Absolutely the only book you will ever need to teach spelling. Teaching strategies include additional tips for use with the learning disabled, and word lists are organized by both sight and sound patterns. Build vocabulary skills with Latin and Greek roots and word lists, and by using the spelling rules to add prefixes and suffixes to root words. Choose from among the suggested activities to include practice with grammar, dictionary, and composition skills. Phonic, spelling, and punctuation rules are listed for easy reference. Word lists are divided by grade, 1 through 8. However, this method is easily adapted for older students or adults who need remedial work. Because of its multi-sensory and simplified approach to spelling, and because each child can work at his own pace, this program is ideal for students with learning disabilities. Grades K-12.
I have been using Natural Speller for 4 years with 2 homeschooling children, 11 years and 8 years. I think the book is brilliant. The one caveat I would have is that you have to READ the book thoroughly to understand Kathryn Stout's teaching process. It is not just word lists as other reviewers have maintained. At the end of the list of words appropriate for each age is a list of age-apprpriate spelling activities. In the middle of the book there are heaps of ideas. Older children can just work through the book themselves. It doesn't just attack spelling, but dictionary skills, grammar. If you want to be creative and want to design your own program, but just want some ideas and to make sure you don't miss anything out, this is the program for you. If you want all the curriculum done for you this won't suit.
Homeschool Speller
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I've had trouble with the homeschool spelling programs offered in the past. This has been an answer to my prayers. The Natural Speller outlines how lessons should be done each day. It has word lists for all levels at a glance. This is a great feature for a mom schooling 4 kids. It has been a tremendous help to me as a teacher. A lot less frustrating than other programs I've used.
The best spelling program!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I've tried different spelling programs, and this one is the best! It includes 1-8 grades, very easy to use, and easy to see our progress. I love it!
The Only Speller You Will Ever Need
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
This speller has lists for grades 1-8. It has plenty of activities and includes dictionary and grammar skills as well as vocabulary builders. It's filled with abbreviations, calendar and color words to name a few. There are sections for Latin and Greek word parts as well as spelling and writing rules. There is so much help in this book that you can use it for years because of the way it is designed. Whether you are looking for a speller to take your child through middle school or you are teaching multiple grades at once this is the spelling program you want to have to streamline your curriculum library.
The ONLY spelling resource you will need - grades 1-8
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
I have been homeschooling my oldest daughter for five years, and, due to her learning disabilities, we have spent alot, and have tried everything available. Natural Speller was a breakthrough for us. It is a parent/teacher resource book, with the parent/teacher pulling together weekly spelling assignments from the Word Lists in Natural Speller, based upon the child's specific needs and areas of weakness - no need to teach what the child already knows! I know of several other families in our homeschool circle who have very advanced children, and they are completely satisfied with Natural Speller. It presents the perfect approach, for any child, for any ability level. Natural Speller presents spelling in the context that our words have patterns and rules, and when a child knows these patterns and rules, he can figure out a new word that he has never seen, perhaps never even heard, before. From the Introduction pages "...Gradually, spelling lessons should progress from patterns used in reading to paterns that will extend a child's vocabulary. Just knowing that 'un' means 'not' adds a multitude of words to a child's reading and spelling vocabulary. Use the list 'Common Affixes and Their Meanings' to help a child's vocabulary grow." There are many helps and lists...How to Teach Spelling; How to Study a Word (Great ideas!); Basic Word Lists - Grades 1-8; Activities: General Practice, Dictionary Skills, Grammar Skills, Building Vocab., Writing; Special Words Lists: Abbreviations, Calendar Words, Homophones, Irregular Verbs, etc.; Foreign Words; Phonics, Spelling and Writing Rules; Teaching Helps: Practice With Rules, Spelling Charts, Common Affixes and Their Meanings, Letters, etc. That may look a little complicated, but Natural Speller is really VERY easy to use - several very good books have gone by the wayside in our homeschool because they were too time consuming to implement. Natural Speller is well organized, concise, and simple to use. We highly recommend this resource - as if you couldn't guess!!
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