Based on two fundamental premises of developing excellent spelling skills, this worktext series incorporates spelling/phonics rules but likewise utilizes exercises that employ word writing repetition. Our English language has many spelling irregularities so developing skill in recognizing the arrangement of letters and/or syllables in selected list words is targeted by various word games and puzzles. Since this series is from Christian Liberty, you can also count on two things: the content is biblically based, and the books are a good value for the money.

Weekly lists of twenty words (Book 1 starts out with 16 words but ends with 20) are covered in a series of daily lessons. Lesson activities are varied but include writing/identifying list words in sentences, reinforcing phonics rules, supplying endings, beginnings, etc., writing list words, taking pre and final tests. There is plenty of room to write answers and books are pleasing in appearance with occasional graphics and an accent color. Books 1 & 2 are primarily concerned with phonetic concepts and simple prefixes and suffixes. Starting in Book 3 there is an increased emphasis on vocabulary development with activities involving the identifying and/or supplying list word definitions. Book 5 is more than a spelling book; it’s a mini-encyclopedia of spelling. The first six units feature the names of major countries and cities of the world. The next two units focus on American states and capitals. Then follows units featuring the terms used in a wide variety of favorite subjects such as health, food, trees, arts, entertainment, travel, and transportation, etc. Lessons in this book also require the alphabetizing of the list words. Book 6 is an examination of the great diversity and variety in spelling the rich sounds of the English language. Book 7 & 8 are basic studies in etymology with Book 7 devoted to word-building with prefixes and suffixes while Book 8 is dedicated to word roots. Both books require considerable dictionary work and are designed to help the student develop an ability to recognize meaning and spellings, based on word analysis techniques. ~ Janice

Customer Reviews

 
Elizabeth M. from RI wrote the following on 11/22/2004:
I LOVE this program! I used it a grade level behind the publisher's suggestion and it worked beautifully! I can't say enough good things about this spelling curriculum.

 
K. J. from Greenville, North Carolina wrote the following on 02/01/2007:
We started homeschooling in August with another spelling workbook. Halfway through the year we jumped ship! CLP's Building Spelling Skills was a real lifesaver. This spelling series contains wordlists that make sense. Phonics connections are clearer and more meaningful than in our discarded MCP workbook. Also, I really like the way Building Spelling Skills includes simple puzzles, vocabulary building exercises, AND word copying. ("Word copying?" you say. Don't groan! We all know it works.) Overall, these spelling lessons are proving to be very effective and age appropriate for my first and third graders. I'm happy with the change and plan to continue with this series next year.

 
Elizabeth M. from RI wrote the following on 11/22/2004:
I LOVE this program! I used it a grade level behind the publisher's suggestion and it worked beautifully! I can't say enough good things about this spelling curriculum.

 
Jean S. from Iowa wrote the following on 04/29/2007:
I LOVE this program!!! One of my favorite parts is how it incorporates definitions. My son has learned lots from this and only complains about it on Day 2 - copying day!!! Besides that, he has enjoyed it too. We\'re planning on continuing this one!

 
Kysha W. from MISSISSIPPI wrote the following on 06/24/2007:
I love these books. They incorporate phonics and require the children to look up the definitions to the words which makes sense. Why spell a word if you don't know what it means? These books are two toned with daily activities leading up to a test on Day 5. My youngest son's only complaint was the lack of color and he would like to have a puzzle of some sort included with the daily activities.

 
Bethany S. from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan wrote the following on 07/22/2008:
I have been using this spelling program for 3 years with 2 of my boys, ages 12 and 9. They both have always been excellent and avid readers, but struggled in getting words written on paper with correct spelling. (We used a phonics program for learning to read!) Well, lo and behold, after 2 years of Building Spelling Skills, my oldest son was so excited when he actually won the 5th grade Spelling Bee for our homeschool group!! I really like the way the spelling lists are grouped together with other similarly misspelled words. The spelling list is presented on Monday with a short lesson for each day of the week which reviews the words and definitions and finally culminates in a spelling test each Friday. It really keeps us on track to have a small assignment everyday. There is virtually no teacher preparation, which helps with multiple children on different levels. I have used the teacher's manual only for giving the spelling tests at the end of each unit. They are still worth the $2.50 just for the convenient lists. This spelling program overall is definitely an excellent value. We'll be using it for years to come with 2 younger children as well - and hopefully more spelling bee winners!!