Confused by All About Spelling levels...

[MiniBlondes]

I'm considering ordering AAS but I'm confused about something.

 

This is our first year. The website says to order Level One if it's your first year. Would that be an acceptable level for a 2nd and 4th grader? Perhaps I don't fully understand the program.

[edeemarie]

You should start with Level 1, but you will move through the next levels quickly since your children are older. You could probably do at least 3 levels in a year, depending on how much time you want to commit to spelling:) All About Spelling is a program that builds on previous levels so you really should start at the beginning.

[MiniBlondes]

Perfect. Thank you!!

[Maisy]

that you may need to move your DC forward at different rates (of course that's more of a headache for you). Your younger might get through Level 3 or so, depending on natural ability and what you have previously done, but the older might be able to progress more quickly and get through an additional level or two.

 

Sometimes "holding an older back" is frustrating for her/him. Just ask my DD; she's still mad. :lol:

[MiniBlondes]

Haha Maisy! I can only imagine.

 

I think that's why this makes me nervous. My older DD is not only older, but also extremely bright and ahead of her PS peers anyway. My younger daughter is bright, but is also difficult to teach because she's stubborn as a brick wall. Perhaps I need to consider another spelling program altogether.

 

:001_huh:

[Maisy]

then you might not need AAS. I finally switched my older to Spelling Workout last year, and it was fine for her because she "intuitively knew" most of the rules already anyway. She could focus on Latin roots, prefixes, etc.

 

DS (younger) likes AAS, so we keep it up. It's really not that time consuming (I did two different levels for three kids for years), and it's great for a kid who likes more interactive lessons. But it can be overkill for a natural speller.

 

Good luck with your decision!

Lisa

[Mommee & Baba]

You should start with Level 1, but you will move through the next levels quickly since your children are older. You could probably do at least 3 levels in a year, depending on how much time you want to commit to spelling:) All About Spelling is a program that builds on previous levels so you really should start at the beginning.

 

:iagree: I started my oldest with level 1 when it was the summer after 2nd grade. She zipped through levels 1 & 2 in those few short months and started on level 3 as she entered 3rd grade.

 

I started my middler dd on level 1 in 1st grade & this summer she will be completing level 2! So she'll be starting level 3 as she enters 2nd grade.

 

I have NO regrets on starting my oldest on level 1! The rules are so important when moving forward in the higher levels that it makes it a smoother and quicker progression. Had I started my oldest on a different level, I can easily see where we would be taking longer to complete the steps because she wouldn't have the beginning solid foundation of the previous rules that make the higher levels "click".

[swellmomma]

My dd12 is using AAS 1 so yeah it is not geared to a specific grade, it is a learning level not a grade level.

 

If your oldest is a natural speller I would no do AAS with her. My oldest is a natural speller, in the past I used SWO, this year he will be using R&S spelling. My middle 2 are not natural spellers, 1 is a horrid speller (12 yo) and the other has significant special needs. I find AAS is just right for them, but it is a pita that they are are such different levels and can't be taught together.