I have used a couple levels of AAS but I was wondering if anyone has also used Logic of English Essentials and can share how they are similar or different?
I have AAS level one and two…it did not work for us. I can give you a comparison to LEE based on the reviews I’ve read and the videos I’ve watched on LEE, but just keep in mind I’ve not actually used LEE. (plan to for the next child though)
My key observation is pretty straightforwad anyway…from what I can see, ASS structures the spelling lists (at least, in the early days of the curriculum) using just one phonogram sound (even if it is a phonogram that makes several sounds), whereas LEE structures the spelling lists so that the student, even from the early days of the program, is writing a word list each day that shows a mixture of each phonogram sound.
For example, in AAS, a spelling list might be based on the short sound of “a”. The words might be cat, tan, flag, sad. In the “equivalent” (early in the curriculum) lesson in LEE, the student working on spelling using “a” would be forced to think through all three sounds of “a”. So the student might have cat, made and tall within the same lesson.
I am really rushed writing at the moment…. hope I’ve made sense. It sounds like missceegee knows both programs very well, so perhaps she can confirm what I’m trying to describe or clarify any other key differences.
You are most welcome. I had one other line on my post that I noticed somehow got cut off….so here goes:
FWIW, my preference is LEE because I likes the looks of the teaching manaul (just seems more simple and better laid out than the TMs I have for AAS1 and 2). Also prefer LEE because it includes a wee bit of grammar and seems to have done a great job at introducing only the most relevant grammar concepts. If you want more info, you can search on utube as there are many great videos posted there that show the LEE program, and MANY pages of the TM book in detail.
Sorry for showing my bias! I know a lot of people love AAS. It just didn’t work here, but I surely know a LOT of people who love it and get great spelling results from it. I definitely think for a child age 7+ -who already has a handle on basic spelling (can spell frog, last, held, etc.) and reads fairly well- that LEE would be the better fit simply because it will challenge the child (from the beginning) to think through all possibilities for a spelling word and be constantly keeping in mind that some letters make multiple sounds.
I have bought and used so many OG programs – swr, aas, Logic of English, LEM (from Austrailia), wrr. AAS has great step by step instructions but moved much to slowly and didn’t stick. Swr worked beautifully except for the massive time it takes to understand and implement. I did figure out a way to simply spend 20-25min and call it done. LEM was terrific too, but crazy expensive to get. LOE is fine, scripted well and I would equate with swr in how it worked, but much better in ease of use. I cannot recommend aas due to how slow it moves and the fact that it didn’t stick. Swr or loe would be fine, if you’re consistent IMO. I agree with Angelina’s assessment above.
As for AAS, I’ve found that outside AAS lessons, I sometimes have to ask questions of our son. What sound are you trying to write? Which letter(s) makes that sound? He usually can get it right now. So, I’m basically modeling the process of sorting through the phonogram options for him out loud at this point. He’s getting better about it on his own, but it’s a long process (maybe because AAS moves slowly.) We have so many other spelling programs on the shelf from years gone by with older siblings that I’m not looking for another one. He’s not a born speller, so he keeps chipping away at it and consistency is KEY. Our youngest daughter is more of a natural speller and can basically memorize (visual learner, too) words and remember them. Any program works fine for her, even those lists pure CMers dread.
That said, adding Spelling Wisdom brings another element into play. It seems to be a different style for him. The combination is helping, but I can’t say the SW solved the struggle. It’s just another form of spelling practice that helps him notice words and work with them.
Knowing the phonogram “rules,” though not CMish in practice, has greatly helped him. So, a rules based approach may be helpful. I’d go with adding LOE to the line up myself, based on Christie’s ease of use description. But, having some SW type activites (dictation) offers another way to observe words.
I think the 3 items would be sufficient. It is imperative to know the phonograms well and the cards help that. They do have an app you could use instead if that appeals.
Your input is appreciated Becca. I have two levels of AAS and need to purchase more but I also need something for a struggling reader so I was hoping that LOE would cover both bases. Is that wishful thinking or what? We also use SW which I think is wonderful but I didn’t realize my boys didn’t learn to transcribe properly and NOTICE words. They didn’t even use basic phonics rules when spelling. Therefore my search to find something to get them back on track. And yes, I do remind them daily to think about what sound they trying to write.