sea_mommy Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 Awhile back, I switched from AAS (we did levels 1-3) to R&S spelling because I needed something a bit more independent for ds9. Now, I am wondering if it was the best choice for him. It took him awhile to figure out how to do the workbook (ie. follow directions), but now he is doing better with that. However, I'm not sure if he is retaining it much. I've been wondering if for awhile, but yesterday's test sort of confirmed it for me. I really don't want to ditch R&S if I can figure out a way to make it work for him. Maybe I'm not doing something correctly? Any ideas on how to adapt it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 Does he do all of the written exercises? Also, honestly, I wouldn't worry about "retention" at this point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sea_mommy Posted February 22, 2017 Author Share Posted February 22, 2017 Yes, but he often needs me to go over the rules with him first and go over a few questions orally before doing them on his own. But then he does all of the written exercises. When doing the tests, he gets most right, but when he does the exercises, he seems to get quite a few wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 Spelling is something that (if not a natural speller) improves slowly over time. If you like R&S (it's what we settled on after trying just about all the programs over the years), then just keep plugging along. The exercises is R&S don't tend to be easy busy work, so don't be discouraged that he's not getting them all correct, especially since he's doing okay on the tests. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 Yes, but he often needs me to go over the rules with him first and go over a few questions orally before doing them on his own. But then he does all of the written exercises. When doing the tests, he gets most right, but when he does the exercises, he seems to get quite a few wrong. It's possible that you will need to do the exercises with him for awhile. Which of course isn't what you wanted, but maybe it's just that Spelling by Sound and Structure is just *so* different that he really isn't understanding anything and he needs more help from you for awhile. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
My4arrows Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 I agree with pp who said its not easy busy work. It takes thinking and application. My DS is working through grade 4 R&S and although he is a natural speller and does well on the tests, he does get tripped up by some of the exercises and needs help with the more difficult ones. I typically have him spend a day per section (A, B,C) and if there's something he doesn't quite get to circle the problem, but still try it. On Friday I correct it and then we go over the incorrect ones together, then the test. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverMoon Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 Yes, but he often needs me to go over the rules with him first and go over a few questions orally before doing them on his own. But then he does all of the written exercises. When doing the tests, he gets most right, but when he does the exercises, he seems to get quite a few wrong. You're reteaching and having him fix those mistakes, right? If so I'd just keep on keeping on. You are still in the learning curve for Spelling by Sound and Structure. Those exercises are the main course and the word lists are the side, so it makes sense that a kid would struggle more there. :001_smile: Would having him write out the rules on an index card for reference help? That works like a charm for one of mine. For what it's worth, in my experience, if a DC is getting all or nearly all of them correct consistently they're probably placed too low in the book or series. If that was the case for mine I'd be hurrying them through a few lessons to get them where it's more challenging. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sea_mommy Posted February 24, 2017 Author Share Posted February 24, 2017 You're reteaching and having him fix those mistakes, right? If so I'd just keep on keeping on. You are still in the learning curve for Spelling by Sound and Structure. Those exercises are the main course and the word lists are the side, so it makes sense that a kid would struggle more there. :001_smile: Would having him write out the rules on an index card for reference help? That works like a charm for one of mine. For what it's worth, in my experience, if a DC is getting all or nearly all of them correct consistently they're probably placed too low in the book or series. If that was the case for mine I'd be hurrying them through a few lessons to get them where it's more challenging. Yes, we are going over it and reteaching it. The way that you explained it about the main course and side really makes sense to me. Thank you! I might have him try writing out the rules on an index card and see if that helps any. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8Arrows4theLord Posted March 6, 2017 Share Posted March 6, 2017 We also had problems with R&S spelling with a few of ours, many of the same problems you are saying about. We have used Barton's spelling rules & Spelling Power as well. If you can get ahold of the Barton Spelling Rules they really help. Other options for practicing words that have worked for my crew: -make a rule chart/ list (also mentioned in a post above) -use letter tiles to review words, just spell words, flip tiles upside down and try to spell words by flipping tiles over (need 2 players), make crossword puzzle out of words - use markers to write rule and all that week's words in lots of colors and different writing. -have a spelling bee -write the words in sentences - take more than 1 week to cover a hard list. - Spelling Power has a lot more options for review of words and rules. - finger write the words on the table top as spelling out loud -correct each section as soon as it is done, only 1 section per day -one of mine liked to form words out of play dough ropes and also draw words in shaving cream I recently started using MCP spelling with my youngest son, since I know copying answers over to paper will be difficult for him later. He is doing very well with that. Maybe you will find something helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sea_mommy Posted March 10, 2017 Author Share Posted March 10, 2017 We also had problems with R&S spelling with a few of ours, many of the same problems you are saying about. We have used Barton's spelling rules & Spelling Power as well. If you can get ahold of the Barton Spelling Rules they really help. Other options for practicing words that have worked for my crew: -make a rule chart/ list (also mentioned in a post above) -use letter tiles to review words, just spell words, flip tiles upside down and try to spell words by flipping tiles over (need 2 players), make crossword puzzle out of words - use markers to write rule and all that week's words in lots of colors and different writing. -have a spelling bee -write the words in sentences - take more than 1 week to cover a hard list. - Spelling Power has a lot more options for review of words and rules. - finger write the words on the table top as spelling out loud -correct each section as soon as it is done, only 1 section per day -one of mine liked to form words out of play dough ropes and also draw words in shaving cream I recently started using MCP spelling with my youngest son, since I know copying answers over to paper will be difficult for him later. He is doing very well with that. Maybe you will find something helpful. Wow! Thank you for all of the ideas! I'm going to print this out and try to implement a few ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8Arrows4theLord Posted March 20, 2017 Share Posted March 20, 2017 You're welcome! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.