All About Spelling Level 1::Final Post
Wahoo!! We finished level 1! I have figured out that it took us about 27 weeks to finish level 1. I would knock 4 weeks off of that--- we stalled a few times during the summer and during my father-in-law's illness. We always reviewed what we had learned to date, but we did not always progress with the "steps" (the lessons or chapters are called steps in the manual). That is very close to about 1 step per week. (there are 24 steps) I know some weeks we completed more than one step and some steps took more than a week.
Just to review one more time, I will give you my top ten list on this program:
1. It is teacher friendly. The teacher is walked through each step. A scripted format is even offered when teaching new concepts.
2. It progresses is a systematic, logical way. All "rules" are taught and applied. Exceptions are taught (going to be) after the rule is mastered.
3. Repetition is the key. The format of the book dictates repetition of key concepts. Each step (chapter) begins with "review". A teacher file box is set up when you start this program making it so that all the needed review material is at your finger tips.
4. This book offers a multisensory approach- every concept incorporates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements to the teaching. Not in a complicated way.
5. Difficulties are anticipated. Each time I run across a "glitch", I find help for it written in the lesson. Example: One of my boys could not get the "segmenting" concept (pulling apart each word in to individual sounds). I turned the page to find a nice activity that helped us over that bump.
6. The directions are clear. I have never once thought "what does she mean by that?". I usually do even with the best programs.
7. My boys are learning. I mean really, truly learning.
8. Along the lines of #6- nothing is left to question. Even the way the letter tiles are lined up is spelled out (no pun intended).
9. The price is fair. It costs about $40 a level plus the starter kit (a one time purchase). We purchased 2 additional level 1 student packs (each level comes with 1). I would not do that again. With a few penciled in notes, I can keep track of the progress each of my boys is making with one student kit.
10. I don't hate it!! Sometimes it happens. I really do like this program.
Okay, a disclaimer. If you can hand your child a book and he can learn to spell and read, you may not appreciate this program. Out of 7 children, I have only had one that could learn that way, and then she felt left out and wanted my help anyway! :) This program offers everything I wanted in a package that has all the thinking/planning done for me. I do have to sit with my boys and do the work. We average 20 minutes a day- too much longer than that and they start to get distracted.
That's it- level one done. Chuck E. Cheese party to be planned!! (as promised to the boys for when they finished this level) On to level two. :)
AAS post #1
AAS update #1
ASS update #2
1. It is teacher friendly. The teacher is walked through each step. A scripted format is even offered when teaching new concepts.
2. It progresses is a systematic, logical way. All "rules" are taught and applied. Exceptions are taught (going to be) after the rule is mastered.
3. Repetition is the key. The format of the book dictates repetition of key concepts. Each step (chapter) begins with "review". A teacher file box is set up when you start this program making it so that all the needed review material is at your finger tips.
4. This book offers a multisensory approach- every concept incorporates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements to the teaching. Not in a complicated way.
5. Difficulties are anticipated. Each time I run across a "glitch", I find help for it written in the lesson. Example: One of my boys could not get the "segmenting" concept (pulling apart each word in to individual sounds). I turned the page to find a nice activity that helped us over that bump.
6. The directions are clear. I have never once thought "what does she mean by that?". I usually do even with the best programs.
7. My boys are learning. I mean really, truly learning.
8. Along the lines of #6- nothing is left to question. Even the way the letter tiles are lined up is spelled out (no pun intended).
9. The price is fair. It costs about $40 a level plus the starter kit (a one time purchase). We purchased 2 additional level 1 student packs (each level comes with 1). I would not do that again. With a few penciled in notes, I can keep track of the progress each of my boys is making with one student kit.
10. I don't hate it!! Sometimes it happens. I really do like this program.
Okay, a disclaimer. If you can hand your child a book and he can learn to spell and read, you may not appreciate this program. Out of 7 children, I have only had one that could learn that way, and then she felt left out and wanted my help anyway! :) This program offers everything I wanted in a package that has all the thinking/planning done for me. I do have to sit with my boys and do the work. We average 20 minutes a day- too much longer than that and they start to get distracted.
That's it- level one done. Chuck E. Cheese party to be planned!! (as promised to the boys for when they finished this level) On to level two. :)
AAS post #1
AAS update #1
ASS update #2
way to go! Have fun at Chuck E Cheese :)
ReplyDelete