Spelling using Charlotte Mason’s methods is quite different than what most of us are familiar with for spelling. Charlotte Mason used prepared dictation for spelling instead of lists of similarly spelled words. By using excerpts from great literature, poetry, and the Bible children learn not only how to spell words but are exposed to great ideas, see well-written sentences, and can even be taught grammar and punctuation using the same literature excerpts.
There are no spelling rules to learn because there are so many exceptions to them in the English language. Instead the student looks at the literature excerpt and identifies any words he is unsure how to spell. Charlotte Mason encouraged her students to look carefully at the words to notice how they were spelled. Students can then write the words, close their eyes and orally spell the words, or any other method that works for each individual. After the student has studied the words, spot check him on how ready he is for dictation. Ask him to orally spell the words you know he was studying. If he can spell them, then dictate to him a few words at a time from the exercise as he writes the words on a separate sheet of paper.
If you want to add the grammar lessons, then Using Language Well can be used. Just make sure that you get the same book number of Using Language Well as you are using for Spelling Wisdom, as Using Language Well uses the exercises in Spelling Wisdom. For example, if you are using Spelling Wisdom, Book 2 get Using Language Well, Book 2.
It is important that should you choose to use Spelling Wisdom that you place your son according to his skill level and not by his grade level. You can look at the samples of Spelling Wisdom to determine which book to start with. Because dictation is different than a list of words, you are looking for the level that there would be no more than 3-4 words that he could not spell in an exercise. You don’t want to burden or frustrate him with too many words to learn how to spell. You can learn more about dictation and Spelling Wisdom from our blog post on How to Do Dictation.
If you want to add Using Language Well, we have a placement guide to help you place your child at the appropriate level. Scroll down the page to find it.
