Sweetest Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 I thought I had my 3rd grade LA all figured out, but Jessica's post on LA overkill has me thinking about Simply Spelling. I'm thinking this would be a good way to combine copywork/dictation and spelling. I am currently using Natural Speller (just going through lists nothing fancy) and copywork/dictation that I come up with on my own (usually scrambling at the last minute...stressful). So for LA in 3rd, I would be using WT1 and Simply Spelling...it sounds so organized and simple - I am seriously tempted (and of course wondering if it is really enough...but I will always be wondering that!) So my questions...do I just start at the beginning of the program - even if it seems too easy. And does anyone have any opinions (good or bad) about the program? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan Lyn Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 Hello Jennifer, Yes, I do! I have many opinions on this program. I have used several spelling programs during our years of homeschooling. We used Spelling Power, Natural Spelling, lists from Beechick's books, and I've probably forgotten what else. I love Simply Spelling. It gets children away from simple lists and spelling out of context. I also like the fact that it is not "workbooky". As far as where to start, I have the cdrom so it is grades 3-12. When you consider the cost, it is truly inexpensive for all those years. I would just put your child in their grade and if you see a need to adjust, you can. Remember, you are always in charge, not curriculum. I guess I will give a pitch for Shoelace books while I am at it. I taught my daughters to read using Simply Phonics. It was wonderful. I do use Laurie's Simply English as well. It is similar to PLL however, a bit updated, and now the newer editions speak more to the child. We've used it off and on through the years. I say this, as we use R&S english, however, I do not want my youngers into something that intensive. So, we switch off and I feel it is a perfect mix and a motivating change for us all. Yes, I wouldn't hesitate to go with Simply Spelling! It is so nice, also to print out a grade level..so easy. Laurie Hicks makes herself very available to people by email as well. Hope something here I said helps...... Janice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cajun.classical Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 We use and love Simply Spelling as well. I posted about this already, but I've seen huge improvements in my dc's spelling since we began using Studied Dictation with Simply Spelling. I combine it with CW and find it a great fit; CW already has a day set aside for dictation. I just use the Simply Spelling passage instead. The program is 3rd-12th and I find the passages to be a good fit for my advanced third grader. Just start at the beginning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweetest Posted February 6, 2008 Author Share Posted February 6, 2008 This is what I was hoping to hear. I started out with Spelling Workout and quite after two lessons I think (that is how much I disliked it). I like the idea of Natural Speller but it takes a lot of work to implement it effectively. Oh and now I am going to have to check out the other Shoelace books. I used 100 Easy Lessons to teach my daughter to read and loved it so I will most likely use the same for my son. I will eventually need something to teach beginning english (I started through FLL with my dd...it wasn't for us). Thanks for the ringing endorsement and the referal to Shoelace :) It eases my mind! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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