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Description
The 3rd Edition (2019) of this excellent spelling program, sporting updated graphics and appearance, is still filled with challenging vocabulary, interesting exercises, and engaging themes. The colorful spelling series from a Christian publisher focuses on carefully selected, high-frequency, high-interest words. Over the course of the series, spelling is approached from three different angles: phonetically, visually, and semantically. The lower grades concentrate on phonetic principles, covering and reviewing them thoroughly. Since recognition of visual patterns is also important in accurate spelling, students should begin to discover spelling errors when words don't "look" right, according to normal visual patterns. There is increased emphasis on this in the middle grades. The upper grades emphasize understanding semantic relationships, with attention given to affixes and roots. Some proofing and editing exercises also appear in the last book of the series.
There are 36 chapters, with four pages per lesson (and additional blackline masters, available in the Teacher Edition), estimated to take about 75 minutes per week. The number of words per lesson begins with 10 in Grade 1 and progresses to 23 by Grade 6. Lessons follow a weekly pattern: Day 1, pretests; Day 2, phonics review; Day 3, word study; Day 4, writing extensions, and Day 5, a posttest. Every sixth chapter reviews the words from the previous five. Grades 1 and 2 use regular manuscript printing, grade 3 and up show the wordlists in cursive on the second and fourth days. Student Editions are colorful worktexts. Both Student and Teacher books have handwriting models, a pronunciation key, and spelling dictionary in the back. A series of pages also provides lines for writing words grouped according to initial letter which can become the student's personal spelling dictionary for the year. Teacher Editions are useful, containing an explanation of the program's philosophy and implementation, reduced student pages (with answers), differentiated instruction, suggestions for enrichment and extension activities, and online access to the downloadable blackline masters and digital color masters. The student worktexts have minimal religious content (short prayer on back cover and occasional Scripture references). The TEs provide unit devotions and extension activities with religious themes. Student books - 181 pgs, pb. Teacher Editions - 191 pgs, hardcover, spiral bound, 10"x 14". ~ Janice
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.