SWR Help-can it be simplified a bit? How do you use it?

[rjperez1]

I like the idea of this program, and my boys are doing well with it. However, we are getting ready for a baby in Nov. and I may need them to be a little more independent of me for a while.

 

Is there anyone who has any ideas for modifying the program somewhat, so that they can do the work themselves for a while? I like the Wise guide and the progression of the lists, but I'm not sure I can administer it every day.

 

BTW, they are 10yo and 8yo.

 

Any ideas or ways that you've used it or been creative with it are appreciated!

[prairie rose]

I've done SWR through the births of our youngest two kids. We usually take 3 - 4 weeks off after the birth just to re-adjust to our new family dynamics. After that, it's quite easy to do spelling dictation while nursing or just holding the baby. I usually do it first thing in the morning to get it done and out of the way first. That way, any time the kids have nothing to do or I need something to keep them busy, they can be writing sentences. Also quite easy to do phonogram and rule reviews with a baby in arms. I actually didn't find it that difficult to keep up with after the baby was born.

 

good luck

[Closeacademy]

I have my oldest work through 1 list over 2 weeks. I created workbook pages from the spelling enrichments and other ideas so that she can work with the words and concepts on her own. I also have her use spelling task cards with the words.

 

If you pm me I can send you a link to the workbook.:001_smile:

[rjperez1]

Thanks for the encouragement! These are great ideas. Sometimes you just need someone to give you a fresh look at things. I do believe in the program for the most part. Although, there are some things I don't understand, yet. It seems like a great way to do a lot of language arts all at once.

[Beth in SW WA]

I dictate/finger-spell words in less than 1 minute/word. We hustle through spelling. No chit-chat. We get down & dirty - or it won't get done. I dictate 2 lists/week to my dc who are on different lists. It's the one subject that we don't make warm & fuzzy with conversation.

 

Dd7 loves writing the words from dictation. She writes the words in her PLL and marks with red pencil (which makes it fun). It's a logic lesson for her -- and a bit like a game. Dd7 can get down 20 words in 20 minutes.

 

Dd6 can sit still for 10 words max. She also writes in her PLL and marks in red.

 

I keep it very simple. Review the phonograms a few times/week. Go over the rules during the dictation process.

 

I have My Wise Grammar for workbook days. Dd7 writes the words once/day.

 

I love SWR but simply don't have much more time to devote to spelling.

 

HTH!:001_smile: