" 1st grader (as in, he is half way through 1st grade but won't be 7 until May 30) so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it or not. It seems I'm always saying, "yes, but he's 6 months behind where DS#1 was at the same time." I just can't tell if it's a developmental thing, a curriculum thing, or something else.

Thanks,
Angela

[Julie in PA]

Have you considered putting it off another year? He is young and sometimes boys take longer mature enough to "get" things like spelling. My children did not start a formal spelling curriculum until 2nd grade. They started learning a few words that went along with the phonics rule the 2nd semester of 1st grade just to get them prepared for the subject.

[kaylk in tx]

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

this really seems to be working with my ds 7 who's not a natural with any of the language subjects. it's very hands-on and i'm learning spelling rules i never knew before!

hth
kay

[Ellie]

My favorite reading/spelling method is Spalding (http://www.spalding.org), for children of any age.

[OneRoomHomeSchool]

I would wait another year.... ;)

[A.J. at J.A.]

Thanks ladies for the recommendations and suggestions to wait a year. I think we'll take a break and work on our Spelling Bee list for a while. We're having a friendly spelling bee in April which is very non-threatening.

Thanks,
Angela

[King Alfred Academy]

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

this really seems to be working with my ds 7 who's not a natural with any of the language subjects. it's very hands-on and i'm learning spelling rules i never knew before!

hth
kay

When you revisit spelling again, I would encourage you to look into this program. I was having the same difficulties with my ds7. He reads beyond grade level, but his spelling was not good at all. Since switching from SWO to AAS, I have seen an improvement. I love that it is hands on and very visual. There are also elements for the auditory learner as well. :)