This updated version is very similar in content to the older edition. The most noticeable differences are a more contemporary page layout and a reduction in sports-themed headings like “warm-ups” and “pep talks". Other differences include an extra writing activity at the end of each lesson in the student book, but the removal of references to warm-ups, final tests, and bonus words activities. All information and instruction on these activities are now found only in the teacher’s manual. While you can still “get by” using the program without the teacher’s manual, you may want the teacher’s manual to get the most out of the program. Some content has been updated as well, including several new reading/editing passages and a few new word lists. Aside from these differences most of the pages (while they may not match up exactly in page number) look very much the same. The size/length of the books have not changed. Basically, if you’re trying to decide between the editions in your own homeschool, you won’t lose out either way. However, if you are using Spelling Workout in a group/class/co-op situation, you will probably want to pick one edition and stick with it to ensure uniformity of word lists, and for ease of checking work.

Customer Reviews

 
Angela H. from Toledo, OH wrote the following on 09/11/2005:
We took a year off from Spelling Workout and tried a few other programs that I kept hearing recommended. We are back to it this year! My daughters love doing the lessons, and I love that it is based on phonics rules. I think it is perfect for a child who learned to read without a lot of phonics instruction. I really like that it incorporates other skills, like editing, also. My daughters have two very different learning styles, yet it works with both of them. I don't use the Teacher's Manual, and I find it very simple to use; we just open the book and do the lesson.

 
Shannon H. from Dripping Springs, TX wrote the following on 10/23/2006:
I hesitated to order a spelling program for my six year old/first grade son. My son is very active and typically avoids workbook style school work. My daughter uses an upper level Spelling Workout (Level G) and enjoys the variety of activities for each weekly lesson. So, I gave it a try. I have been pleasantly surprised with Spelling Workout, Level A. My son enjoys the book. The daily work is short and to the point. He really seems to feel a sense of accomplishment when he figures out which words share the same sounds. I did not buy the Teacher's Book. I don't think you need it for this level. However, I own and use the Teacher Book for my daughter's level. I reccommend this program and plan to continue with it. I actually think I could have used the next level for my son so if you have an advanced reader buy the level above his/her grade level. I don't think Spelling Workout is a Christian text. However, in nine weeks of lessons I have not come by anything in either level that I was uncomfortable with my children reading.

 
Shannon H. from Dripping Springs, TX wrote the following on 10/23/2006:
I hesitated to order a spelling program for my six year old/first grade son. My son is very active and typically avoids workbook style school work. My daughter uses an upper level Spelling Workout (Level G) and enjoys the variety of activities for each weekly lesson. So, I gave it a try. I have been pleasantly surprised with Spelling Workout, Level A. My son enjoys the book. The daily work is short and to the point. He really seems to feel a sense of accomplishment when he figures out which words share the same sounds. I did not buy the Teacher's Book. I don't think you need it for this level. However, I own and use the Teacher Book for my daughter's level. I reccommend this program and plan to continue with it. I actually think I could have used the next level for my son so if you have an advanced reader buy the level above his/her grade level. I don't think Spelling Workout is a Christian text. However, in nine weeks of lessons I have not come by anything in either level that I was uncomfortable with my children reading.

 
Teresa D. from Round Rock, Texas wrote the following on 10/25/2007:
Although I thought this workbook was a little expensive (but still only $15), I have found it to be a good resource. Each lesson is four pages long and has a variety of tasks. The word lists are not overwhelming. My daughter is a confident writer... we do an entire lesson on Mondays, review and quiz on Tuesday, Wednesday off, and then a new lesson on Thursdays and a review and quiz on Fridays. The "Well- Trained Mind" suggests a few pages each day, which would work out to be a lesson each week. We are definitely going to continue with this series. It has some pictures, but they are small, black and white and not distracting.

 
Cathy Y. from Greensboro, NC wrote the following on 05/19/2009:
My son really enjoyed spelling this year due to this book. He liked the pace and the activities. We will continue on in the series. Spelling was his favorite subject and that is because of the book format.