What are your thoughts on spelling? I know that for some people it is easy and for others it is hard. The English language certainly doesn’t make it easy for us with all its non-examples to “the rules” (ough anyone?). There are definitely times I wish that we could switch to phonetic spelling as it would be easier for everyone. 

Do you remember the lists of spelling words you had to learn? Start learning on Monday and test on them on Friday. Week in and week out. I don’t think that it made me a better speller – I have a strong visual memory and spelling does come easily to me.

Spelling You See is a different approach to spelling. It was written and produced by Demme Learning, the creators of Math U See (which is a great math program). It is not based on grade level, but rather on the development of children. 

There are 7 levels to Spelling You See:

• Level A Listen and Write
• Level B Jack and Jill
• Level C Wild Tales
• Level D Americana
• Level E American Spirit
• Level F Ancient Achievements
• Level G Modern Milestones

They state that “Research indicates that all students move through the same sequence of stages as they are learning to spell. Stages can’t be skipped or sped up, but the pace at which children move through the stages is unique to each child.Understanding how children learn to spell and using a program based on research and developmentally-appropriate practices can help guide students to become competent, confident spellers.”

KEY FEATURES

• Spelling You See is research based. They were willing to look at the developmental stages of children to produce something that is different to the norm.
• It doesn’t focus on rote memorization of spelling lists and rules. The program focuses more on developing a student’s visual memory for the written word and using that to help them remember how to spell. You learn to spell words in context.
• The program uses chunking (breaking down a word into smaller parts), copywork and dictation to help children learn more visually.

PROS OF SPELLING YOU SEE

• There are no extensive lists to memorize and no quizzes or drills.
• Learning spelling is a visual approach 
• They have digital tools available online that correspond with the lessons, along with downloads that assist you in teaching the lesson
• The lessons are short, so it is easier for your child to remain focused 
• You are provided with a full lesson focus as a scope and sequence so you can see what is coming up

CONS OF SPELLING YOU SEE

• Not multisensory
• It is not an independent curriculum, in that you will need to work with your child through the lessons
• It is 36 weeks of 5-day a week lessons. For some people this cuts into their flexibility and maybe only want 4 days a week, but because it is not grade dependent, it is not a problem if it takes you longer than a year to complete. 
• At times the teaching handbook doesn’t quite provide enough help for you as the teacher. As an educator, this didn’t phase me, but if this is not you, then you might need to spend a bit of time to understand it.
• If you are not into Americana and American history (maybe you are not American) then the content of Levels D and E won’t be for you. But if you want to focus on spelling then this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. 

COST

Level One is $50 for the complete set – what they call the “universal set”. Levels B through G are $65 You can also purchase the individual components so you could just add a student book at a later time (or like I have to with having twins). 

This makes it a very cost-effective curriculum. It is not going to break the bank.

OTHER THOUGHTS

Free sample lessons are available on the website, so it is a great way to see if this is the right curriculum for you. 

If you are not big into copy work then this program might not be for you. But I will say that it is not “busy work”. There is a reason behind the copywork so that your children will visually grasp the word along with hearing it and applying it in dictation.

Yes, there is parental involvement but the lessons are not long – so it isn’t a huge investment time wise. But if you like a hands-off curriculum, this is not one for you. 

This is a great program for those who are weary with spelling challenges, the visual learner, and those invested in classical methodology.  Really this program is perfect for anyone interested in an effective, affordable, excellent spelling program.

Check our Spelling You See here.

I have many other curriculum reviews…like these:
Math Curriculum
IXL