I will tell you right up front – I am totally  impressed with this spelling program!

The All About Spelling program is a “Multi-sensory Program for Spelling Success”.  It is so successful because it is hands on and easy to understand for all ages.  The lessons are continually reviewing previously mastered concepts, so nothing is lost.  Also, because you are mastering concepts, your child can work at their own pace.   Let’s talk about what is included:

When I received the curriculum package, it was very professionally packaged.  I received Level One and Level Two booklets, a set of All About Spelling letter tiles, Phonogram CD-ROM and index cards.  Note:  The setup of the program took about two hours total  for level one and two, which included cutting out the letter tiles and attaching the included magnets, as well as separating the perforated index cards and sorting them into my index card box. Once setup is complete you are really ready to begin.  There is virtually no preparation necessary as the lessons are clearly outlined.  A magnet board is recommended, and if you can have one set aside just for these lessons, you can store your letter tiles right on the board so they are ready each day.  A Progress Chart is included as well as Completion Certificates for Level One and Level Two.

What I love about All About Spelling:

• Lesson plans are so simple – it is one less thing I have to think about every day! (major plus)
• I am all about mastery.  I want my child to be successful at grasping concepts, not just rushing them through lessons so we “complete” courses on time.  This curriculum is geared towards this style of teaching.  You simply start your child with Level One, regardless of their age, and the faster they grasp the concept the faster they will fly through the material and on to more challenging lessons.
• I love the visual and hands on materials included.  Spelling out of a book can be a bore, but when they get to be physically involved in the process they really look forward to it.  There is also a feeling of accomplishment when you can physically see the stack of cards you have successfully completed over a period of time.
• The progress chart is a real key motivator.
• The same materials can be used for multiple children.

What I don’t like:

• The main trouble I had involves my 6-year-old.  He is having trouble retaining his ABC’s.  While Level One begins focusing on the sounds each letter makes, he is not retaining the information consistently enough for  me to use this as his sole reading material.  I am backtracking and using a supplemental phonics program to get him jump-started, then I can return to Level One and start over.  My older children have had no trouble, however, and do fine with it.
• My older children enjoy more challenging words than are included in this material, however, learning the concepts is the real purpose, and that is sound.  Also, the real point is that they are ready to move on to the higher levels, so that is what we will have to look into next

The Bottom Line:

You can check out All About Spelling website to see their products.  Their Level 1 program is $29.95, which includes the teacher’s manual and student materials packet.  I highly recommend you also get the Starter Packet for $26.95 because it includes all the materials mentioned above and makes teaching and preparation SO much easier.  Also, this Starter Packet can be used for all levels 1 through 6.

I was not compensated for this product review.  I was given a complimentary product sample in exchange for my honest opinion.