I do think they are equal in importance. Once you start copywork, you could do a spelling program for older children. But first, regarding the copywork; before he begins writing, ask him if there are any words he doesn’t know and if so, go over that/those word(s). I don’t know if that technique alone would advance him very far in spelling improvement if he needs to know how to hear the sounds that make up the English language. My son (11) is anadvanced reader, but poor speller, too. I know he needs practice and more exposure to the rules that make up the sounds and to practice hearing and sounding out the syllables to decode multi-syllable words.
BTW, you wouldn’t need the TG for HWT.
Regarding cursive before print, several people here do that, but I’m biased against it, at least in this situation. It’s understandable that he prefers the look of cursive over what he’s doing now, but I don’t know if that’s a good reason to do it. I would encourage him in making his print as need as possible, then he’ll like it, too; then move into cursive. Besides, his cursive wouldn’t look like the cursive he sees anyway, because he’d still have his issues to work through, it wouldn’t be “as neat” as he though it would be. If he doesn’t learn print now, when will he? My dd is left-handed, too. That’s another reason I went w/HWT. Once she was ready for cursive, we decided on D’Nealian and she’s transitoned easily.
This could be a good opportunity to teach perseverence in his printing. After his hard work at it, he’ll gain a sense of pride over his accomplishment. Use CM’s short lessons in writing. For example, if on his workbook page, he has to practice writing “H”; do 5 perfect ones with correct body position and best effort, then stop him there. Go do a non-writing subject. Later, come back and do some more, the same way, the same day. Keep doing that until he can handle longer times of practice until his hand gets into the habit of correct hand position (which HWT does great for lefties) and it doesn’t hurt and the writing is neat. Does that make sense? That’s how I did it with my dd.
For children spelling programs:
Megawords-specifically for gr. 4-12, for students who struggle spelling multi-syllable words. Covers allthe phonics rules. I am going to use this one with my son. Is a workbook style requiring writing, so I would start him until he starts doing copywork or you can do the exercises orally.
Apples 1 and 2 Daily Drills – for secondary students, too. Short and maybe not so much writing, don’t know if it teaches all the rules. Check it out.
All About Spelling – teaches all the rules; teacher intensive; generally is meant to start at a younger age; good reputation for thorughness.
How To Teach Spelling – (recommended to use How To Spell workbooks) same method as AAS, but less expensive