Spectrum Spelling, Grade 6: Volume 33

Our fourth grade daughter is a creative and intelligent writer, but struggles with spelling the way it is taught in her public schools. It tends to be taught from disconnected 'word lists' based on one test at the beginning of the year that 'places' you in a curriculum level. Once you are in a spelling group, most teachers rarely move you because they rarely re-test overall. You either get the same words over and over, or you are placed in too high of a group, because you can spell from memory words you've only seen once or twice, but do not understand. There is little help "sorting" the words, and no statement of spelling "rules". It becomes mindless memorization to spew back on a test, and then never use in your actual written work This series is a structured approach that teaches rules for use in your writing in general, and uses a basic (not overwhelming) introduction to root words and suffixes that are related. Exercises introduce the word list, put the words in context, review what spelling rules English has, and assess your understanding after each list. My daughter's only slightly negative comment is that within each book, the words do not grow in difficulty, but instead focus on introducing more words that follow the same patterns. Still, she has become more comfortable with her own strengths as a writer and the concept that she can too learn spelling, even as a fourth grader who started late this school year with the 6th grade book. We are not rushing her through it, because she is doing this on top of her regular schoolwork, at a rate of perhaps one list per week. She has enjoyed it, and we are very glad we found it.

I highly recommend these books for any parents that do not have time to create their own spelling lists for their children. The progression of words, from easier to gradually more challenging, is well planned throughout the entire Spectrum Spelling series. Basically, each lesson consists of a spelling list with room for written practice directly next to the words. Then, on the following pages, there are a few written activities that involve the words from the spelling list. If you do not wish to use tests in your homeschool, but do not mind workbooks, then your child would very likely have a firm grasp on the spelling of the words simply by doing the activities that go with each lesson. I use these as a chance for my children to improve their penmanship, also (two birds, one stone). There are approximately 30 lessons (depending on grade level) with each containing the word list page and three pages of written activities. There is a dictionary in the back containing definitions for all the spelling words and an answer key for all of the activities (and oddly, even the spelling list). The last few pages contain room for notes and inside the back cover there is a workbook completion award.

I bought this book to use with my fifth grade students who struggle with spelling. The activities are great, and my students love them. This is a great product.

This is a good, simple introduction to spelling for kids. One beef I have with it is that they say "ABC order." It's a small thing, I know, but kids are smart. You can say "alphabetical order" and they'll not only understand, but they will know the proper terminology. I'm also not sure I agree with the proofreading exercises. I'm nervous that kids might imprint the improper spelling on their brains just as easily as the correct spelling, thereby causing more problems than the exercise is seeking to prevent. You can just mark out that segment, though, if you agree with me. Otherwise, I like it.

I am the mother of 5. I have been home schooling for some time! McGraw-Hill's Spectrum curriculum is by far an outstanding addition to any home schooler! I like the over all content of this spelling book. It provides 36 well designed lessons which cover vowel sounds, abbreviations, plural nouns, adjectives, compound words and much more! Each lesson is covered in 4 pages. It includes a dictionary and answer key in the back of the book. Spectrum covers a wealth of information in their books! My children trul enjoy these books! I usually do not write reviews, but I had to for these wonderful books! Also, the price is very reasonable! In His service, Jennifer Culp Maplesville, Alabama [email protected]