All About Spelling (A Review)

Anybody that knows me at all knows that I am 'All About Spelling'! I loved this subject in school and am excited that Redd, my 6 yr. old is turning out to be the same way. I received this product from All About Learning Press free of charge to review and share my thoughts with you.
All About Spelling is unique in that it teaches all the sounds of each letter right from the start. For example, the letter 'a' is typically learned first as a short vowel but with this curriculum the child learns the 3 sounds for 'a' right away. (short a, long a, and ah).

Here are many reasons why All About Spelling works with beginners as well as being a powerful tool for remedial instruction.
All About Spelling is multisensory.
The lessons involve sight, sound, and touch.
All About Spelling is logical.
Spelling concepts are taught in a logical, understandable order. Each lesson builds upon the previous lesson. The sequence has been carefully tested to produce long-term results.
No gaps.
If there is a reliable rule that will help your child out, they teach it. If there is a tip that will help your child master a certain spelling pattern, it’s in there presented in a very logical order.
The program is mastery-based, not grade-level based.
When students master a specific concept, they move on. If a child needs more practice in a certain area, it is allowed.
All About Spelling has continual review.
As the child learns new material, he or she also constantly reviews previously-taught concepts. The program is clear.
Children are taught what they need to know in a direct manner and do not have to guess or come to their own conclusions about the English language.

Each section includes excellent tips for introducing a new concept. One I loved was to introduce dictation (fancy word for spelling test) by using letter tiles that can be ordered separately. Then as the student becomes comfortable spelling on their own this way, dictation moves on to pencil and paper.

I personally received the following to use and review:
Starter Kit (Letter tiles, magnets, Phonogram CD-ROM)
This kit is used in Levels 1-6. If items are purchased separately, $31.85

Level 1 (includes Teacher's Manual and One Student Material Packet) $29.95
Concepts taught will include the following:
How to say and write the first 32 phonograms
How to segment words into their individual sounds
Short and long vowel sounds
How to identify and count syllables in a word

How to choose between c and k at the beginning of a word
When to double f, l, and s

How to spell /k/ at the end of a word
How to form plural words by adding s or es

Compound words
Open and closed syllable types

Flashcards provide a visual and hands-on way to help your student learn and review phonograms, words, and spelling rules.
The Spelling Review Box helps you organize the flashcards so you can quickly see which words, phonograms, and spelling rules your student still needs to learn and review. (Flashcards and dividers are included; you supply the 3x5" index card box.)
The Segmenting Words activity helps your student identify the individual sounds in a word so that he can spell more easily and accurately.
Concept-oriented spelling lists that are grouped by similar phonograms and spelling rules.
Key Cards clearly present key ideas, concepts, and spelling rules that help your student thoroughly understand why a word is spelled the way it is and how to apply that knowledge to many other words.
The More Words and Dictate Phrases sections reinforce current and previously learned concepts, increase the student’s repertoire of words, and allow the student to apply his knowledge in practical situations.
The Progress Chart gives your student a visual reminder of how far he has come and motivates him to master the next step.

Level 2 (Includes Teachers Manuel and 1 Student Material Packet) $39.95
In a practical, hands-on way, your student will learn:
The open and closed syllable types
How to divide words into syllables
How to spell multisyllable words
When y can say /î/
How Silent E can make a vowel long
The vowel-consonant-e syllable type
Two spellings for the sound of /z/
The two sounds of long u
The difference between hard and soft c and g
Ways to spell long e
That English words don’t end in i, j, u, or v
The most common way to spell the sound of /er/
When to use oi/oy, aw/au, and ow/ou and more!

You can also sign up on the website to receive "20 Best Tips For Teaching Spellng" and a weekly email featuring free spelling tips!

I look forward to using this resource with all of my children on our homeschooling journey!
April