All About Spelling is a system that teaches spelling and phonics rules to children. It is a multi-sensory program — the lessons involve sight, sound, and touch. So it has something for all types of learners. For the visual learners they have the laminated letters and an extensive array of flash cards designed to test your child’s knowledge not only of their required spelling word, but the phonics rules that surround the word. For the kinesthetic learners, they can use the laminated letters and colored disks to do their sounding out exercises as well as forming complete words.
The techniques used in this program have long been used by Orton-Gillingham practitioners, and now they are available to homeschoolers through the All About Spelling program. All About Spelling combines the very best of the Orton-Gillingham approach with the latest research and proven spelling rules. And the staff of All About Spelling were also very willing to help with any questions or problems. Having that type of support when you are working with a new program is always appreciated.
As a parent there are many things that I enjoyed about this program. Being a work at home mom as well as a homeschooler, having the entire course scripted really saved me a lot of time when it came to prep work for the girls. Even if you haven’t had time to read through the lesson ahead of time, it’s easy to pick up where you left off and keep going. I also loved the laminated letters.
I received several sheets of laminated letters, letter combinations and even subheadings to help classify the different phonogram types. There are separate letters with extra vowels and other letters that can appear more than once in a word (such as the letter “s”). And then there are letter tiles that contain the phonogram combinations (i.e., “nk” or “th”). That was just so cool because so many ties I find an interesting curriculum, but I’m the one mstuck with creating the materials (or improving the components that I received). Having everything laminated and labeled saves lots of time and aggravation for me.
My eldest daughter enjoyed the ability to do the spelling work using the magnets since it eliminated her need to write out her words longhand. The flash cards were also instrumental in helping her to remember some of the spelling rules that have eluded her over the years. My younger daughter didn’t mind working with the tiles, but she didn’t like the little disks that she had to use to sound out the letters. Let me rephrase that — she loved the little circles that are used when the child is sounding out the words. Unfortunately she liked them for table hockey and finger frisbee. So I had to take those away from her for my sanity. My three year old son loves the magnetic tiles because he can move teh letters around when we sing the alphabet song together. So there’s something for everyone.
One thing that made this spelling course different (for me at least) was that they deal with the phonograms and not just the phonics. Phonics tries to teach spelling by sounding words out, but there are more sounds in English than phonics can work around. And that’s where the concepts of sight words come into play. Anything that doesn’t fit easily into the “phonics box” is memorized. This program does explain the other phonograms and talks about the rules that apply to them. Other programs that I have been exposed to didn’t do this as extensively if at all.
This is a good program for families who want their children to be good spellers and get a handle on the many rules that surround the English language. It’s both parent and child friendly and easy to work with. And with the daily review of the previous lessons you can be confident that the children are gaining a mastery over their subject matter.
The All About Spelling program has six levels so it there is something for every age within the family. The program is also very economical since once you get the starter kit, all you’ll have to buy in the future are the additional workbooks for the next set of children. So, this program would also work well for larger families too. You can learn more about the program by visiting www.all-about-spelling.com.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: http://cmp.ly/2/tymgpw
I would like to know where to buy curriculum for homeschooling a middle school student. I prefer Not to buy online. I want to go into a store and look at what they have. Any stores in San Jose or surrounding areas that have curriculum?
It isn’t fair that people get two points just for fake-answering.
Anyway, did you ask a local homeschool support group, like the one listed below (free scholars)?
One place to try is Learning Rainbow. I’ll list their website below free scholars. They’re going to be having a teacher’s "flea market" where you can check out used curriculum! Morrison School Supplies is supposed to have a bit of everything, also. Maybe this would give you a start. I went under Google and typed in San Jose CA and teacher supply and homeschool. Those are only a couple that showed up. Looks like you have quite a lot available in your area.
Oh, and I hope you’ll take advantage of local places, such as your zoo! I bet you they offer homeschool programs.
Good luck. I hope I at least pointed you in the right direction!
If a family is not wealthy and living on one income, how do they afford to homeschool their children? Do they get a stipend from the state government per child? If so, does that differ according to state? What about Minnesota, where I live? Is there a website with this information on it?
Thanks!
In Indiana it was far less expensive to home school that it was when my son was in public school. The book fees and registration fees alone were almost $1000.00 per year in our district. My son’s curriculum for his last year were only $150.00. Many of the public libraries have the text books used in the public schools. There are also websites where you can print worksheets. If you google home schooling you will find a lot of information.
I am about to start homeschooling my 4 year old, who is already reading. Is there a kindergarten curriculum I should use, or should I just keep doing things informally this year?
I also have a preschooler (3). Are there any good preschool curriculums for purchase out there?
I agree with those who recommend to keep it informal for now. One "curriculum" you may want to check out is "Before Five in a Row". This will give both of your children a great introduction to school with beautiful books to read together and some activities that cover all kinds of school subjects. I have tried it with my 3 year old and he has enjoyed it very much. This "curriculum" will cover all your subject and I will add some supplementary early reader books (check out Usborne Early Reader books).
Still allow LOTS of time for play and exploration. Both of your children need it now more than academics. There will be plenty of time/years ahead for that.
Although I’m not an unschooler, I just can’t resist this Unschooling Conference Cruise because one thing that I promised myself this year was that I want my children to have a fabulous learning adventure this year. And after reading this I think I’ve found the perfect venue to fit the bill. Check it out!
2010 Life Rocks! Unschooling Conference Cruise
Click here for all of the information, including pricing…
April 18-25, 2010 (7 Nights)
Ship: Royal Caribbean’s “Freedom Of The Seas”
Departure Port: Port Canaveral, Florida
Ports of Call:
* Labadee, Haiti
* Ocho Rios, Jamaica
* George Town, Cayman Islands
* Cozumel, Mexico
Join your hosts, Dayna & Joe Martin, for the ultimate week-long Unschooling adventure and celebration!
You are invited to sail on board the Freedom of the Seas ship, and visit four different exotic locations with other Unschooling families! This is the ultimate, all-inclusive vacation within an unforgettable Unschooling Conference! Swim with the Stingrays in Grand Cayman, Visit Mayan Ruins or swim with the dolphins in Cozumel, Mexico, Enjoy a blissful day at our private water park on the beach of Haiti, Climb Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and explore jungles, ancient cities and beaches.
This Unschooling Conference Cruise is like nothing you have ever seen or experienced before! Whether you are just exploring Unschooling, or you are an experienced Radical Unschooling family, this conference cruise is a life changing and life affirming experience.
This ship is one of the newest and best in the Royal Caribbean fleet. This leading-edge line of Cruise ships happens to be the same Royal Caribbean line of ships that Nickelodeon Cruises uses. Can you say perfect for a group of wild, free, joy-lovin’ families?!
This cruise is not only perfect for families, it is also ideal for teens and young adults who want to travel to four countries/islands and experience something new and fabulous! All leading-edge thinkers and autonomous learners are welcome and encouraged to join our Conference Cruise to the Caribbean!
On the cruise we enjoy support and connections to others walking this path, inspiration and information from our conference speakers, opportunities for growth and learning through traveling to 4 different countries and being at sea on a ship for a week …
Travel, Freedom, Community of Kindness, Respect and Love, and the Joy of creating memories that your children will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Living on a boat for a week gives you a different perspective on life and the world itself. You can actually see and feel how much water is out there – how huge the ocean is – and by sailing on it, you gain such reverence for the earth in a new way.
Give your family as big of a world as possible: travel and see new places, different cultures, learn, grow and explore together … with your Unschooling tribe!
See you on the “Freedom of the Seas” ship on April 18th at the Life Rocks! Unschooling Conference Cruise
Visit www.UnschoolingontheSeas.com, Alumni Cruises, 1-800-516-5247, www.alumnicruises.travel for more information.
A home school curriculum that teaches itself with technology? A home school curriculum that has lessons ready for every day? A home school curriculum that is fully accredited and approved? A home school curriculum that has Online and Offline materials? A home school curriculum that engages, inspires and empowers? A home school curriculum that is rich in multi-media? A home school curriculum your child LOVES? A home school curriculum that is offered at The Grace Academy. www.TheGraceAcademy.org
Any of you who may have bought microscopes for your homeschool kids, what was the price range you paid, features you looked for and what did you use it for? I was a veterinary pathologist so when I look at one I am looking for way more than my kids need. Thanks for the advice. Oh, any good sites to shop?
Hi! I live in a college town and have seen a lot of microscopes go through Goodwill for a fraction of the price a new one would cost. Glad you are homeschooling. I really feel it is a way for children to get a superior education. Teach on!
-Spec
I'm a homeschooling mom with six children: 3 human, 2 feline and 1 canine. I'm also the wife of one very patient husband who seems to like the role of ringmaster to our circus. I am a member of the TOS Crew as well as a virtual assistant who enjoys writing, crafts, music and laughter. I hope you'll visit often.
Hilarious skit performed for our Homeschool Support Group Kick Off meeting
Jordan gives a speech to a homeschool group about homeschooling
Learn how to use alphabet sound charts to teach kids to read through homeschooling in this free home schooling and tutoring video clip.
A home school curriculum that teaches itself with technology? A home school curriculum that has lessons ready for every day? A home school curriculum that is fully accredited and approved? A home school curriculum that has Online and Offline materials? A home school curriculum that engages, inspires and empowers? A home school curriculum that is rich in multi-media? A home school curriculum your child LOVES? A home school curriculum that is offered at The Grace Academy. www.TheGraceAcademy.org
