Spelling Power is a multi-sensory, multi-level spelling customized program that will help your students master the rules of spelling in only 15 minutes a day! A 5 minute test starts off the day, which helps to review, check retention, and preview new words to study. For the next 5 minutes, you'll test misspelled words, and for the remaining 5 minutes, you'll test new words, picking up where you last left off. In only those 15 minutes, you'll be on your way to mastering the 5,000 most frequently used words, phonetic principles, and spelling rules! Glossary, Scope & Sequence, Verifying Research, and sections on dictionary and proofreading skills are also included. A Quick Start Seminar DVD has been added to this new fourth edition, along with a Teacher's Resource CD-ROM. The DVD contains the author introducing each element in the Spelling Power Program, followed by a real homeschool families completing each step. The CD-ROM contains forms used in the program, including printable skill-building activities, a searchable word list and even more helpful tools and hints. 330 pages, softcover.

One of my children has had difficulty spelling. Whatever spelling book I used was a disaster. I was particularly concerned when she reached 13 and still couldn't spell well, even though she loved reading and had a wide vocabulary. I turned my attention to giving her more writing assignments. A customized spelling list was then created from the words she misspelled in her rough drafts. For example, if she misspelled "figure," I also gave her "pasture" and "nature" - words belonging to the same word family. When I found Spelling Power, I discovered I had been on the right track. Yet Spelling Power helps you go further. While reading the teacher's study guide chapters, you may even think to yourself, "It goes too far." But be encouraged. Once you've read through Adams-Gordon's detailed guide, you will be on your way to providing an excellent spelling course for all your children.

Spelling Power is a multilevel, nonconsumable course for ages 8 to adult. It can be used with all your students at the same time, year by year. A placement test determines a student's level. Five thousand of the most frequently used words are taught by phonetic principles and spelling rules. Does this sound overwhelming? It isn't when you take it a little at a time. The daily lessons can be as short as 15 minutes per child. Each student progresses at his own pace. My book has three paper clips in it that mark the place each of my children has reached along the word list.

Reproducible study sheets carry a student through seven steps of studying a word. Within the steps a student is required to visualize a word in his mind and, with his eyes closed, spell it out loud. For those who like games and multisensory activities, there are over 100 of them at the back of the book. Adams-Gordon also explains how to conduct a dictation session and provides activities for learning dictionary and proofreading skills.

Even though I am recommending this comprehensive course, I do believe we should expect less of spelling lessons in the early elementary years. Spelling is perfectly content to take a humble position in your full curriculum. Remember that spelling is a servant to higher things. Keeping the love of language alive is most important.

—Karen

Average Rating:

8 of 15 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)

Reviewed by Heather (Long Prairie, MN), August 19, 2010

This is a great spelling book for all ages. It is perfect for my homeschool. I love the fact that I have one manual for all my grade levels.

Reviewed by Steph (Orlando, FL), September 18, 2009

This program seems great for younger children. I decided to give it a try after my son completed ABeka 7th grade spelling last year. He was able to test right out of the program, so it would not be of value to us.

Reviewed by Linda Hawkes (Torrance, CA), September 10, 2009

We recently purchsed "Spelling Power", like so many before me, I found the thick book overpowering. As I got into it, the thick book is something that can be mastered. I followed all the placement steps with my 13 year old grandson. It took a few days, but now we are ready to start at a level that will not discourage him. This program, a least for us, will work much better than conventional spelling programs and I am confident he will be a much better 'speller' at the end of the school year using this approach. The Student Record Book can be purchased also, it helps the student see his progress. Keeps things organized for the teacher.

Reviewed by MDV (MI), August 17, 2009

My son is a natural speller and LOVES this program. It has made it easy for us to test him at a level where he is challenged instead of spending years doing "busy work". It does take a while to figure it all out and the informational CD is very boring, but once you have the basic concept, it is very simple. I am not sure how the program would work for children who struggle with spelling, but if you invest your time doing the extra activities, I think it could be a good fit for almost any child.

Reviewed by lmcmomintx (here), January 13, 2009

When I first received this program and went through it, I was not very enthused about using it. The book is huge and I did not want to have to read through it plus all the other reading a homeschool mom has to do. Thank God for the "Quickstart Tips" and the Quickstart DVD. That's all I used to get started, and we're doing fine. If I want to read a novel, I'll read a novel, not a spelling book. Anyway, when we first started this, my 4th grade son was spelling at an upper-second grade level. His confidence is increasing with this program and I'm so glad I found it. In the past I leaned towards the fun, colorful spelling workbooks that presented spelling words in families or some other logical progression. My son learned nothing from those. If you are willing to commit to the program and stick it out, your children will benefit. It's great.

Reviewed by Christy White (Cheyenne, WY), December 21, 2008

This is great! My girls now WANT to do spelling. It is easy and not time consuming to start or do and they retain what they learn. I would recommend getting the workbooks to go with it - makes it really easy to get going and stay with it.

Reviewed by Mekel Rice (Goode, VA), August 29, 2008

I am using Spelling Power for grade 3 and 6. We are so happy with it! Both children look forward to spelling now, amazing! It really does work. I especially like it that the child corrects the misspelled word right away. The DVD is excellent and easy to follow. I highly recommend this product.

Reviewed by Shelley Snyder (Leander, TX), June 11, 2008

I am so jazzed about this system. My ten year old son had previously been on about a first grade level with spelling. He refused to write at school and no matter how many hours a week we would study (using traditional methods), it wouldn't stick. Now he spends 15 minutes a day and the correct spelling sticks like magic. He is up to knowing over a hundred words after working 1 week!!!

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