Raise your hand if you've asked one of these questions.

Let's start with a simple test.

The method you use to teach spelling should meet your own criteria. There's no doubt that the method you choose should pass a commonsense test: What are you personally looking for in a spelling program? 

To get you started, here are some features that may be important to you:

• Clear, complete instructions, so you don't have to figure out each day what you need to teach.
• A program that helps your student master spelling concepts. 
• A program with built-in review, so kids don't forget what they are taught.
• A program that teaches dependable rules.
• A program that guarantees that your student will learn to spell.

I suggest that you compare your list of criteria with the available teaching methods.

So what did you conclude?

Did you find a spelling method that passes your test? Despite the fact that they're well known and widely used, many spelling programs used by both homeschooling parents and traditional classrooms are failing our students. Here are some common problems you will run across:

• They don’t teach the students what they need to know to become good spellers.
• They make it difficult for the teacher to begin teaching without prior training or supervision.
• They don't address the unique challenges faced by dyslexic, ADD, ADHD, and remedial readers.
• They make simple tasks complicated, often requiring hours of instructor training via seminars and DVDs so the teacher can first "master" the teaching methods before applying them in real-life situations.
• They present their concepts in an illogical and disorganized way that makes it difficult for students to "relate" one lesson to the next.
• They teach "spelling rules" that are simply not reliable.
• They encourage kids to develop faulty techniques, like memorizing words as strings of letters or memorizing word shapes.
• There's no structure in place to ensure that students don't forget their spelling words by next week.

How the brain works

To ensure that students are successful, a learning program needs to understand how the brain works. We learn best with multisensory education. A complete approach to teaching spelling should incorporate three basic forms of learning:

Leave any part of this equation out, and the spelling program is weakened in its ability to teach the student.

Come up with an action plan.

Building a strong foundation will enable your student to spell with ease. All About Spelling uses knowledge of how the brain learns along with solid phonetic concepts to help students develop spelling skills—so kids don't become confused, have to memorize strings of letters, or have to guess.

Features of the All About Spelling series include:

Complete, step-by-step lesson plans. Educators can begin teaching kids how to spell immediately using the easy-to-understand guidelines and tools. No more "winging it" with lessons that are disorganized and difficult to understand. No more having to read lengthy instructions or listen to DVDs to master what should be a simple teaching technique. Even if you have never taught spelling before, you will be able to follow the steps.

Stress-free teaching. Teachers can quickly set up learning tools, pick up their instruction books, and begin to teach spelling immediately. Tips for instruction are integrated right into the spelling lessons. Spelling class flows more smoothly, with no awkward pauses or distracting interruptions that break kids' concentration. If you were never taught to spell this way, you can learn right along with your student.

Direct instruction. Students are taught exactly what they need to know in order to spell well. They will not need to guess, or come up with their own theories, or try to memorize a string of letters. Students are given the essential information they need in a direct manner.

Lessons that progress in logical order. Begin by teaching students a single phonetic concept that they can apply right away and then continue to build on. The multisensory approach to learning facilitates a fundamental understanding of phonetics and word formation that will have kids figuring out how to spell new words on their own.

Reliable spelling rules. Students taught with this program come to understand spelling rules and generalizations that they can then apply as they come across new words. All About Spelling teaches rules that are solid and dependable. When there are exceptions (and there are surprisingly few) you are told about them up front and given strategies for dealing with these "rule breakers."

Multisensory learning. This program brings together three paths to learning - auditory (listening), visual (seeing), and kinesthetic (touching). Through this multi-pronged approach, your child will experience comprehension and integration of spelling strategies that really work.

Letter tiles to demonstrate abstract concepts.  All About Spelling incorporates the Letter Tile Method. Students, including ADD (attention deficit disorder), ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), young beginners, and remedial readers, benefit greatly from the hands-on approach of using letter tiles to teach spelling. Concepts are mastered more quickly and with less effort than in other spelling methods because students are actively involved in the lesson. 

Individualized student review. This program provides students with a continuous, individualized review of each lesson. This ensures that kids get the practice they need in the areas in which they need it while learning at their own pace. Teachers set up an index card box that includes multiple learning categories, flashcards, and exercises that are reviewed until the child is ready to "move on" to the next spelling concept.

Writing practice through dictation. After students have learned the concepts taught in a lesson, they apply that knowledge. The teacher reads a phrase or sentence, containing words previously taught, and the student has the opportunity to practice writing words in a practical situation.

The 100% Learning Guarantee

All About Spelling is the program that is guaranteed to work. It has had great success in the hands of parents and teachers who have used it to teach spelling to beginning and remedial learners. If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the program, you may return it for a full refund of your purchase price. This is a full one-year guarantee. I want you to know that I stand behind All About Spelling and its comprehensive approach. 

Here's what you get when you purchase All About Spelling

The All About Spelling series consists of six levels, each level building upon the previous one. To build a firm foundation for spelling, students start with Level One and progress through the series.

The All About Spelling Lesson Book for each level contains step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions. Each lesson plan book comes with a corresponding Material Packet, which contains: 

• Flashcards (Phonogram Cards, Rule Cards, Sound Cards, and Word Cards)
• Index card dividers
• Tokens
• Progress Chart
• Completion Certificate
• Many other level-specific teaching tools that help you teach and help your students learn.

If you don't already own a set of the All About Spelling Letter Tiles, you will need to order those as well. One set of letter tiles contains all the tiles you need to complete all six levels. 

In this comprehensive program, your student will learn "phonograms," which are letter and letter combinations such as sh, ou, and ay. Phonograms are the basic building blocks of words. I recommend the Phonogram Audio CD-ROM if you are not familiar with the sounds of the basic phonograms.  Featuring clear enunciation of the sounds of the letter combinations, this interactive audio program provides an easy way to learn the sounds of the phonograms.

A sincere suggestion

If you're satisfied with the content of this spelling series, there is something else you should know. One level costs less than a session with most spelling tutors, yet will affect the future of your student forever. This program is truly a worthwhile investment in your student.