4Real Forums: FYI - Words Their Way

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Topic: FYI - Words Their Way

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Maryan
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Joined: Jan 02 2007
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Posts: 3145

Posted: Jan 19 2012 at 11:46am \| IP Logged

I started using a new spelling program this year. As it is January, the time of the year when I scrap all the things I don't like or aren't working, I'm delighted to find that I still like this program as much as I did in September and find it effective. I had several friends asking me about it, so I wrote a post and thought I'd give a quick FYI here of
my little review... since I'm keeping this program.

Quick background: I was frustrated by various spelling workbooks, but didn't have time/didn't want to try the big Spalding book or All about Spelling for various reasons. Or stick with Sequential Spelling which I liked. (I wrote about why I didn't like the other programs here).

Words Their Way was introduced to me by my cousin who has used this program in many different grades and is also used by niece who is in first grade in the local Catholic school.

The positives for me are:

- tactile
- fun
- based on word families
- easy to use
- not consummable: meaning I can copy these workbook sort pages each year for various kids
- organized to be used by various aged children at varying levels of ability. In other words, a struggling older child could use this without feeling like a baby.
-Several suggestions of spelling activities (probably even more in the theory book!)
- I like the spelling notebook and feel like the whole program engages the child on many different levels.
- while it takes longer than me just assigning a spelling workbook page, I don't find this program teacher intensive.

The Negatives

- I don't like the first book (orange) - it's only purpose is for little kids who like to do work just like their older siblings imo.
- Has some teacher jargon that I don't quite understand because I didn't read the theory book first.

- Doesn't use spelling rules to reinforce their sorts. (Again having not read the theory book behind it yet, I can't speak to why they did this. Perhaps, because of all the exceptions to rules? I don't know).

You can click on some sample activities of WTW here.

Side note: my oldest is using Pudewa's phonetic zoo Level B. I only intend to use this program through 4th grade, I think. And then switch to Phonetic Zoo... which I am also liking.

2nd sidenote: I really think spelling also needs to be reinforced through writing and dictation, but needed a systematic approach for my kids that didn't seem to just pick up spelling naturally. WTW seems to be the best fit for us and all our craziness

and thought I'd share.

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Maryan
Mom to 6 boys & 1 girl: JP('01), B ('03), M('05), L('06), Ph ('08), M ('10), James born 5/1/12
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Nique
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Joined: March 07 2008
Location: Canada
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Posts: 1222

Posted: Jan 19 2012 at 1:04pm \| IP Logged

Excellent review Maryan

Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your experience with us.

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