Friday, October 12, 2007

AVKO Spelling

My daughter has started a new spelling program. After a couple of false starts with a different curriculum we tried 8 sample lessons from Sequential Spelling 1 from AVKO and the results were good.

The AVKO approach doesn't use conventional tests. There are spelling lists, true, but when you read out a word and your child writes it you also read out the proper spelling so the child can see and correct their mistakes immediately. Not only that but the word lists make sense. The sample lessons are built around the sound 'in' and Catherine progressed from 'pin' to 'beginnings' in the space of 8 days. There's a real sense of building true skills rather than simply memorizing lists of words.

I received my pdf copy of Sequential Spelling today so we'll be trying the first list as soon as Catherine gets home from a friend's house. Based on the success with had with the sample however, this one looks like a winner.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey, why am I using my stupid spelling program when I've got this one sitting on a shelf on the closet? Thanks for reminding me about it!

Dawn said...

No problem! I have to say it's the first time I've seen a spelling program that makes sense. It's one of those things you look at it and think, "Of course! This is how it should have been done from the beginning."

Anonymous said...

I keep intending to buy this....

kitten said...

Thanks for your review. I really need to check this out. I have been meaning to, but just haven't. Thanks for the reminder.