Review: All About Spelling

All About Spelling (AAS) is a phonogram based spelling program that is the newest offering to the TOS Homeschool Crew. I was pretty interested in reviewing this program as it sounded very similar to what we already used (Spell to Write and Read) but simpler in implementing and teaching.

AAS is a full-scripted, multisensory program that begins by teaching the student the 26 basic phonograms which most of us as A-Z. It then adds in the other phonograms once this base is established.

I was given both Level 1 which comes with one material pack ($29.95) well as Level 2 and its accompanying material pack as well ($39.95). There was also a starter kit included which contained letter tiles, magnets for the tiles, and a CD with all the pronunciations of all the phonograms ($26.95). The CD is especially nice to have as it helps in saying the right sound for each phonogram.

Level 1 covers:

How to say and write the first 32 phonograms

How to segment words into their individual sounds

Short and long vowel sounds

How to identify and count syllables in a word

How to choose between c and k at the beginning of a word

When to double f, l, and s

How to spell /k/ at the end of a word

How to form plural words by adding s or es

Compound words

Open and closed syllable types

and more!

The Level 1 material pack contains:

Phonogram flashcards to help learn how to read the phonograms

Sounds cards to help learn how to write the phonograms

Key cards to learn the spelling rules

Word cards to help master the words

12 Index box dividers

5 tokens used while learning to segment words

Progress chart

Completion certificate

The flashcards come already perforated and simply need to be separated and sorted behind the appropriate index card divider. The letter tiles do need to be cut apart, but they come printed on sturdy plastic already laminated. If you purchase the starter pack, it also comes with magnets so that all the letter tiles can be magnetized. This makes for a more interactive way of using the letter tiles during lessons.

Click HERE to see what Level 2 covers. It continues right where Level 1 leaves off. Click HERE to see what the Level 2 materials list contains.

There are currently five levels of AAS released with Level 6 scheduled to come out later this year. There is a materials packet for each level as well. Each item may be purchased individually but they also come in sets. Click HERE to see their pricing and to watch a video on what you need to begin teaching.

There is a FAQ section on their site as well that will help one figure out what level to place a new student in as well as other frequently asked questions.

This is a good program if you want to teach your student a phonogram based way of learning how to spell but you want something very easy to implement. With fully scripted lesson plans, once the program materials are set up, it's as simple as opening the book and reading the lessons. I like how little prep time for the teacher there is with this program. I spent a nice relaxing afternoon watching a movie while I organized all the materials. The teacher guide even takes you step-by-step through on how to do this.

But don't take my word for any of this, check out all the other reviews by my fellow Crew members over at the TOS Homeschool Blog.

*Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review. All opinions shared are my own. TOS Crew Members are given the product free of charge in exchange for our unbiased opinion of the product.