Those using All About Spelling & SW??

I ordered it and went with the basic pkg. I don’t think I need the extras but we’ll see, and I will keep you posted. From what I understand in communicating with AAS, you schedule a lesson every day depending on the level you are at. Sounds like about 20 minutes average. I plan to keep up with dictating the sounds of the phonograms and having dd write them, as well as dictating her lists to her, but this is definitely a phonics based ‘think to spell’ kind of program,  not a sight word ‘look at it til you know it’ program.. I am pretty excited after using Spell to Write and Read for years this looks so similar but without all the teacher prep time.

bumping – as I know others have used this and I would like to order soon aslo.  Did you purchase the delux or basic and why?

I’ve used it through the middle of level 2 w/ 3 on hand and plans to use all of them.  I absolutely LOVE it!  It has dictation as part of each step (lesson) so it’s built right in.  As the dc progress, there are sentences added to the short phrases.  I set the timer for 15 min and that’s it.  Depending on the dc and their needs is what will ultimately determine how long it takes to get through each level (book). 

When I started this, they didn’t have the different pkg.  But, I would have stuck w/ the basic.  And, it’s really, really easy to use!  Enjoy!!

K

Thanks also, I will order the basic and level 1 and 2.  Cause I think I’ll use it for multiple children.  Misty

Ok so I can use the basic and what about the additional student books? A must or optional?  I will be using this with multiple kids.  Any suggestions.  Thanks

My first impression upon reading and flipping through the materials was that I ordered a level too low and should hve got level 4.My kids are very well versed with Spell to Write and Read and have the phonics rules down for the most part. Then I started really looking at level 3 and I am glad I started here. They handle syllabication rules and ‘jail breaker’ rules in a different time line than SWR did, and there are a few other differences which will affect how she does. I think I am glad to have started here because she will have success right away- it won’t be a struggle and she can fly through as quickly as she chooses. Love the lessons are so ‘laid out’. Also the transition from using the magnet tiles to writing happens in this level so I can let her choose. It would have been great if I had known the transition happens at this level, I might not have bothered with the tiles but who knows, she might like them, she isn’t so big on writing..

Over all, it looks pretty good! Can’t wait tp try it out and see how it plays out..keep you posted. My dd is 11, going into 7th and is a pretty good natural speller from early years with SWR. I am actually going to teach my 16 yo ds with this as well, as a review for him. Computers and FB have made him lazy and he is set to graduate next year so needs some ‘brushing up’.

I currently have 3 boys using this program, one in Level 1, one in Level 2 and one in Level 3.  We’ve used it for 2 years now.

You only need one “student materials”.  They are a package of cards with the phonogram sounds, spelling words, rule cards, etc.  You cut them out and put them in an index card box with dividers.  Each lesson you’ll review cards, use the “new words” and put cards in Mastered or Review.  I sometimes have two boys working in the same book and I just use two different bookmarks to show which kid is where.  And I only use the “word cards” for one of the boys.  10-yr-old son never misspells a word.  Ever.  And he’s in Level 3.  7-yr-old also never misspells.  11-yr-old gets words wrong frequently so I use the green word cards for him.  If he gets it wrong, the card goes in the Review section to be worked on each day until he spells it correctly.  If he got it right it goes in Mastered.  If you had two kids needing the cards you could figure out a system to keep track of who was where or who needed to repeat words.  (The spelling words are listed in the Teacher’s book…the cards are only to keep track of which words were misspelled.  The teaching book explains the Rules, but does not have them written out each day for you to review….you could add a sticky note to remind you which kid is working on which rule.)  I do use the “rule cards” for each boy – I just grab them out of the section and spend 10 seconds flipping through to see who has passed while Step and thus which “rules” they need to review.  If it truly drives you crazy then buy an extra student material package…but you might want to try it without.  

I started everyone in Level 1 two years ago (well, 7-yr-old didn’t start until this year).  I wanted them to have a solid background in the ‘rules’ she explains.  We had no previous grammar or spelling experience, however.  One boy flew through the book in about a month and still remembers everything.  The other son took many, many months.  Third son is now flying through.  I’m glad we “backtracked” because some of the most basic rules are explained in Book 1.  

The Basic package worked just fine for us.  I found index boxes at the office supply store and I store everything on a shelf in the schoolroom so don’t need a tote.  I personally liked the tiles they came with because they had all the phonogram sounds and blends and such.

I think someone mentioned this earlier, but as you progress you begin dictation.  At first it’s just words, then short phrases (like the black bat) and then sentences.  In Level 3 my son is currently doing 12 sentences per lesson.  I have them do copywork separately because their handwriting is fairly boy-like and they need additional practice.  Usually it’s only 1 or 2 sentences a day though since they are writing in spelling and other subjects.

I haven’t used Spelling Wisdom so can’t really speak to that.

Heather