Curious about why WTM Spelling recommendations

[SewLittleTime]

I'm curious about something. I have been researching for months spelling program for next year. We have been using SL LA up to this point, but have have the switch to WWE and FLL.

 

I recently got the newest addition for WTM just to see its recommendations for spelling. Why are Spelling Power and Spelling Workout the only ones recommended? Are there not any others that are equally as good?

 

I'm not sure I want a workbook only approach of Spelling Workout. Spelling Power is just not something that seems to appeal to my teaching style at all. I keep looking at AAS, but I'm not ready to bite the bullet and order it yet. I'm rambling now...sorry.

 

I'm just curious as to SWB's reasoning here.

[christine in al]

moving from SWR,, that has been an effective program for us, but my second child is very visual and I think the tiles will really help her. I had even tried to make some, but making 70 phonograms was beyond my interest. I didnt' know that the tactile format already existed in AAS.

 

Check out the thread about AAS. ( but it may cost you money ;) )

 

~c.

[Sahamamama]

I'm just curious as to SWB's reasoning here.

 

I have no idea what is in SWB's head about this, but her reasoning might be that a spelling program should be fairly uncomplicated -- not a lot of parts? In another section of WTM the authors mention phonics programs with many components, and state that these tend to complicate what can be taught much more simply. Perhaps SWB chose Spelling Workout and Spelling Power because they get the job done, without intensive teacher time?

 

I think I remember reading somewhere that she has used Spelling Workout with her own children; also, that she reviewed Spelling Power, and would have used it if her children hadn't learned to spell with the easier-to-implement program. I can't remember where I read this, LOL, but this is what rings a bell. (Ding Dong). HTH.

[Heidi @ Mt Hope]

I listened to a fascinating lecture by Andrew Pudewa (IEW) about spelling and the brain. He has it available on DVD. More info here. I really wanted to go with IEW's Phonetic Zoo because I think it will be a great fit with my son's learning style, but it is a little pricey, has a lot of parts, and I don't think my son is quite ready for it (especially the independently part). It seems like Andrew Pudewa said the Sequential Spelling is similar in theory. It is much less expensive, has sample lessons to download so you can try it out, and seems to be a perfect fit for my son right now. It is very simple to implement, but is not an independent workbook. The parent gives a short spelling 'test' daily. It is scripted, very positive (even cheerful) in tone, and takes very little time. The structure really fits what we need at this time, which is definitely *not* a workbook. I didn't care for the first SWO workbook.

[jenL]

This is a great question, as I have wondered this myself. Spelling is such an important skill, so I would think she'd want it really cemented for children.

 

After looking at both of her suggestions, I kept feeling like they weren't going to be enough for ds. I researched further and found AAS (thanks to the hive!), and we both are enjoying it immensely. Lessons are quick & fun, and it's sticking.

[Annie Laurie]

I wonder if she figured that if the phonics recs were followed, then all of the rules would have been learned already and therefore that part of it would be cemented. So she recommended simple spelling programs, perhaps because her kids didn't really have difficulties with spelling.

 

I can see how valuable AAS and other similar programs are for kids who struggle with spelling, but think those programs tend to be overkill for kids who spell without problems.

[SewLittleTime]

I have no idea what is in SWB's head about this, but her reasoning might be that a spelling program should be fairly uncomplicated -- not a lot of parts? In another section of WTM the authors mention phonics programs with many components, and state that these tend to complicate what can be taught much more simply. Perhaps SWB chose Spelling Workout and Spelling Power because they get the job done, without intensive teacher time?

 

I think I remember reading somewhere that she has used Spelling Workout with her own children; also, that she reviewed Spelling Power, and would have used it if her children hadn't learned to spell with the easier-to-implement program. I can't remember where I read this, LOL, but this is what rings a bell. (Ding Dong). HTH.

This makes sense to me. Thank you for your thoughts.

I listened to a fascinating lecture by Andrew Pudewa (IEW) about spelling and the brain. He has it available on DVD. More info here. I really wanted to go with IEW's Phonetic Zoo because I think it will be a great fit with my son's learning style, but it is a little pricey, has a lot of parts, and I don't think my son is quite ready for it (especially the independently part). It seems like Andrew Pudewa said the Sequential Spelling is similar in theory. It is much less expensive, has sample lessons to download so you can try it out, and seems to be a perfect fit for my son right now. It is very simple to implement, but is not an independent workbook. The parent gives a short spelling 'test' daily. It is scripted, very positive (even cheerful) in tone, and takes very little time. The structure really fits what we need at this time, which is definitely *not* a workbook. I didn't care for the first SWO workbook.

I will check out those links. Thanks.

I wonder if she figured that if the phonics recs were followed, then all of the rules would have been learned already and therefore that part of it would be cemented. So she recommended simple spelling programs, perhaps because her kids didn't really have difficulties with spelling.

 

I can see how valuable AAS and other similar programs are for kids who struggle with spelling, but think those programs tend to be overkill for kids who spell without problems.

This may be exactly what I needed to hear. My ds has a strong phonics base since I am a reading specialist. He is a natural reader and applies his phonics skills pretty well to his spelling. Sometimes we have to talk through things to get it, but usually he can work it out. I have wondered if AAS would be like backtracking for him or overkill.

[Annie Laurie]

 

This may be exactly what I needed to hear. My ds has a strong phonics base since I am a reading specialist. He is a natural reader and applies his phonics skills pretty well to his spelling. Sometimes we have to talk through things to get it, but usually he can work it out. I have wondered if AAS would be like backtracking for him or overkill.

 

That's neat that you're a reading specialist!

 

That's just my opinion, many here don't think so. I just know I was practically obsessed with phonics because my kids learned to read without going through a phonics program, but I have done so many phonics programs since then that I think I was spending way too much time on it when there were other things we could have been spending that time on.

 

They have all tested as strong readers and spellers so I just finally decided AAS was overkill for us. If I see one of my kids struggling in the future, I would pull AAS out again. But I don't see that happening since they have done ETC, 2 levels of AAS, Spectrum Phonics, and Elizabeth B's phonics lessons along with some of the phonics from Don Potter. And they're going to do Wordy Qwerty now, since I want them to learn to type anyway and that will be one last phonics review. Then we will do something simpler than AAS for spelling.

 

Anyway, that was way more info than you wanted to know! Here is a free resource that helped reassure me about my kids' spelling abilities that I will share, in case it's helpful to you too. I got it from Elizabeth B's great phonics website.

 

The Ayres Spelling test

 

Here are Elizabeth's spelling test links.

http://www.thephonicspage.org/On%20Spelling/spellingtests.html

[LunaLee]

My 2cents on the whole thing:

 

I agree that SWB wanted to keep spelling simple and that if used with the recommended phonics and english programs it would be fine.

 

I also think it also has a lot to do with what's included in a typical SWO week. Yes, it's a workbook, but it does so much with words...phonics, spelling rules, prefixes, suffixes, roots and word origins, definitions, synomyms, analogies, puzzles, proof reading, editing, built in review and a whole slew of stuff that when I look at a lesson I think to myself, "this is great".

[Annabel Lee]

I'm not sure I want a workbook only approach of Spelling Workout.

 

It becomes more than just a workbook when the lessons from the TM are implemented. Now I'm unsure if I want to keep my SWO books up for sale or not after reading what Lunalee says about it. Shoot. I thought had just streamlined my plans; now I'm off to go look through spelling/language books from my shelves again. Thanks alot, Luna. :glare: lol

 

Nevermind - just looked through them; my guys need something different ATM.

Edited January 30, 2010 by Annabel Lee

[kalanamak]

I wonder if she figured that if the phonics recs were followed, then all of the rules would have been learned already and therefore that part of it would be cemented.

 

:iagree:, and once the rules are down, you just need the practice. I don't think of SWR as a spelling program! Once I think the rules are down pat here, I'll switch to a weekly list.

[Renee in NC]

SWO doesn't actually teach the spelling rules, though. For example, a "Pep Talk" about short /a/ mentions that the word "have" has a short /a/ sound even though it has two vowels, but doesn't go on to explain that this is because English words don't end with v! I wonder why it doesn't give the actual rules for spelling instead of more phonics-based explanations?

 

I was thinking of using SWO with my 5yo, but I think SWR will not frustrate me as much!

[SewLittleTime]

That's neat that you're a reading specialist!

 

That's just my opinion, many here don't think so. I just know I was practically obsessed with phonics because my kids learned to read without going through a phonics program, but I have done so many phonics programs since then that I think I was spending way too much time on it when there were other things we could have been spending that time on.

 

They have all tested as strong readers and spellers so I just finally decided AAS was overkill for us. If I see one of my kids struggling in the future, I would pull AAS out again. But I don't see that happening since they have done ETC, 2 levels of AAS, Spectrum Phonics, and Elizabeth B's phonics lessons along with some of the phonics from Don Potter. And they're going to do Wordy Qwerty now, since I want them to learn to type anyway and that will be one last phonics review. Then we will do something simpler than AAS for spelling.

 

Anyway, that was way more info than you wanted to know! Here is a free resource that helped reassure me about my kids' spelling abilities that I will share, in case it's helpful to you too. I got it from Elizabeth B's great phonics website.

 

The Ayres Spelling test

 

Here are Elizabeth's spelling test links.

http://www.thephonicspage.org/On%20Spelling/spellingtests.html

I'll look into those sites. Thanks for sharing.

My 2cents on the whole thing:

 

I agree that SWB wanted to keep spelling simple and that if used with the recommended phonics and english programs it would be fine.

 

I also think it also has a lot to do with what's included in a typical SWO week. Yes, it's a workbook, but it does so much with words...phonics, spelling rules, prefixes, suffixes, roots and word origins, definitions, synomyms, analogies, puzzles, proof reading, editing, built in review and a whole slew of stuff that when I look at a lesson I think to myself, "this is great".

I looked at this again last night. It's back on the table for consideration. We are currently using MCP Phonics C, and he likes it. So, when I showed him SWO he liked the look of it. But then turned around and said, "I like the one with the letter tiles too.":confused:

It becomes more than just a workbook when the lessons from the TM are implemented. Now I'm unsure if I want to keep my SWO books up for sale or not after reading what Lunalee says about it. Shoot. I thought had just streamlined my plans; now I'm off to go look through spelling/language books from my shelves again. Thanks alot, Luna. :glare: lol

 

 

Looking into the TM that go with it. I wondered if I'd really need the TM, but I'll definately take a look after reading your post.

SWO doesn't actually teach the spelling rules, though. For example, a "Pep Talk" about short /a/ mentions that the word "have" has a short /a/ sound even though it has two vowels, but doesn't go on to explain that this is because English words don't end with v! I wonder why it doesn't give the actual rules for spelling instead of more phonics-based explanations?

 

I was thinking of using SWO with my 5yo, but I think SWR will not frustrate me as much!

This is why AAS did appeal to me b/c it does teach this!

[Another Lynn]

SWO doesn't actually teach the spelling rules, though. For example, a "Pep Talk" about short /a/ mentions that the word "have" has a short /a/ sound even though it has two vowels, but doesn't go on to explain that this is because English words don't end with v! I wonder why it doesn't give the actual rules for spelling instead of more phonics-based explanations?

 

I was thinking of using SWO with my 5yo, but I think SWR will not frustrate me as much!

 

FWIW, I use SWR rules with SWO. The method of SWR just wasn't happening around here. I mark their SWO lists with SWR markings and point out any applicable rules. Then they take 1 day to do 3 pages in the workbook (the reading page, the list page and the next page). We don't do the last page because I don't want to do the writing assignment and I don't want them to see the words misspelled. The 2nd day they use every word in a sentence. We cover two lists/week this way. I don't test. I haven't been doing this long enough to give any success stories, but at least it is getting done in a systematic way. My oldest will need extra attention to improve his spelling no matter what we use and I suspect my 2nd ds will not.

[Annabel Lee]

FWIW, I use SWR rules with SWO. QUOTE]

 

I was about to chime in w/ this idea. Someone here told me about using just the SWR rule book (only around $8) for spelling in another thread, with spellingcity.com for review/tests.

[Renee in NC]

FWIW, I use SWR rules with SWO. The method of SWR just wasn't happening around here. I mark their SWO lists with SWR markings and point out any applicable rules. Then they take 1 day to do 3 pages in the workbook (the reading page, the list page and the next page). We don't do the last page because I don't want to do the writing assignment and I don't want them to see the words misspelled. The 2nd day they use every word in a sentence. We cover two lists/week this way. I don't test. I haven't been doing this long enough to give any success stories, but at least it is getting done in a systematic way. My oldest will need extra attention to improve his spelling no matter what we use and I suspect my 2nd ds will not.

 

What a GREAT idea! You could do that with any workbook-based program. Hmmmm....

[EKS]

I have no idea.

 

I have used both programs (and am currently using Spelling Power with one child) and I think they are not overly good.

 

AAS is the best program I've seen for spelling for youngers. Megawords is good for olders.

[cathmom]

Or, um, maybe she feels like I do, that spelling can't really be taught?

 

:auto:

[LunaLee]

Or, um, maybe she feels like I do, that spelling can't really be taught?

 

:auto:

 

:iagree::iagree::iagree::iagree::iagree::iagree:

 

I have one who can't spell to saver her life despite SWO and a many other things, and one who is a natural speller. It's good for spelling, but I use it more of a word study program than a spelling program.

[robsiew]

I can see how valuable AAS and other similar programs are for kids who struggle with spelling, but think those programs tend to be overkill for kids who spell without problems.

 

I don't know the reasons behind WTM choices for spelling. I have waffled between doing something less teacher involved for my older ones who are strong spellers. We use AAS and I have to disagree with it being overkill.

 

My older two are very strong readers/spellers, however I am finding them to really be understanding the reasons why words are spelled the way they are with AAS. It is teacher intensive, I can't just set them at their desk with a workbook, but they are learning so much. I don't find it slowing my "good spellers" down... we just go through it at a rapid pace. When they misspell a word I can often give them a clue or ask them a question and the rules come right to them. They understand them. A lot of times if they remember to re-read their work they catch the mistakes themselves. Spelling is actually one of the subject my kids enjoy the most! (And even my 6 year old knows "English words don't have two i's in a row" and many others!)

[SewLittleTime]

I don't know the reasons behind WTM choices for spelling. I have waffled between doing something less teacher involved for my older ones who are strong spellers. We use AAS and I have to disagree with it being overkill.

 

My older two are very strong readers/spellers, however I am finding them to really be understanding the reasons why words are spelled the way they are with AAS. It is teacher intensive, I can't just set them at their desk with a workbook, but they are learning so much. I don't find it slowing my "good spellers" down... we just go through it at a rapid pace. When they misspell a word I can often give them a clue or ask them a question and the rules come right to them. They understand them. A lot of times if they remember to re-read their work they catch the mistakes themselves. Spelling is actually one of the subject my kids enjoy the most! (And even my 6 year old knows "English words don't have two i's in a row" and many others!)

Thank you for this review. This is very helpful!