Why We use all about spelling

All About Spelling has become an integral tool in our homeschooling education.  We tried many methods before finally taking the plunge, but is All About Spelling worth the cost for your family?  We’re here to share how we came from a point of frustration to enjoying the process of spelling words and how All About Spelling takes the stress out of this essential language arts subject. 

Features

• Uses the three crucial learning modes: Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic
  
• Mostly non-consumable product
  
• Available apps to help you and your child
  
• Open and teach format
  

Pros

• Scripted teaching lessons
  
• Lots of reviews built into the lessons
• There is no stressful testing
  
• Uses letter tiles that enhance the lessons
• Lessons are about 20 minutes (easy to add to any busy schedule!)

Cons

You need a magnetic board or the Letter Tiles App.  The board can be found on sale during the back-to-school season but it needs to be large (don’t skimp on the size here, it’s recommended for a reason) 2 feet by 3 feet is big and can be cumbersome and hard to store with all the tiles. 
 
Or you can buy the Letter Tiles App if you have a tablet (Android or Apple) but the cost is $19.99, which might be steep for some families.  I recently reached out to All About Spelling regarding a Windows-based desktop app, and they replied that there are no plans for one within the next year.
 
BUT you can use the tiles on a large table or floor.  You would have to put the tiles in order each time you go to do a lesson, but it is an option (and can help your child with alphabetical order and becoming familiar with the tiles). 

Our Opinion

Now we’re on our third year with All About Spelling and I’m glad we made the investment.  All About Spelling is an amazing program that utilizes the Orton-Gillingham phonogram method.  The child is rewarded with stickers and can easily see how they have progressed within a level with stickers and a progress chart.  The review box is a necessity with the way the program is set up, having the teacher place the cards in the necessary section depending on whether the student has mastered the words or not.  (There are more than word cards here: phonogram, sounds, and key cards are also placed here and mastered by the student). 
 
If you have more than one student, you would need more than one set of cards and a review box.  Each student will need to start the lesson by reviewing the cards they are working to master.  All About Spelling has reviewing of the mastered tabs built into the spelling program, so don’t worry about your child forgetting these words!
 
Spelling went from a time of immense frustration and me prodding our oldest child to just practice your spelling words for this week PLEASE! To her asking when we get to do spelling!  This is a massive change and makes for a rewarding experience.

Things to Keep in Mind

All About Spelling has everything worked out for you and your family.  You can check out their placement article to see if your child is ready to use the program (they suggest waiting until around second grade and reading is mastered before beginning any spelling program).  Of course, there are always exceptions, so read the entirety before making your decision. 
 
The cost can be cumbersome, especially when you consider it’s for a single subject.  When looking at the budget for class essentials, the extra money just wasn’t there for us, but we eventually made it work.  The good news is the Basic Interactive Kit is a one-time purchase.  And you do not need any extras beyond that.  The Complete Package includes everything the student will need for that level and the teacher’s guide.  So, the initial investment is more than the recurring cost. 

You can also download a sample of the student packet and the teacher’s guide to review.  Let me warn you now: THERE ARE NO WORKSHEETS!  Yes, that is right.  Your child will use whatever handwriting paper they are comfortable with (or maybe construction paper and fun colored pens to make it more interesting) for the lessons. 
 
Final note:  Be sure to download the FREE Phonogram Sounds App to help you and your child.  There are many dialects, and we may not all say the sounds the same way and this app has been indispensable for student and teacher!

Not sure if you’re ready to take the plunge?  Or the price isn’t right for your budget? 
Check out our Spelling Activities resource!
It’s filled with easy-to-print pages to practice spelling words with your current program! 

Is spelling a difficult subject for your classroom?  How do you keep spelling lessons fun and engaging?  Let us know below!