What Happens after All About Spelling?
Whether your child has finished formal spelling instruction or you are just looking forward to that glorious day, this post will give you plenty of ideas of “what to do next.”
The first thing to do is to send me a note. Seriously! I love to hear from students who have completed the All About Spelling series (like our friend Josiah here).
Then after the high-fives and celebrating are over, you’re bound to ask the question,
Is that it? Does my child need to learn how to
spell any more words? Or are we completely done?
Pretend that this graphic represents all the words in the English language. “Known Words,” represented by the inner circle, are those that your child can spell.
“Familiar Words” are those that are in his vocabulary, either his speaking vocabulary or his reading vocabulary. He knows what the words mean, but he’s never spelled them.
And then there are “Completely Unknown Words”—words that your child has never heard before or has never encountered in his reading.
After completing the spelling program, your student will be able to spell at the high school level. But, obviously, there are many more words in the world! So I recommend that your child continue a self-directed, informal study of “Familiar Words.” These are the words that are found in the middle zone of the graphic. They are words that your child is more likely to see in print or to use in his own writing—which means that the words will be easier to learn and your child will be more motivated to learn them.
How to Find New Words to Learn
For years I kept a stash of index cards wherever I was likely to run across new words—next to a favorite reading chair, next to the computer, on the nightstand, or in a backpack—and I encourage students to do the same. When they come across a word that would be helpful to know how to spell, they can jot it down on an index card. If there isn’t a written example of the word, they should just spell the word as best they can and then verify the spelling later.
Here are some places your student can look for those new-yet-familiar words to learn:
- Books, newspapers, magazines: Encourage your student to be aware of words he reads that he isn’t sure he knows how to spell.
- Hobbies and interests: Many of the terms related to hobbies could present opportunities to explore the spelling of new words.
- Personal writing: We all run into words while we’re writing that we aren’t sure how to spell.
- Vocabulary words: If your child is studying vocabulary, those words can be added to the list.
After discovering new words to learn to spell, it’s time to analyse those words.
How and Why We Analyze New Spelling Words
After discovering new words to learn to spell, it’s time to analyze those words.
Students who have completed All About Spelling Level 7 are generally amazing at analyzing new words. After all, they’ve repeated the procedure for many lessons, gradually increasing the scope of the word analysis. But if you are new to the program, you may be wondering how to analyze spelling words.
Your child should begin the word analysis by dividing the word into syllables, then circling any part of the word that doesn’t say what he expects it to say. Then he should evaluate the word. Does the word end with a doubled consonant? He should ask himself why. Does the word end in Silent E? He should consider the jobs of Silent E and ask himself which job Silent E is performing in this word. Consider the syllable types that make up the word. By analyzing the new words, your child will be able to keep previously learned concepts fresh in his mind for future reference.
Also, by this point, graduates of the program know how to treat words like building blocks. What does that mean? Well, it is very likely that over half of the new words your child encounters will have prefixes, suffixes, and Latin and Greek roots. Students have learned that they can learn how to spell many words at once—and increase their vocabulary at the same time—by learning the most common word parts.
Word analysis helps the spelling “stick” in the student’s mind. The word becomes linked to other words with similar meanings or word patterns.
After discovering new spelling words and analyzing them, it is time for just a touch of review.
A System for Reviewing the New Spelling Words
The best way to continue to improve spelling is to keep reviewing. The review needn’t take long—just a few minutes a week goes a long way at this stage. And a Spelling Review Box or simple index card file box is the perfect tool for this.
The Level 7 Student Packet comes with three purple divider cards, especially designed for this stage, but feel free to substitute your own handwritten dividers. Label the dividers New Words, Review, and Mastered, and place the divider cards in the Spelling Review Box, along with some index cards and a small pen or pencil.
Now, any time there is a new word to learn, it goes behind the New Words divider. Once a week or so, your student can pull out the new words and conduct his own Word Analysis of them.
After the word analysis, the spelling words can be stored behind the Review divider. Then, several times a week, your child should set aside some time to practice spelling these words.
When he is sure that he won’t forget how to spell the words, your child can move reviewed words behind the Mastered divider. And he can watch that stack get thicker and thicker over the years!
Remember: This Is a Self-Guided Process
After you’ve explained the system, turn the responsibility over to your child. Ideally, he should choose the words that are important to him and schedule his own review time.
Our young friend Josiah just completed AAS Level 7 and is ready for lifelong spelling success! Josiah’s mom Carol recently sent us this wonderful note along with the photo of Josiah at the top of the page:
“Just wanted to share that my son (age 10) finished AAS Level 7 today! This has been a wonderful journey with your spelling program. My son has learned so much, and to be honest, so have I! It’s very important to my son to know the “why” behind things like math, spelling, the English language, science, etc. Your system introduced spelling in a way that kept it interesting and made sense. I recommend AAS to all my homeschool friends because I think it has got to be the best spelling program out there! Thank you so much for all you’ve done to create such a great learning tool!”
Is your student an AAS graduate? Or are you still looking forward to the day?
Ali
says:Is it okay to correspond the level book to my child’s grade level? For example, cover Level 1 for 1st grade, cover Level 2 for 2nd grade, and so on? If Level 7 covers high school reading, I just see no need right now to rush through any of it or even cover it every single school day. Thanks for your help!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAli,
You definitely have a point. If you are starting All About Spelling in 1st or 2nd grade, there is no reason to rush through the levels. You have plenty of time to cover all the material.
Just understand that the levels and word lists in the All About Spelling program are arranged by concepts and spelling patterns rather than by grade levels. Though many of the words presented in Level 1 are found on typical first-grade lists, other words in the same book can be found on typical fifth-grade lists. The method we use defies normal grade level classification, so our levels aren’t really grade levels.
As for not covering spelling every school day, many children do fine with doing spelling just three days a week or so. However, some children tend to forget too much between spelling lessons if they aren’t more consistent. Another option is to keep to a slow pace if your child needs more daily review is simply to do less time on some days. For example, you could just review some word cards or do a couple of dictation phrases on some days instead of a full 20 minutes.
I hope this helps, but please let me know if you have more questions.
Amy
says:Thanks, Robin! That does help!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceGlad to help, Amy! Let me know if you need anything else.
Amy
says:I’m not sure where to post this question, but I am curious if it is normal to slow down as we move through the All About Spelling levels. Maybe it is just my girls. They were early and excellent readers, and so by the time we started All About Spelling, they moved through the first two levels quickly and easily. But then one of mine (who naturally struggles with spelling, but not reading) needed us to slow down the pace some in level 3 and level 4. Level 5 seems to be taking a long time (it will take at least 15 months before we finish I think). And I have no idea how long the last two levels will take at this rate. Is there more content in these later levels? Or are the concepts typically more difficult to grasp? Or is it just us? :) I know we are fine, no matter how long it takes us. I think I am wondering mostly because I am a big planner by nature and I am wondering how long it will take us to finish. :) What would you say is typical for length of time to finish the last few books?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAmy,
Most (probably all) students need more time for the higher levels than they need for the lower ones. The concepts are more difficult with more complex patterns and often no set rules for when to use one spelling over another. Knowing which syllable is accented and the Doubling Rule are especially difficult for my children!
It may encourage you to know that, at least for my kids although I know others that have experienced this too, level 5 is the longest. Level 6 and 7 pull everything together and move at least somewhat more quickly. But, as you said, it is fine no matter how long it takes as long as your students are mastering the content. Level 7 covers through 9th to 12th grade spelling, so there is plenty of time!
I hope this helps a bit. It is difficult to plan with All About Spelling, as you cannot know ahead of time how quickly or slowly individual children may progress. I would say to loosely plan a year per level for the higher levels, but as you have seen with level 5, it can go longer.
Let me know if you have further questions or need anything.
Katie O
says:This is a great post. It answered a question I didn’t even know I had yet! I love the application to learning new words.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceKatie,
We’re glad you found this helpful!
Deanna
says:Thank you for this information! I’d loved to use AAS with my children!
Kim
says:A friend told me about your program and we started using it this year and it has helped my 5th grader so much. Thank you!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceKim,
I started All About Spelling during the second half of my daughter’s 4th grade year, so I know about starting it with an older student. Have you seen our blog post on Using All About Spelling with Older Students?
Let us know if you ever have questions or need anything.
L Sell
says:Thanks for the info. My 5 and I have a chalkboard for the “word of the week” which usually comes from a new lit. book we are reading for the week. We post it so he can read it daily and learn it’s spelling. Thanks for the ideas, anything and everything helps!
Adriana Hook
says:Our school has used a different series that has bored the children for years now. After some research and lots of positive comments on a variety of websites and independent blogs I suggested it to our Curriculum Director. We’ve just ordered the Reading and Spelling sets for review and we are thoroughly excited about trying them out, especially with our struggling readers who are tired of “baby” books and want chapter books. From what I can see on-line, I have a feeling our parents will be thrilled to hear their children ask if they can read before bed time!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAdriana,
I hope your students and teaches enjoy our books as much as so many parents and their children have! Please let us know if you have any questions.
Sonja Rea
says:Thank you for this post. I’m really hoping to start AAS with my kiddos!
Julie
says:I am so excited to get started with All About Spelling. Now that my son is reading, I can see an excitement in him as he sounds out words or I sound them out and he will try to spell them.
Carrie
says:We love all about reading!
Morgan
says:Looking forward to getting to this point with my student.
Mildred Chalmers
says:I am so grateful I stumbled unto this site. I am hoping to use your material with my son who struggles with spelling. Thank you in advance. I have been learning so much from your site.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceMildred,
Please let us know if you have any questions. We love to help!
Laura
says:Reading didn’t “click” with my daughter till we started All About Spelling when she was in 2nd grade. It was the most successful part of our year.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceLaura,
We’re happy to hear that All About Spelling was such a successful part of your daughter school year. Thank you.
Tracey
says:Great program!
Nancy
says:Hoping to try this curriculum soon! I’ve enjoyed using the All About Reading with my daughter.
Sarah
says:Thanks for this post. Such a great idea to teach kids…and maybe use myself as I’ve never been a very good speller.
Kelli Swanner
says:Thank you for this post. it is exactly what I needed right now.
Nicole
says:Thank you for this information! This will be so helpful as my kids get older and to help them continue to work on their spelling skills.
Karen
says:Looking forward to using this curriculum.
Emily
says:This is so helpful! My kids are on AAR Level 3, so I’m just starting AAS with them, but it’s good to know where I’m heading. The AAR/AAS programs have been awesome for us.
Jen
says:Great tools to continue being a life-long learner! Thanks!
Lisa
says:Always interesting to learn new strategies for continued learning.
Oksana
says:This is a great post! I have both my children in aas. One is level 4 and the other started level 5. I was actually wondering what we would be doing after aas was done. Now i have plenty of ideas. Thanks
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou are welcome, Oksana! The transition to being responsible for their own spelling words is an exciting time.
Andrea
says:Great suggestions!!! I have a few years before I get there though.
Katie
says:Interesting! Thanks for the ideas.
Lacey
says:I love AAR and how I open and go it is
Beth Lucadamo
says:My five year loves All About Reading and Spelling!!! He is doing great work spelling words and phrases:). I am really enjoying watching him learn and grasp concepts along the way! I am grateful to this program and Marie Rippel!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceBeth,
Thank you for letting us know just how well your young learner is doing with AAR and AAS! It sounds like he is off to a amazing start!
Cereese
says:Excellent ideas! I’m going to tell my husband. He’s always frustrated by his own lack of spelling skills. I’ll bet he’s going to jump on this one!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceCereese,
I do think this method would help anyone of any age become a better speller!
Debbie B
says:Thank you for these tips. You continue to support even after they’ve completed the program! It is clear that you truly care about the kids!!!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceWe do, Debbie. I hope you find these ideas for what to do after AAS helpful.
Leslie
says:What level should I be teaching my child? Can I just continue to teach her the next level so long as she’s comfortable? Or, was it intended that one level be taught a year?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceLeslie,
All About Spelling is designed to be used at the individual student’s unique pace. We do not intend that one level last one year, although occasionally that does happen. However, if a student is mastering the material and doing well, she may be able to complete more than a level in a year. Go ahead and move forward.
Pamela Uribe
says:I am estimating my 2nd grader should complete Level 1 in December. When I order Level 2, I just need the Teacher’s Manual & Student Set, right? I will not need any additional letter tiles and such correct?
Stephanie Chambers
says:That’s correct. And if you ah e a second student then you just need a second student pack. I have two student currently using this program. They are currently halfway through level 1 and halfway through level 2.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceStephanie,
A second student would also need their own Review Box and Divider Cards, although two or even more students can share the letter tiles.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServicePamela,
You are correct. The Interactive Kits, with the letter tiles, divider cards, and such, are a one time purchase that is used throughout all the levels.
Christine Rexroad
says:Finishing level 7 this year with my 8th grader, and starting level 3 with my 5th grader. Love this program!!! I, too, have learned so much. Thanks for such a thorough, fun way to learn how to spell beyond those boring, learn-it-for-the-week-then-forget-it spelling lists. Ever think of creating an All About Grammar and Punctuation series?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceChristine,
I’ll pass along your recommendation! Thanks.
Amy DiGiacomo
says:I love this!!
Jen
says:Please blog about what to do after all about reading as well! This was so helpful
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceJen,
Stay tuned! What happens after All About Reading is on the to-do list for blog posts this fall!
Amy O
says:I second the request for an All About Grammar, Usage and Punctuation series!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI will pass this additional request along, Amy. Thank you.
Jocelyn
says:Great information!
Loreen G
says:I think I’ve said it a million times, but AAS was a life saver for us and we absolutely love it! It should be called Spelling Without Tears :)
Shannon S
says:I always wondered what to do after level 7. Your system is excellent, thank you for the idea.
Tassie
says:Great ideas!
Amy
says:Looking forward to starting this program soon… And finishing with my kids someday. :-)
ashley
says:I am eager to try this with my child
Bethany
says:This looks like a great spelling program to follow our success with All About Reading!
Valerie
says:I am so excited to begin this program with our second grader! As a former public school teacher, I have seen and used many ELA curricula and I am very impressed with AAR and AAS!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you for this, Valerie!
Sarah Harrison
says:I would love to try this program with my two daughters!!!
Amanda
says:So excited to start AAS this year!
Rooma
says:Hoping to win because your program sounds awesome!
Jaime Whitlock
says:Can’t afford to purchase so we’re really hoping to win the giveaway 🤗
Sharon M
says:Just starting this program and LOVE IT!
Christy
says:We’re at the beginning end of the journey. Oldest seems to be a pretty natural speller, but the next two in line are rather creative so far. They’re young, but a good foundation is always the best choice, right?! :)
Sarah Fullilove
says:We already love AAR and I think AAS would be just as great! Super simple and fun
Maritza Looez
says:This looks like a great spelling program!
Jennifer V
says:We are just starting the Spelling program and I am looking forward to it. This is great information. I don’t know if I would have thought of any of this on my own. What a blessing this is!!!
Megan
says:I can’t wait to try this program!
Marifer Hunt
says:I’ve decided to use AAS for my daughter this year!!! :)
Tavia
says:I have heard such great things about this program! I would love to try it!
Lisa Flowney
says:Thank you so much for your wonderful articles that are so helpful in using your curriculum. They are the first thing I read when I look at my Facebook messages.
Christi B
says:We’ve just started our new year and have one AAS 1 & one AAS 3 students. Can’t wait to see what they can do when they’re AAS graduates!
Jane Melto
says:My daughter is an awful speller, even though she is a great reader. I really need to look into this program.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceJane,
My daughter was this way too. She was reading well above grade level at 10 years old, but she couldn’t spell even simple words like bake (she spelled it backe). We started All About Spelling then, and now she is 17 and sometimes I ask her how to spell something!
Kacie
says:I want to try this program so bad!
Crystal
says:So excited to start this program.
Erin B.
says:I would love to try this!
Samantha
says:Thanks for sharing this info!
Patti
says:Helping my children through All About Learning products keep me in the learning process—and enable them to tackle new words that are found everywhere! Thanks!
Christy Hockaday
says:First timer here.. Hoping All About Spelling will help my little guy.
Kim
says:I want SO BADLY to try All About Spelling for my struggling speller!
Lynette
says:So looking forward to this day. Starting Level 2 tomorrow with my daughter. Needed to stop and envision a successful speller somewhere in her future.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI love how you put this, Lynette. “Stop and envision a success speller somewhere in her future.” That is a very encouraging thing! Thank you.
Jodi
says:We are looking forward to getting started!
Erica
says:I am looking forward to the day. My 8 year old is just starting the program.
Sally
says:I’m excited to teach spelling to my kids. I love it!
Margo Aston
says:I used Level 1 with several struggling 1st grade readers. I found the sequence and scope of the curriculum effective. The guide cards made it easy to spiral back for review and to move on to the next concept when ready. This is a great program.
Sara Beyda
says:looking forward to starting AAS with my son-hes ripe n ready finished AAR 1-3 in 1 1/2 yrs. coming from over seas knowing not a word of english. Hes doing awesome bec. of your awesome work.Would LOVE to win this one so we can cont. on this great path of learning together! Thank you MARY RIPPEL!!
Erin D.
says:I love that the program ends by teaching them to teach themselves. It helps make life-long learners.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceErin,
I love that the last three levels slowly transitions students to be able to analyze and study words on their own. Yes it’s great that AAS teaches to do it, but to me it’s even better that it very slowly teaches it and has them practice for a long while before turning them loose. That is the difference between saying a student can do it and truly setting them up for success!
Diana McBride
says:I’m so glad that you had the foresight and iniatative to create this for your customers! I’ve heard many great things from many good sources! I look forward to using this with my children 😀
Melissa
says:Great ideas! My daughter and I look forward to this stage! We are confident that she will be a proficient speller when Level 7 is complete!
Yvette
says:I am very eager to begin my child on spelling!
Angel
says:Very interesting, I would love to try it out.
Rose
says:I would love to win this for my children. It sound like it really helps.
Barb
says:We love AAR and are looking forward to using AAS!
Renee
says:Love this curriculum!
Racheal
says:I cannot wait to get my hands on this curriculum! I believe it will make a big difference in our homeschool journey!
Lennie
says:Great ideas for meaningful spelling!
Amy
says:I am looking forward to start using your AAReading and AASpelling programs! After hearing my s-i-l have great success breaking through her daughter’s dyslexia difficulties and be able to use the sane materials to teach her other students I knew this program was going to be the tool for me.
Jody R.
says:Great idea on putting new words on an index card!
Lisa
says:I am excited to be trying AAS this year. I think my child will enjoy building words with the letter tiles.
Jeane
says:I would love to try AAS for my struggling student. Sounds like a great program!
Veronica B.
says:This is a great program!
Jo
says:I hope to incorporate AAS into my homeschool curriculum soon.
Dawn
says:Great information. Thanks for all the ideas.
Janet
says:My son finished level seven this past year. He now has a thorough understanding of the rules and processes for spelling words. We had a few weeks left at the end of the year, where we put into practice the spelling of words he knows but hasn’t spelled before. I can tell you that this program has boosted his confidence in writing his own stories when he feels like it, reading in general (out loud or to himself), and his understanding of new words encountered. I’ve used the practice cards for alphabetizing weekly as well, and I’ve noticed he can look things up in the dictionary with less guidance. Thank you for all your time and effort creating this curriculum. Well done.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceJanet,
Thank you for taking the time to let us know how your son is doing after completing AAS 7. I’m going to share this with the entire AALP team!
Melissa
says:I have an 11 year old son and a 9 year old son.
They have struggled bwith spelling and I’d like to give this program a try.
I have read many great reviews!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceMelissa,
Let us know if you have any questions or need help with placement.
laura
says:I read so much about this program. It looks awesome
Arshia Siddiqui
says:Soon much looking forward to this program. I want to do level 1 and level 3 with my 2 boys aged 5 and 7 resp.
Kim L
says:This is a program that I wished I would have been introduced to sooner so I am looking forward to the day…
Carmel Read
says:Looks awesome!
Kim
says:I always either learn something new from your blog or I’m reminded of something I’d forgotten!
katie
says:We’re only on level 3, but now I know where we’re headed. Thanks for this post!
Cathey
says:Wow! That little guy looks so happy. My two grandsons are using the AAS program with their Mom. I am using the AAR program with one of them-the one with Dyslexia. It is a wonderful reading program.
Ena M Reaves
says:Developmentalso spelling programs that are intense like this one can help so many kids!
Loreen G
says:Thank you for this post! We are heading for the finish line and it will be nice to know how to continue on with our spelling skills.
Kelly
says:After many failed attempts at other programs, an educational consultant suggested we try all about spelling. We are already seeing such amazing progress and are only partially through level 1. I cannot wait to see the continued progress! Finally something that is clicking with my daughter!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThis is GREAT, Kelly! Keep up the wonderful work!
Suanna Sears
says:This sounds like a good program. I don’t think I used a very strong spelling program with my older children and wish I had found this sooner. I’m planning to use this with my young readers when they get to the spelling stage.
Melissa I
says:Wow. Finishing seems so far away! Good reminder it can be done
Rebecca T.
says:I love the sound of this program!
Melinda Dunphy
says:Excited to start book 2!
Jessica Ogilvie
says:We are just beginning our AAS experience this year and I am excited to see my little girl learn to read!
E
says:So glad you have such a great spelling program!
Katie Jason
says:Excited to try out the spelling program! I may even use the program with my older kiddo to help her become a better speller too.
Lisa
says:This sounds really good and possibly simple to use!! We are enjoying All about Reading Level 1!
Jammie
says:My sons school should use this with him.
Lisa
says:I can’t wait to start All About Spelling with my daughter this fall. We have loved using All About Reading!
Jessica H
says:We are so excited to try this program!!! I have heard rave reviews time and time again!!!
Wendy Clark
says:Good to know! We are a long way from finishing, but it will be here before I know it.
Alexa
says:I’m just starting Level 1 with my 10 year old. She doesn’t have problems with spelling, but I want her to have all of the tools she needs to be a good speller. I didn’t know that there were other options besides memorizing lists. I’m glad to have found this program.
rachel
says:Good info!
Jen
says:We are just starting level 1 but this is helpful to think of the overall vision of the program!
Candace
says:Great article!
Brook
says:I love all this information! Thankyou!
Ashley
says:This would be perfect for us.
Randi
says:Can’t wait to try this program with my little homeschooler!
michelle liotsakis
says:Excellent post! I always love reading about children’s successes!
Kristin
says:I wish I had had AAS when I was learning to spell! At what age does a student typically finish?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceKristin,
If students start All About Spelling right from the beginning, such as 6 to 7 years old, they typically finish some time in junior high. Josiah, in this blog post, is a bit younger than most for finishing AAS 7.
AAS Level 7 takes students up to high school level spelling. The program teaches all of the words on the Ayres list (except a few which aren’t in common use anymore), which ranks words up to 12th grade, as well as words from other lists that are ranked between 9th and 12th grade.
Kristi Melgaard
says:If this is anywhere near as good as All About Spelling, then I’m going to love it.
Melynda Arthur
says:I like how this is a self guided program. It really takes the pressure off of the child.
Yvette Quedado
says:My daughter is doing so well with this program. We will definitely be continuing through level 7.
Jaclyn Reynolds
says:This would be perfect for my son!
Aimee
says:I like the idea of the child making his/her own list of words they still don’t know how to spell as they come across them. This will encourage them to improve their spelling, especially in areas of their personal interest.
Cathey Cook
says:I am a retired special education teacher who is helping my daughter home school her four children. Your AAR and AAS are the best programs I have ever used.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceCathey,
Wow! What glowing praise. Thank you!
Valerie Ann
says:Great information as always! Thank you for offering such a great opportunity!
Kathleen
says:We would love to win the All About Reading giveaway! Thanks for offering the opportunity!
Elize
says:Thank you!
Heather irwin
says:Super
Amy Smith
says:Great information as always.
Karen
says:So excited to try this curriculum!
Dee Anne
says:We are starting AAS 1 this school year. I am looking forward to the journey. It’s nice to see someone at the end of that journey embarking on the next phase of learning. Thank you for such wonderful ideas on continuing this journey of learning.
katie
says:What great ideas for helping us teach!
Jessica
says:I have heard such wonderful things about this curriculum and we are so excited to try it for the first time this year!!
Athena
says:I am so excited. This will be our first year using the All About Spelling program. Spelling has been a very difficult subject in the past, however I’m very optimistic this year!
Colene
says:My son Caleb is about to start Level 4. He probably wouldn’t say so, but I have really enjoyed this program. Caleb understands many of the whys that I never did until going through this program with him. I have never understood how to divide words into syllables, but now makes a lot of sense. Caleb can spell pretty well and it’s all thanks to you!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceColene,
I understand about students not saying they enjoy spelling, but they are learning and doing so well with it. Thank you for sharing how well Caleb is doing.
Jodi Lawrence
says:I would love to try All About Reading for my kids. Have yet to experiece what I hear so many great things about.
Joyce Diepold
says:Very logical and systematic approach to learning to spell! All important strategies for beginning spellers who are just beginning to recognize words from sounds to really knowing words. Great fun ways to keep child focused and engaged in learning.
Cody kerr
says:Wish I would have had this when my children were younger. Is it ever too late to teach spelling😀
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceCody,
No, it is never too late! Tutors, friends, and even spouses have taught adults to spell well with All About Spelling. This blog post, Using All About Spelling with Older Students, may be of interest to you.
Annette McClenahan
says:My grandson is working on the All About Reading Program now. I am pleased with the progress he is making. I was thinking about looking into the All About Spelling Program.
Nicole Christianson
says:I love the look of this program!
Michon
says:I’m so excited to find a program that I would love to use for my kids!! Fingers crossed for the giveaway!
Tracey
says:Would love to try this program with my Kindergartener! I like what I have read regarding the program. Thank you for the offer!
Amanda M
says:I will be checking this curriculum out. Thank you for the post.
Shell
says:I am so looking forward to purchasing this curriculum for my younger children this fall. One of them has dyslexia so I believe this will help him tremendously.
Kelly
says:The all about spelling program is amazing. My kids are little so we have a ways to go to be out of it but this is a great post.
Stacy
says:We’re only on level 3, but this has me looking forward to subsequent levels :)
Ashley
says:My 5th grader needs so much help with spelling. This will definitely be something that we will reference back to a lot
Stacie F
says:Filing this info away in my brain bank…
Jen
says:All About Spelling has worked so well with my daughters!
Clare
says:Lots of hand son activities!Thank You.
Brent Lohrenz
says:We have been looking at this curriculum for a while now, think it would fit our children’s style of learning.
Jray Jhones
says:I love these tips … so useful!
Pati
says:Thank you for the great tips of where to go next. I like the focus on self learning! I hope I can find this post to refresh my memory when we get to this point.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceIf you can’t find this post when you need it, Pati, just email us! We’ll be able to direct you to it, or whatever similar we have at that time.
Renia Snyder
says:This will come in handy in the next year!
Crystal
says:I’m considering this for my younger children. Thanks!
Tauni
says:Thanks for this! I have been wondering what comes next 😉. Thank you for your great programs!!
Joanna
says:Congratulations Josiah!
Carol Fidel
says:Thank you! (From his mom.) :-)
Gina R
says:Looks like a great program, I am interested in learning more. Thank you!
Kristina Poehls
says:😍
Andrea
says:My kiddos look forward to spelling since we started using AAS!
Thanks for such a great resource!!
Jennifer
says:I’m going to consider getting this. Thanks for the information.
Dominique Burleson
says:This sounds like an amazing program! I am going to have to look into this!
Stacy
says:Great tips! Thanks!
Meredith
says:I love that this uses words the child comes in contact with in everyday life.
Morgan
says:I love the self-guided process–turning responsibility over to your child!
Katy
says:Adding new words they come across is a great idea!
Lesley churchill
says:I love the idea that aas teaches the why of spelling instead of just memorization. It makes the continuation of learning soellung words into adulthood make mych more sense.
Ruth Bevan
says:Kudos to Josiah! !
Carol Fidel
says:Thanks! :-) (from his mom)
Dawn Sibley
says:This seems like the perfect program for my son!
Jessica Hembree
says:I love the idea of adding new words they come across!
Mickey
says:Great ideas, can’t wait
Ashley Peppers
says:Spelling really intimidates me. I’m thankful for such well thought out learning tools!
Alyssa Katanic
says:Still looking forward to the day!
Karen
says:My son is a struggling reader and this program has helped him so much!!
Leanne
says:We hav some struggling readers and spellers, so this Wld be great!!
Sara Teets
says:Great ideas! Thanks for sharing!!!
Liz
says:I am a reading specialist K-6 and think this would be wonderful!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you, Liz!
Olivia
says:Is there a similar post about what happens after completing AAR?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceNot yet, Olivia, but don’t be surprised to find one pop up before too long! :D
Sonya Morris
says:Great tips! I am homeschooling my daughter this year and we (mainly myself!) need all the help we can get!
Audra
says:Great ideas!
Sara L
says:Good ideas. I have started word lists to look up for definitions, but I never thought about it for spelling. And now I feel like watching Akeelah and the Bee again to find some words!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceSara,
This made me smile! The best place to find words is in the student’s own reading and writing, as those words are personally applicable, and therefore the student will feel she “owns” them.
Mindy
says:Great ideas!
Karen
says:We used the upper levels of this program with my daughter. The pre reading program will be perfect for my preschooler. We love the All About Reading program!!!!
Diana N
says:I am using AAS with 3 of my children. I think it has really helped them be more aware of words and the why behind their spelling. My oldest two are on level 6. I have 2 more littles who are about to start the reading process.
Renea
says:Awesome post. Thanks for the ideas
Sarah
says:I have two little boys who would love this.
Aley
says:Awesome program, can’t wait to start with my kids.
Ariel Robinson
says:This is so great we can’t wait to try it.
Jessica
says:I think my son would love this! Thanks for the article!
Oksana
says:We are half way through the 3rd level of aas with our 3rd and 5th grader. We just started in January of 2016, because that’s when I first found out about it. I have a soon to be 4 year old, and I was interested in starting her with aar
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceWow, Oksana, your older children have progress quickly! Keep up the great work, but don’t be surprised if they need to slow down, especially in AAS 5, 6, and 7.
Trish
says:This is so great
Sarah
says:We love your stuff!
Nessa
says:Hoping to start soon :)
Lacy
says:Love this!
Natalie
says:I love AAR and AAS!! They have both been great for oldest son!
Deb Casto
says:We are excited to begin using All about Spelling in the fall!
Melissa
says:Can’t wait to start out AAR!!!
Erica carlin
says:I like this! Thank you!
Jennifer
says:I’m really looking forward to trying this program with my son!
Keri
says:Have heard such great things about this program. Hoping to try it soon!!
Jessica
says:I hope my kids inherit my spelling ability!
Sabrina Johnson
says:These are great ideas! Thank you for giving us some guidance past your curriculum!
Georgia
says:I can’t wait till my granddaughter get to the point of using this program
Kelly Grundhofer
says:Thanks for the explanation of spelling words, I can’t wait till my oldest gets to the point of adding his own words.
Patsy Foy
says:My daughter is still on level 1 of AAS as she is a struggling reader. We do look forward to when she is more confident & progresses naturally through the lessons.
Lauren
says:This looks amazing!
Elissa Hardy
says:Wow, thank you I wondered what to do after the program was over.
Beccolina
says:I really appreciate this program. I was a natural speller, so it’s been very helpful to have something to break down spelling for my kids.
Megan
says:We haven’t used AAS yet with our 5 year old and twin 3 year olds but it’s definitely on my radar as amazing programs!
Michelle
says:I love this program! It is complete and scripted plus flexible.
Tamara
says:Loving AAS! Using levels 1 and 4 this year.
Em
says:Love this program! We worked through Levels 1-3 this year. Looking forward to continue to improve our spelling skills with your program!
Katy L
says:we are using all about spelling for the first time this year, we are really excited!
Catherine
says:All About Learning is really helping my reluctant reader! Thank you so much for writing it so clearly!
Jenna
says:We are so excited to continue worth AAS! I always wondered what you do when you’re “finished”. Thank you.
Ashley
says:so excited to learn about you. I grew up with trouble reading, although it is a favorite past time of mine now, I struggled for too long. I always worry about my children being able to read and spell and growing without the troubles I had.
Priscilla Chavez
says:Good to know !
Heidi
says:Can’t wait to start this year!
Jill Rathmell
says:We use AAR. Learning more about AAS.
Joy
says:Interesting
Holly Caulfield
says:I am a 1-1 educator providing support to a second grader. I have been studying a myriad of methods and materials pertaining to the teaching of spelling but more specific the develop of vocabulary. I found this article very informative and the approach/materials promising.
Brittney Barnes
says:Looking forward to starting this program soon!
Molly B
says:This is great info! Thank you!
Anna
says:Love this learning system!
Jolie
says:Great information!
Jill
says:I like that this is self directed and makes kids take responsibility, care, and joy in learning to spell. When I did my student teaching, that’s all I heard from kids was that spelling was stupid and they hated it. Learning to spell this way makes more sense!!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you for this interesting perspective, Jill.
Kariana
says:Love this program!! I feel confident about what my children are learning, thank you.
Jessica
says:This looks great!
M Starks
says:Getting ready to start with my younger child.
Jacque
says:I love this program, and these suggestions. I know I am learning as much as my kids at this point!
Holly
says:Can’t wait to start this program with my son.
Sherica Jordan
says:My son will be 3 in September and we will begin the pre-reading level, this is great information to get off to the right start.
Kristen
says:Just starting level 1 with my oldest so this is inspiring!
April G
says:I can’t wait to try this program
I’ve hear so many
Great things!
Amy
says:My favorite spelling curriculum? I’ve used it with 5 of my kids.
Brittany Gell
says:Oh! I love this!
Susie
says:My son struggled with spelling last year. It was a typical spelling list curriculum. We switched to All About Spelling this year and my son and I are both enjoying spelling and learning so much. Thank you All About Learning!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceSusie,
Thank you for sharing how your son went from struggling to enjoying spelling with All About Spelling!
Erin
says:I’m excited to use AAR!
Laura Heck
says:Great information!
Mandie
says:Just starting and we are looking forward to it!
Margaret
says:I’m excited to use this curriculum this school year.
Shannon Dent
says:Thank you for creating this program!
Martha England
says:Looking forward to starting AAS on Monday.
Trudi
says:I love All About Spelling!
Stella
says:My oldest is starting AAS 4 this coming school year. I’m looking forward to the day that she’ll have mastered all the levels.
Kelly Herdrich
says:Thanks for this! We are excited to start using AAS this year!
Betsy E
says:These are great ideas! I’ll have to keep them in mind for when we get to this point!
Marci
says:Love these products!
Melanie
says:My dyslexic 14 year old with asperger’s finished level 7 of AAS in the spring. We just use frequency lists from an old Spelling Power book for practice, but this year, I may let her use vocabulary.com for vocabulary and spelling, using word lists from books she’s reading. This is what her older sister uses. Now it’s time to start over with my 1st grader! He completed AAR levels 1 and 2 in kindergarten and is ready to finish reading and start AAS level 1! So exciting!!! Great program!!!
Jessica Maulding
says:I can’t wait to get started with our AAS for the year!
C.A.C.
says:We love AAS for our family, as well as AAR for our youngest. We also have Marie’s Words for vocabulary beyond AAS. :)
Jennifer Mathesz
says:Looks great
Lauren
says:Working through AAR Level 1…can’t wait to start AAS!
Cherry Parker
says:Can’t wait to get started!
Kim Hargett
says:Love this!!
Emma
says:We are an AAR and AAS family…thanks for the great ideas to use down the road!
kayla
says:This will be great for when our girls are a little bigger!
Karen Kosiarek
says:Looking forward to the day. My 6YO is ready to start Level 4 this fall. I love your ideas for continuing once the program ends.
Lisa
says:Thanks for all the wonderful tips!
Amy
says:Thanks for having a giveaway!!
Marietta
says:Looking forward to when I can “graduate” one of my students out of level 7. Thank you for an easy to use Orton-Gillingham based program.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou are welcome, Marietta! I, too, very much enjoy how easy AAS and AAR to use.
Christy
says:Thanks for the great tips! I too love how AAS explains the “why” behind spelling.
Carol
says:Fantastic program!
Christine Mayfield
says:I am going to bookmark this so that when the time comes, I will know what to do.
Sara Beyda
says:We love AAR and are starting AAS ASAP!
Jessi
says:Love these great ideas and products!
Jamie S.
says:Great information! Answers that question for me, though we are not finished with all the spelling courses yet.
Sara Hutto
says:We love our AAS curriculum! My boys are grasp the excitement of words through this program. Thank you!!
Tiffany Warman
says:Level 7 seems so far away! Good to know about what’s next though.
Carmen C
says:We love all about reading!!!!!! Its makes learning so much fun! Thanks for such a wonderful program.
Jen
says:Love these ideas!
Stacy
says::) We are enjoying reading with Ziggy!
Sarah
says:We are loving All About Spelling with our oldest kiddos and are really thinking about switching to All about Reading as well!
Teri Frey
says:All About Spelling is a huge help for homeschooling parents who want something easy to follow. It’s a teacher in a book. I love how the books have a sentence for each spelling word. It gradually builds on new learning so it’s enjoyable learning for the child, not frustrating. All About Spelling provides all you need to develop a great speller.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceTeri,
This is a well written overview of AAS! Thank you.
Sara
says:Thanks for the ideas!
Anya M
says:I am not a native English speaker and I was (and still am) especially excited when we discovered AAS/AAR as it enabled me to teach my native speaking kids to read and spell exactly the way I was taught at school and university back at home in Crimea! I did not know it was called Orton-Gillingham approach, I just knew it worked and worked well, since I was able to analyze and read and spell words that my British born and bred family struggled with. I was taught to learn and review new words this same way (including using the index cards) and I have taken this approach to learning other things, too. It works a treat!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you for sharing your story, Anya! What a great testimony to the effectiveness of this approach to learning English.
Juill
says:Great post. Congrats, Josiah!
Graeme
says:I am a Reading Specialist and I am using AAS with a student I tutor. The concepts are sequential and systematic. This blog article about how to follow through with word study is perfect. I love the concept of “Word Nerd” collecting words and adding them to a notebook or card file.
C. Webb
says:Thanks for the ideas!
Natalie Hetland
says:My 5 year old is really enjoying All About Spelling and getting it! The letter tiles are great.
Dawn
says:Great information & great ideas for new words. Thanks!
Vanda
says:I really consider to buy this program.
Tiffany
says:Spelling Bee here we come.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI hope you win! :D
Melissa H
says:Great system!
Christina Peterson
says:We are almost finished with the last level! This program has been the best spelling program I’ve used. I wouldn’t recommend any other program to anyone. Thanks AAS!😀
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThis is great praise, Christina! Thank you!
Jen
says:Great! Thanks for sharing.
Amanda P
says:This was very interesting, thanks! This would not only help my kids, but me as well, which is just one reason I love homeschooling! Learning all around!
Teressa Gomez
says:Thank you for sharing!
Christina Morales
says:It will be a couple of years but this is great information.
Kristi Whitaker
says:We are still looking forward to the day. I will have 6 students from pre-k to 8th grade using AAS/AAR this year. Thanks for all the helpful posts!
Ann
says:My son and I really enjoy your curriculum. Thank you!
Elena Taylor
says:There is so much to spelling that it’s hard to say one is done without tiring a child out.
Interesting viewpoint on how to proceed.
Vanessa
says:We are loving AAS so far.
Kuuipo
says::)
Mandy T.
says:I feel challenged to implement this for myself while my children are still going through the program to show them even Mom never stops learning!
Juill
says:Wonderful idea!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceGreat idea, Mandy! One of the best ways to teach behavior is to model the behavior we wish to see in our children!
Catherine
says:This sounds great!
Amanda B
says:We love AAS!! Can’t wait to dig back in this next school year!!
Alina Fischer
says:Both my boys are very excited to start this program!!
Amber
says:I am excited to start AAS this year!
Merryn
says:This is so helpful. It’s always a challenge getting the child to transfer the skills outside of the one to one sessions.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceMerryn,
Yes, that is a struggle, but I think All About Spelling does a great job of it. There is a slow transition over the upper levels to the student having more independence in analyzing the words, setting them up for a high level of competency with their own spelling learning after AAS 7.
Laura A
says:Looks like a great program!
Derek
says:Wow, you guys are amazing, this makes me wish I learnt to spell this way. school would have been so much fun. Great Job team, my children really enjoy your products.
Janet
says:I like that you promote continued learning of spelling new words. Just because a child is spelling on a high school level- doesn’t mean he’s finished learning.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceJanet,
You never finish learning! Life is learning! Just think of all the grandmas and greatgrandmas that have had to learn how to text and use email!
Carolynn M. Slocum
says:I love AAS! I own so many spelling programs, that I finally feel like I can get rid of the ones that don’t work and keep AAS!
Erin D.
says:We just started our All About Spelling journey…today actually. I’m so excited to begin this journey with my kids.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceCongratulations on your beginning, Erin!
Rachel E
says:AAS and AAR are definitely on my to-buy list when it comes time for my kiddos!
Ari
says:Would love to try it in our homeschooling.
Shawna
says:Looking forward to starting this! It looks fun!
Rebecca Zharkoff
says:I’ve been wanting to use your program for a couple years. I hope to start this year with my youngest!
Leisa
says:I love these ideas for continuing to study spelling as you go along!
Lily Arfa
says:I look forward to starting AAS!
Courtney M
says:Starting for the first time with my 1st grader this year and cannot wait. Would love to get my daughter who will be in pre-K this year started as well!
Ruschelle Gunlock
says:We are just finishing up AAS level 1, and have loved the first two levels of AAR! I love the process and can’t wait to see what successes we will have again this year!
Rebecca Sokhiev
says:Would love to try this with my two!
Cristina
says:We also had finished Level 7, and these are great ideas! Thanks!!!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceLet us know how things go post AAS 7, Cristina!
Samantha H
says:In a world of preemptive texts and spell checker, I appreciate those still committed to providing tools to helping me teach my children the skills of spelling! Thank you AALP!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceSamantha,
You are welcome. And as a mother that has had a kid misspell a word so badly that spell check couldn’t help, I intimately know how important it is to have at least a moderate level of spelling skills in today’s spell checker world.
Angie Stephens
says:We love AAR and AAS. We have seen great results with all 6 kids. Each learns differently but AAR/AAS cover the bases making it mom and kid friendly. Thanks for a great program.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you for sharing this, Angie. Yes, since AAR and AAS focus on all modes of learning and are designed to be used at the individual student’s unique pace, they do work with all types of learners!
Jeana
says:Thanks for sharing your insights
Stacy
says:I absolutely love this program! It has helped my son grasp spelling. He spends through the lessons so fast.
Stacy
says:That should have been “speed” not spend. Lol
Anne Eskeldson
says:I am so interested in this curriculum!! Inspiring.
Holly
says:Love that this curriculum teaches the “why” behind spelling. It’s been helpful to me too!
Hannah Abbott
says:I can’t wait to start all about spelling this year!
Nicole Arrazolo
says:I can’t wait to apply some of these when I do the spelling curriculum with my little this year!
Lisak
says:Can’t wait until we get to this point in our spelling journey.
Melanie
says:I am so thrilled to start these programs with 3 of my kids this year!
Sara
says:I really like your program and I am looking forward to using it with my boys.
Lindsey
says:Can’t wait to start AAS with my girls.
Susanne
says:Great ideas! Thank you!
Cheryl
says:I can’t wait for us to complete level 7, what an accomplishment that will be!
Cari Tisko
says:We will begin our AAS journey this school year, and absolutely can NOT wait!!! Love these programs!
Melinda Roberts
says:I’d love to try these
Alissa
says:We are about halfway through level one all about spelling and it had followed up well from all about reading level one. I am excited to continue the aar and aas journey!
Jennifer
says:I love the ideas in here on how to continue spelling after level 7. They make a lot of sense, and it is great to know what the next step is after finishing the program!
Mandi
says:We are excited about starting All About Spelling this year!!
Joy
says:I love that students can really take ownership of their growth and use the tools learned in AAS to analyze new and unknown words.
Ging
says:Seriously considering All about Spelling
Amy
says:We love All About Spelling! Thanks for developing such a great product!
Crystal Alexander
says:This was great! Thank you!
Kara
says:Thank you so much! With daughters on level 5 now, I have been wondering this very thing! Thank you for letting me know what we have to look forward to!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceKara,
You are welcome. I love this idea of turning over the spelling box to the student!
Nivi
says:I am looking at good programs for helping my son with reading and writing
Kara
says:Thank you so much. With daughters on level 5 now, I have been wondering this very thing!
Christelle
says:I can’t wait to start AAS with 3 of my children. Thanks
andrina
says:the kiddos are little now, cannot WAIT for them to reach this level!
Alicia
says:My oldest is starting level 6 this year so we will be at this point before we know it! Thanks for the great tips.
Aayah
says:Love aas! We are finishing level 5 now and kind of sad we will be done with it all sooner than later.
Aayah
Lydia R.
says:But, obviously, there are many more words in the
wolrdworld!Your finger slipped on the keyboard there ;-)
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceLydia,
Great catch! Thanks for pointing it; we got it fixed now.
Rae Sells
says:We just got our level one in the mail a few days ago!!! So excited to get started!!!
Jessica B.
says:I look forward to when I have to reference this post!
Sara
says:Great ideas! We just started Level 1 so we have a ways to go.
Amy
says:I am in awe of all the info and tools you guys give! Thank you so much!
V. Morgan
says:This would be an awesome addition to my program.
A. Hicks
says:Second year with AA learning. :)
Linda
says:I was a good speller, but I have learned a lot of things already, and we are only in level 3! I would have loved this when I was a student, and I love it now as the teacher! Thanks so much for a wonderful program!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI agree, Linda! I’ve learned so much about English from teaching All About Spelling and All About Reading, and I’ve always been a good reader and speller.
Alisha
says:We will be starting our third student on AAR this year, best program there is.
C Klein
says:We love All About Spelling!
Christina
says:Nice!
Allison Webbert
says:We are so excited to start AAR and AAS this year with our kids! Hoping for some major breaktrhoughs in these areas!
Lynne B
says:Most of my children are better spellers than I ever was. I wish there had been a program like this when I was struggling with spelling.
Terri K.
says:This is very helpful. I’ve wondered about this very topic and what’s next. My 7 year old is currently on level 4 and I’m amazed with the progress she’s made with spelling. We’re excited to continue this journey with AAS.
Jocelyn
says:I would love to win this for my twin 5 year olds. 😍
Bonnie
says:I love the way it is set up to graduate the child into different levels of spelling and vocabulary.
Monique
says:I would be interested to learn more about this program, especially for my daughter.
Tanya
says:So neat to have this broken down into logical steps!
Jodi
says:This program is a blessing!! We are starting level 5 this year! I have not regretted at all! I have been using with 9 & 11 yr old boys. I have a 3yr old daughters I will use it with too, along with the AAR
Lacey
says:Thanks for this great post! I’m actually at this point with All About Reading, having finished Level 4 last year, and wondering where to go next. Is there any chance you’re going to do a post about that?
Carolina
says:Me too!
Amy Springer
says:Have enjoyed the program since the beginning!
Tricia
says:Can’t wait to start my kids on this!
Jocelyne
says:I have 2 girls that seem to have missed the boat with spelling I am so excited to start this program with them and see the wonderful results.
Misty
says:I starting this program with my 10 year old, she’s just not doing well with other curriculum😢
Cheryn Rene Preiss
says:Wow! We didn’t use AAS with my 10 y.o. and I’ve considered taking her through it. Seems she’s regressed since leaving public school. *tears*
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceCheryn,
You may find this blog post, Using All About Spelling with Older Students, to be helpful. Please let us know if you have any questions!
chelsea
says:can’t wait to start this!