 I did it! I found the best spelling program ever! The program name is All About Spelling. The program is so versatile. It can start at preschool aged children (my daughter) all the way to High School level (Level 6) because they are not specified to grade levels but they are arranged by concepts and spelling patterns.
I know some of you out there have children who might be dyslexic, and this program would be perfect for you. Again, because it is based on concepts not age, you take bite-sized chunks that each child can comprehend. And with the use of manipulative, flash cards, verbal skills as well as writing words on paper, there is something for every child to be able to soak up the information into their brains.
- Kristen Nitz
 My lamenting has finally ended. I could not believe what I found when I started going through the All About Spelling books. I almost cried (happy, relieved kind of cry)-after all, this is a program that teaches to all learning types (auditory, kinesthetic and visual). I wished this was available several years back, when I was desperately searching for a good program. I have to say, I am so all about the All About Spelling curricula!
- Sheri Hagemann
I LOVE THIS PROGRAM!!!!
My son (11) has always been weak in this area and I wish I had had this program earlier for him.
First, it covers all types of learners--visual, auditory, AND hands-on.
Pros:
1. ALL learners will benefit from this program.
2. Levels are NOT by grade but by ability.
3. There is constant review.
4. There is a companion CD to help with hearing the sounds of the letters/phonetics.
5. The lesson plans are SUPER EASY to follow. Everything is laid out step by step. A list of what is needed for the day is at the top of the lesson with easy to read direction.
6. There is no need to feel rushed to finish a lesson a day. You truly go at the pace of the student.
7. It is reasonably priced.
Cons: NONE....(truly) none!!!
- Lisa Cross
 I thought we were perfectly fine with the spelling program that we were using until I started using All About Spelling with the girls. And now I'm hooked on this program and thrilled that our girls look forward to spelling time and we love doing it together.
What I am loving about the program:
1. The lessons are amazingly easy to follow.
2. You can customize each lesson to your children's needs.
3. Review: Each lesson includes a way to review the steps and rules that have been taught in previous lessons, along with reinforcement for the lessons that were learned during that lesson.
4. Hands-on materials: This hands-on aspect has really helped in our learning.
5. Clear/direct spelling rules: All About Spelling teaches clear rules (and notes any exceptions if there are any to the rule) - even I'm learning a thing or two!
6. It will be a complete curriculum from preschool to high school. It's a one-stop spelling curriculum, and I LOVE that!
7. Price!!
There is nothing that I haven't been pleased about with this curriculum - seriously!
- Jolanthe Erb
 I am truly happy about this product as it has helped us tremendously. Kiana was into doing this program. This is one were we will continue to use it throughout the school year. She loves it that much.
- Niki Smith
This is a program that I wish was around when I was a kid, because I well remember the Monday-morning spelling list, the frantic studying and memorization, and the Friday-morning spelling test which was the routine for all my years in elementary school. I have definitely become a fan of multisensory learning for retention, rather than rote learning and memorization where the student forgets what he “learned” the second he’s finished his test.
- Margaret Delle
This comprehensive spelling program combines the three most common learning styles (auditory, visual and kinesthetic) to teach kids how to spell. I was very impressed with this method, as I saw it work with my "frustrated with spelling" 8-year-old. Lets face it; 8-year-old boys would rather be doing anything but spelling, and mine was no exception. We had been using Explode the Code, which I like and he tolerates, though I sensed something was missing. I realized when I started All About Spelling he needed more than just moving a pencil across the page, he needed to be more active in his learning. That's why he took so well to this method.
All About Spelling gets a big "A" from me!
- Kathy Davis
 Ever forget a spelling rule? You won’t forget again after using All About Spelling with your kids, and neither will they. I wish it had been available when my youngest daughter was struggling through spelling in first and second grades.
This is a great program for tactile and auditory learners, as well as for children with auditory processing disorders.
- Bethany LeBedz
 We are currently using Level One with my 5 year old, and I plan to continue with the levels that follow for the next several years. What I loved about this program at first sight is that it bridges the gap I've always found between phonics and spelling curricula. This is the complete package. There is no need for a separate phonics program!
Everything is set up with simple, step-by-step instructions. You are even given tips on how to organize and store all the phonogram cards and letter tiles. Daily review is built in, and the curriculum is easy to follow. I like the simple layout of the pages. Even though it is a more thorough program than anything else I've ever used for spelling and phonics, its presentation is not overwhelming.
A nice thing about the books is that they are labeled Level One, Level Two, etc...rather than Grade 1. So, you can take an older child who is struggling and start them at the beginning without having them worry about what grade level the book is.
- Christy at Mercy Every Morning
From the moment I started to look over this program, I knew I was going to like it. Marie Rippel has done a wonderful job of simplifying one of the most difficult subjects to teach with all the different rules to remember. The materials are so well organized!
- Heidi Miller-Ford
 As a Mom of distractible and active children (sizzlers!) I love reading Carol Barnier's books on teaching distractible children. The All About Spelling curriculum is exactly what she recommends for those distractible children: hands-on, short lessons, fun games, variety, mixing oral work with written work.
- April ElCloud
WOW! I fell in love with All About Spelling. It was exactly what we needed for my oldest son.
The books are laid out to where all you need to do is open it, quickly read what you need to do, grab the cards you need, pull out your magnetic board or tiles and you are ready to go! No more stress over weekly spelling tests that my son usually forgets minutes after the final test is given. This has proven to me a great success in my son's spelling retention and we've seen a huge improvement in the short time we've used it so far. I do know for sure that this curriculum is here to stay for us. We are very pleased with how this is working for my son and can't wait to start my youngest on it soon!
- Lynn Pitts
I had explored Orton-Gillingham tutors in my area only to find that the going rate was approximately $500 a month for 5 hours of tutoring. Remediation is not a fast process and most students will need 1-3 years of instruction. At $6000/year, tutoring was not affordable for our family. As an alternative, I started using a 10-level program that would ultimately cost about $3000 when completed. I was thrilled to find something affordable, though the cost was still out of budget of some families. All About Spelling is a tiny fraction of that price and is just as effective. I'm absolutely elated that All About Spelling is providing an affordable way for homeschooling parents to help their struggling spellers and give beginning spellers the foundation they need.
- Heidi Pair
One of the greatest things I appreciate about this program, besides the quick daily lessons, is that AAS doesn’t settle for short term memorization of spelling words. They teach and review the concepts behind why words are spelled the way they are - thus dramatically improving long term retention. I didn’t learn these concepts when I was growing up and can see that it really helps to improve overall spelling.
We are now in level two and I can see great improvement with my students. I am even learning a thing or two, myself!
- Susan Freeman
 I have two dyslexic children. We have spent 3 and a half years driving to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for children for them to take part in a Dyslexic Remediation Program. This is a premier program. People come from all over the country to learn how to teach this method of dyslexia remediation in their own school districts. I am so very pleased that my children were able to take part in this program that allows them to learn the tools they need to overcome their dyslexia while other teachers learn how to incorporate this program into their own classrooms.
When I received All About Spelling, I was very, very impressed. It is an extremely thorough program that looked very similar to what my children have learned at the Scottish Rite Lab school.
- Tricia
 You receive a nice little package of items when you order these products and they also offer organizational tabs to organize it all. You just have to provide the card file box. All of the products are reusable – so if you have multiple ages you can use them again and again and again – there are almost no consumables here (I like this feature!!) She lays each lesson out for you. You have very little prep other than pulling out your cards and what she has laid out for you to do. Follow her simple little lessons and move on through as your student is able. Stop and hang out in a particular area a while when you realize they may be having some difficulty. You don’t have to worry about fulfilling the 150 spelling lessons found in a particular book by the end of the year. Less pressure on you and your student!! Now that’s a wonderful option! Who of us couldn't use a little less stress and pressure especially those of us needing to report at year end on our student’s progress.
- Wendy Stoller
In the past, there wasn’t much choice, and children who were lousy spellers became adults who were lousy spellers…Now that has changed. All About Spelling uses various methods to encourage engaging the spelling words from many different learning styles and encourages repetition to develop mastery.
- Renee Walker
Wynfield Christian Academy
The unique aspect of this spelling curriculum is that the creators have taken great effort to appeal to students with different learning styles. Letter tiles are included as a major component of the curriculum. While all students use these no matter what their learning style is, it is a great tool for kinesthetic learners. There are flash cards that visual learners can use to increase their understanding, and auditory learners are hearing the sounds throughout the lesson and are engaged in the optional CD-ROM as well. I have seen few programs as well-rounded as this one as far as learning styles are concerned.
- Kendra
Marie Rippel, the creator of All About Spelling, has written step-by-step lesson plans that are easy to understand. I love this! There have been a number of things I wish to teach my daughter, but preparation and research has got in the way. Sometimes there is just not enough time between all the dishes and laundry for that kind of thing! So I really appreciated this program being simple for me to implement.
- Stacie a/k/a Aussie in America
 All I can say is...Wow! I have never been this excited over a Spelling program in, well, ever! All About Spelling is hands down, the most effective spelling curriculum we've ever used.
This is one program I'm definitely going to save for my grandchildren (however far off they might be!). Because you can almost guarantee there's going to be at least one who will struggle with spelling as much as Ethan, and All About Spelling will be patiently waiting. I cannot recommend this program enough!
- Denise Dooley-Opper
 Like many preschoolers, my 3-year-old is alphabet-obsessed! I didn’t intend to use AAS with her yet, but she was so enthusiastic about the letter tiles and flash cards that I started doing some of the basic AAS activities with her too. She can now arrange the letter tiles in alphabetical order and knows most of the initial letter sounds. We will definitely be continuing this program.
- Shauna R. of Treasure Seekers
 Now that we have been using this curriculum for two months and my two eldest children are midway through the second level, I have to be honest with you. This spelling curriculum is wonderful! It works! It is one of our favorite curricula to receive to date. I couldn't have even guessed that this curriculum would be so easy to use, develop my children's confidence so much, and yet be so efficient with our time! Wow! I am completely sold on this curriculum, and the great news is that my children are, too! They ask to do the lessons!
- Michelle Smith
 My son is a stealth dyslexic, a concept developed by Brock and Fernette Eide. This means that he can read, and read well. At one point, there was a six grade discrepancy between spelling and reading. He is not in need of reading comprehension or fluency work. Other programs we've used had a large portion of the program devoted to reading skills integrated with the spelling instruction. All About Spelling has shorter lessons that cover just the material my son needs.
- Heidi Pair
We are approaching autism from a relationship perspective, using the concept of "guided participation" (a Barbara Rogoff term), where the adult is a trusted guide and the student is an apprentice. We've been working hard on that guide/apprentice relationship, and anything I choose needs to fit into that idea.
When we began, I realized very quickly that All About Spelling is so much more than a spelling program. It is a boost to a beginning or struggling reader. Because it is multi-sensory in it's approach, there is an auditory component that gives us practice that we need at our home in auditory discrimination. I realized right off the bat that my daughter wasn't always discriminating between a short "e" sound and a short "a" sound in the middle of a word.
Ah, All About Spelling spotlighted an important distinction for me. Auditory processing issues are different from, separate from autism. And AAS gave me a framework to use to give us practice and experience at discriminating sounds.
I am so tickled that this is a "between you and me" program--one that sometimes becomes a background activity for "guided participation"! Read complete review about teaching spelling to autistic child.
- Penny from Not New to Austism
The completely understandable Teacher’s Book fully explains the method--actually giving you a simple script! (I love this part because after 13 years of homeschooling my brain needs a rest.) Though it is completely understandable, it is not wordy like some programs. I like things that can quickly be understood…
- Kimberly Kovach
I love the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling. With this method we mainly cover our language arts instruction using copywork. However, I’ve noticed that a couple of my kids need some extra help with spelling.
All About Spelling (AAS) is a multisensory approach to spelling that uses the three primary pathways to learning: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. The reasoning behind this approach is to speed up the learning process for all types of learners. In level one the emphasis is on learning the phonograms. The student is taught how to hear each individual sound in a word, thus making it easier to know how to spell it. (Insert “DUH!” here) When I began using this with my kids it was like a light bulb coming on above my head. Of course learning to hear all of those sounds is SO much more effective than just handing them an arbitrary list of words to memorize. I was able to see the effectiveness of this program right away.
- Kristen G.h
 I must share a story with you. A few weeks ago, I had to take an unexpected emergency six hour round trip out of state. The drive was almost completely interstate so easy driving. The boys and I loaded up “school on the go” as we tend to call it and we started with All About Spelling. My oldest son used to hate spelling, as he tended to get the majority of the words wrong each time. With AAS, I have a card file box for each level (I have all four levels). We started at level 1 per recommendations and progress as the child can. After reviewing the prior days rules and cards, we started testing our word cards. I was floored as my son spelled word after word correctly. In fact we did spelling, the three of us, the entire way to our destination (almost three hours). Not one negative peep out of both boys. We have never had more fun or joy out of spelling ever! My son feels like a new man because this approach to spelling has given him the tools he needs in his brain to spell words correctly and review them enough to place them in his long-term memory.
- Crystal Wetherholt
 I just want to begin by saying: I love this spelling program.
Being a homeschooler usually involves teaching in various ways to suit your particular children. My oldest daughter is more of a auditory and visual learner, while my middle daughter is more of a hands-on type learner. All About Spelling fits both. And that is nothing short of amazing.
- Kelly
 Greg over at customer service is just AWESOME ! Thanks for your excellent service. I certainly must extend a HUGE, SINCERE THANK YOU to the creator of this program, Marie Rippel, as well. She has certainly gone above and beyond to present our kids with an effective fun tool for learning some very basics that will pave their way to a lifetime of success in learning.
- Christina Gunn
 All About Spelling, designed by literary expert Marie Rippel, is a FANTASTIC, multi-sensory approach to spelling education. Throw away the workbooks, strap on your fun hat and be ready to make spelling the favorite subject of the day.
All About Spelling is the smartest, most creative and child friendly spelling program I have ever come across in my 14 years of home education. I never thought I would be excited about a spelling curriculum, but this one sends me singing on the mountain tops. All About Spelling speaks to the child in the way she learns best.
- Regenia Spoerndle
 I used [a different program], and it is definitely NOT a complete phonics program. I saw how not-complete it was our first day with All About Spelling as we reviewed what sounds different letters make. While [the other program] taught words such as "water" and "want" as sight words, All About Spelling actually addresses the fact that "a" says 3 sounds: a like in cat, a like in cake, and ah like in want. When students know all the sounds a letter can make, it is easier for them to spell correctly. That was one of those "DUH" moments for me-it had never occurred to me that my daughter was misspelling things because she tried to do it phonetically, but her phonics knowledge was incomplete.
I can’t say enough good things about All About Spelling.
- OneBlessedMamma
All About Spelling is just simply AWESOME. This program is great on so many levels. If you have a child who is struggling with spelling or correct pronunciation it is fantastic. Even if your child does not have any problems at all this is the best spelling program I have ever tried. It uses several of the senses which is sure to help your child quickly achieve the spelling skills they need. Your child can see it, touch it and hear it.
- Hollie
 All About Spelling is that rare homeschooling product that not only meets but actually exceeds expectations.
- Mary Grace
 This is a spelling program that is very different from anything I've ever seen. Now maybe I don't get out much, but most other programs I've seen seem to revolve around getting a list of words to study and then studying them for a test later later in the week. The difference with All About Spelling is that it's more like a spelling program and a phonics program all wrapped into one.
- TheCrazyMom
 I've heard people say that having students memorize the sounds of 72 phonograms and spelling rules seems like too much. But besides the fact that all of my children have memorized them quickly and even had fun doing it...the only other way of teaching students to spell is to have them memorize the spelling of thousands of individual words. Which seems easier to you?
- Shanna
 I recently got the opportunity to review the All About Spelling program and now I think I am in love. I will admit up front that I have kids who are good at spelling. We have always made a game of knowing how to spell specific words starting as early as age 3. Those games are great but someday your kids will see words they don't know and will need to know how to spell. Because reading and spelling seem to be closely linked, we value it highly here in the NerdFamily.
This is a program to teach kids HOW to spell in life and not just a list of words. This program is based on learning the proper sounds for letters and blends along with the spelling rules. This isn't workbook based and it does take a little time but it is worth it! This method uses all the senses by having word tiles that the kids can build words with or pick out with their hands and by you verbally teaching in addition to any writing they do.
- Jacqueline Cromwell
 I have told other homeschooling moms that there’s just no fun way to do spelling. I have used workbooks for years, while I encourage moms to also consider making spelling lists from unit studies or books their children are reading too. There is just no way to make spelling hands-on, or so I thought. I stand corrected. :-)
- Meredith Curtis
 My son has Asperger’s and has had speech problems for his entire life. He received speech therapy for all of his public school years, but they had concluded during his last year of public school. They had decided that there was not anything more they could do for him and that he knew all of the tools to speak clearly, but he just didn’t want to. Thanks to All About Spelling, he now slows down, enunciates and speaks more clearly than he has in a long time.
- Brenda Emmett
In the first several lessons, there were spelling rules that I had never heard of!! And I am an excellent speller (spelling bee winner and all that:-)!
- Erica Burgan
Spelling has always come easily for me, so when Ryan (8) just didn't grasp it, both of us were frustrated. We had tried several different spelling programs and while he would learn the words for his test, they wouldn't stick and he would misspell them in his writing even days later. Spelling made him feel like a failure at writing and he started to hate writing of any type.
Fast forward to last night. We finished his spelling lesson and he asked if we could keep going and learn another rule. He then said spelling is now his favorite subject! This is coming from a kid who would offer to do any chore, even clean the bathrooms, to skip spelling for the day!
I love that his spelling has improved drastically in his everyday writing as well. The way that All About Spelling introduces the rules and emphasizes them has really made them stick!
- Janet Cox
This is the famous “multi-sensory” methodology we hear so much about, quite honestly, because it works. Each lesson is scripted and outlined clearly so you can just grab your book and your supplies and get to it. I use it with my dyslexic daughter as well as her non-dyslexic younger sister.
- Carie Stephens
Because of the hands-on nature of All About Spelling, Nicholas is thoroughly enjoying it. He actually says, “Oh, good,” when I say it’s time for a spelling lesson. He’s told me more than once, as we stand at the magnetic dry erase board where we do the lessons, “I like when we do this.” I’ve seen his spelling, and most importantly his understanding of spelling concepts, improve since we started this program.
- Cindy Horton
We LOVE All About Spelling! We completed Levels One and Two before summer started, took over two months off, and now find that our daughter has remembered EVERYTHING! On to Level Three, then Four. Many thanks!
- Ramona Stamp
MI
We are loving your program. My son has never been a good speller, and All About Spellingis working so well for him. We're on your Level Three book now—I have already received Level Four and can't wait for the next one!
- M. Sanders
SC
A quick note to thank you for sending the Level Four materials so quickly. When hubby, John, and I visit the States we always make a beeline for Barnes and Noble, Borders, and local educational stores to stock up on homeschool materials—but not for spelling as we already own the very best program there is. Thanks again to you and your team.
- Joy Felton
UK
I just want to say thanks for this wonderful program. This is our first year of homeschooling—and so far this is the only program I have not had to change! My son is in second grade and I was shocked to learn he didn't know most of the phonograms. As of today we have been using this program for exactly fifteen days and he spelled the word "Mexico" by himself by using what we've learned! Thank you again!
- Kristin Caddick
I am grateful for the beauty and quality of your work. I find a lot of homeschool books and aids that are meant to make the child feel "comfortable" by using sloppy handwriting fonts, misspellings, and child-like scribbling. I have always felt that we should put forth the best for our children to copy—to give them a pattern of excellence. Your books, materials, and games do just that.
- Bethany J.
PA
I can't begin to tell you how much we are enjoying our All About Spelling program. We are only on Step 8 of Level One, but my children really enjoy it and they both seem to be prospering in their understanding.
- Susan Price
Thank you for writing these books. I now know that I can teach the rules of spelling to my students.
- Pam Mendrick
I have long wanted something phonogram-based like this. Our youngest child is at the point where he is making up all kinds of silly, long words and asking what they say. The letter tiles make it so much easier for him to create pronounceable words. And the color-coding of the vowels makes it easier for him to remember to put a vowel in each syllable. These are great! (A nice side benefit is that these phonogram tiles stick to the fridge better. I get so tired of fishing out those plastic letters with their wimpy magnets from under the fridge!)
- Suzanne Lichtenstein
PA
I'm actually getting a friend of mine to purchase these for her pre-schooler who she will be teaching at home. My daughter (almost 17 now!) learned this method while in Montessori school, but these cards weren't made available to us. Instead, her school printed the phonograms out on paper, then we cut them out, laminated each one, and punched holes in the corners so we could put them on a large key ring. She mastered all 72 in a very short time and was pronouncing multisyllable words with no difficulty in a matter of weeks! It's incomprehensible to me that ALL schools don't teach this method. It follows the natural learning process and students find themselves reading naturally by simply sounding out the phonograms that they learn. It's much easier and makes a LOT more sense than the memorization method that many of us were taught.
- Dr. Renese Garcie
LA
I just have to share with you how pleased we are with your spelling program. I homeschool my first grader and for most of last year we used a "10 new words per week" workbook. I was getting so frustrated! My son would get 100% on each weekly quiz, but within two weeks he was misspelling those same words! I was gearing up for years of frustration for both of us. Then I started doing some research online for other spelling programs, and yours looked the most promising. Well, we are sold! I can't tell you how thrilled we are with every aspect of All About Spelling. We started at Level One, which went quickly, and now we are halfway through Level Two. My girlfriend, whose son is in public school, keeps e-mailing me for spelling tips for her second grader! Her favorite is the syllable test to check whether to use s or es to make a noun plural. I hosted a "grandparents' day" at our homeschool for my folks a couple of weeks ago...and All About Spelling was their favorite part of the day! They can't get over the words my son is spelling correctly! And they giggled when my four-year-old chimed in "double f, l, s!" Thank you so much for the time you put into this program—it's an A+!
- Melissa Devolve
We just finished Level One and I ordered Level Two. We have tried a few other spelling programs, and this is the first one that has worked! My daughter is feeling successful at spelling for the first time. The multisensory approach and built-in review make it enjoyable and easy for both of us. Thanks!
- Mary Mires
We love All About Spelling and just ordered Level Three. I have a daughter with learning disabilities and this program is working well for her. I tell all homeschool families I come in contact with about this program. In fact, a friend of mine just ordered it and loves it as well!
- Diane St. Hilaire
My daughter is eleven and has always struggled with spelling. I found All About Spelling and love it! I like the layout of the lessons, and the book is easy to use and nice to look at visually. I can quickly go back and find lessons if I need to check something. The built-in review has been an essential component for my daughter to retain what she has learned. The tiles and tokens add so much to the program, especially as my daughter is very hands-on. Also, the dictation of the sounds has been beneficial as she is also an auditory learner. This is all around one of the best products that I have used in our homeschool thus far. Thanks, Marie!
- Denise M.
MN
I wanted to let you know how FUN the tiles are with the magnets applied. Even my husband was lured into stopping his work to "play" letter tiles with our five-year-old—I guess seeing our son sliding the letters around and forming words looked like too much fun to pass up! The magnets have made a huge difference in our spelling lessons. Set-up is so much easier now—we keep the alphabet laid out in duplicate on a cookie sheet, with room underneath to assemble words. The vowel and consonant teams are organized in a metal cake pan. Storing takes no time at all—we just stack everything up and set it in the closet. Another thing the magnets have done is made it fun to slide the tiles, rearrange them, make word games, and so on. My three sons used to find the tiles too fussy because they wouldn’t stay in place, but now my boys actually look forward to spelling! So thank you for these marvelous little magnets, and the fantastic spelling system they support. Please keep up the good work.
- Suzanne
We are still having a blast with All About Spelling! I continue to marvel at how well you have laid this out.
- Cynthia
AK
I love beauty, precision, tasteful layout, and color. I love using effective tools in teaching and learning, and I love downloads! The file folder games are easily all of these! Their variety of themes combined with an open-ended game plan allows every session to be tailored to each child's need of the day. When I saw how beautiful they were, I felt they deserved the best paper, so I printed them on high gloss brochure paper. Gorgeous! I had a few colored file folders, so I matched them as well as I could and they turned out stunning. I know my youngest boys will love them, and their attractiveness will lure my older children as well. Thank you, Marie, for excellent quality at such a good price! - Bethany J.
PA
I homeschool a preteen boy. We started All About Spelling in the middle of the year and just finished Level Two. With the flashcards, he can see his progress! He sees that he is learning! That is something his old curriculum never offered. And he got a big kick out of the Jail in Level Two! Those surprises keep learning fresh. I wish you had been around earlier, but better late than never! - Mary Crowell
I switched from SWR to All About Spelling. I am thrilled with the ease of use, the quality of the products, and the simplicity of the lesson plans. - Karen Sunderland
Montana
I bought the program a couple of weeks ago and am very excited about doing it with my seven-year-old daughter. She is already starting to enjoy spelling after only one week—and she used to cry daily! Thanks! - Kelly Hargreaves
This program saved the day! My daughter struggled through two reading programs—one strictly phonics, one Orton Gillingham. They both included spelling, but she was still just frustrated and discouraged, and spelling continued to elude her even once she was reading. A horrible speller myself, I was of little use to help her. But now with this multisensory, user-friendly program, we are both learning to spell! All About Spelling is also strengthening her reading skills. Thanks, Marie! - Melissa R.
Pennsylvania
I spent a lot of time researching the best program for my daughter and I am so happy that I found your program! We are really enjoying All About Spelling. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with us! - Sherri Benner
New York
We love All About Spelling, especially the colored tiles. They help cement the spelling of words for my daughter, who just plain never "got" spelling before! - Krista French
I bought All About Spelling a few months ago and I absolutely love it! My kids love it, too. It's so easy to use, and so fun! My kids get bored with workbooks, so this program is perfect. And I have to admit—I'm learning a few things as well. - Jennifer Bates
Florida
We've been through many materials. I think All About Spelling is our ninth official curriculum. Up until now, I have felt that spelling was just an exercise in "busywork" for my son. Regardless of the method, he just didn't connect with the information. That is, until now! We are now in Level Two and every step is just one more confidence builder for him. As we reviewed all we had learned, my son looked at me and said, "You know, I really like this material, Mom. I'm really learning how to spell." So thank you, and keep those new levels coming! Read Florence's full review. - Florence Brooks
I received my order in wonderful condition, and so quickly! We're so looking forward to using All About Spelling. Thanks so much for putting together such an easy program to teach—and one with some flexibility as to scheduling. I'm sure I'll learn right along with my daughter. - Linda S.
Ohio
I wanted to use vertical phonics to teach my four-year-old daughter to read, and All About Spelling has broken down the steps so she can do it. It is obvious that a lot of thought has gone into this program. I love how All About Spelling teaches all the sounds of the letters, and that when you start working with them you begin with the short sounds. I was thrilled to see that the program is set up that way. - Cynthia
Alaska
My fourth grade son is one of the All About Spelling success stories. Last year he scored "first grade" in spelling when he took his nationally standardized test. A friend of mine recommended this program and we started in the fall with Level One. He has done SO WELL with it—it has just been a joy to teach him and watch him learn. We completed Levels One and Two and are currently doing Level Three. I am thrilled. - Michelle Cress
North Carolina
I cannot say enough good things about All About Spelling. It is solid, effective, and enjoyable for student and teacher. My son doesn't think of it as work, and even asks to do spelling on the weekends! - Lucy Watson
The Homeschool Library
This series really applies the Spalding theory well. The step-by-step "what to cover next" approach makes it so easy to keep track of what you've done and what needs to be reviewed. - Kate Mills
Malaysia
I am a former eighth grade Language Arts teacher and school administrator. My fourth grade daughter is dyslexic. I am so pleased with the Level One book! I compared All About Spelling to many other very expensive Orton Gillingham-based programs. I am completely happy with my purchase and, after seeing this program, wouldn't consider spending the amount of money that other programs cost. All About Spelling is a thorough program at an affordable cost. Every teacher in the primary grades should teach spelling with this system. I am convinced that if this were done, we would see a decrease in LD identifications. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! - Kristin Drach
Ohio
This program makes so much sense to me. The clear, concise lesson plans are just what I need—and the steps targeting different learning modalities are just what my children need. I am using the program with my twelve-year-old son, nine-year-old daughter, and seven-year-old son. For the first time in this six-year journey I am not overwhelmed at the thought of teaching spelling. Thank you! - Rita Henley
Ohio
I am very pleased with the layout and construction of the lessons. I am a speech-language pathologist, as well as a homeschooling mom, and I think the multisensory approach is great! I use similar multisensory modes when working with kids on articulation issues. - Corie Reuschlein, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Maryland
This spelling program is exactly what I was looking for to use with my children in our homeschool. We love the variety of activities and the combination of learning methods. It really works and my kids are progressing very quickly in this program. I will be recommending this program to my homeschool friends! Your customer service is excellent! - Michelle Turner
Texas
I wish I could have called you when I first opened up your book. I squealed with delight as I realized what was in my hands! I went on and on to my husband about how I had FINALLY found what I was searching for. Read the rest of Michaela's review. - Michaela Boothe
Mom to three in Utah
We have had TREMENDOUS success with All About Spelling Level One—my eight-year-old's spelling confidence has risen 100%! She even competed in the local high school spelling bee with a fair amount of confidence. I am planning to start my six-year-old on Level One in the next few weeks! - Linda Rose
Parent
My daughter is now in third grade and has struggled so much with spelling. This program has been amazing! We are so blessed to have it! - Melissa Rooney
Marie Rippel's latest spelling program is outstanding. It can be used by teachers helping students in the classroom and by parents helping their children at the kitchen table. Her easy-to-use program provides an interactive, step-by-step method that utilizes a multisensory approach to reinforce learning and make it engaging. She offers simple rules for mastering all the spelling pitfalls that children have trouble with—and frankly, some of us adults, too! It's important to realize that her spelling program will improve not just spelling, but also reading. Many reading problems stem from a faulty or incomplete understanding of the basic phonetic rules. I recommend her program enthusiastically. - Adam Robinson
Co-founder of The Princeton Review
Author of What Smart Students Know and Word Smart
Wow! You have sure done a terrific job of packing in a lot of information and helpful hints. I really love the way you have the program formatted, with introduction, mastery, and review already built in. The instructions are very clear and the step-by-step dialogue is easy to follow. The spelling rules are very helpful. I know that I was never taught these rules in school, and I have never taught all of them to my students. In most schools, the rules are taught in a hit-or-miss way, not in the sequential way that you have laid out. I can see that your method would be especially helpful for L.D. or special needs students. I learned a lot from your books. - Jean Wensink
Teacher for twenty-five years
The school informed me that they were going to test my son for learning disabilities. He was having problems with reading, writing, and spelling. I began to search for a product or program that I could use to help my son succeed, because let's face it—no one wants to see their child fail. During my research, I discovered that my son may not have a learning disability, but just a different learning style than most other children. He needed visual and kinetic (tangible) resources applied to his lessons in order to comprehend what was being taught. The price of many programs is out of reach. There are other programs and products that incorporate visual, auditory, and kinetic resources, but their prices range anywhere from $250 to $2000. This was very discouraging for a parent on a shoe-string budget and with very little room for extra expenditures. I kept thinking, How can I help my son when I can't afford anything? But then my research led me to the All About Spelling program. I couldn't believe what I was seeing! A program that encompasses all of my son's needs and in a format that I, as a parent, could easily teach without any training—AND it was affordable. We purchased the All About Spelling program immediately! Has the All About Spelling program been successful? I'm confident in saying YES! And not only does the program work, it's EXTREMELY affordable. The ONLY other product that I would even consider using would cost me $1200, and it just makes me so happy to know that I CAN afford to help my son and see him happy instead of upset all the time! - Carrie
Parent in Kansas City, MO
We are on Step 4 of All About Spelling Level One and I am seeing a tremendous leaping ahead by our four-year-old. I am very impressed with the program, the sense of success it gives to my son, and how it is multi-faceted—not just paper and pencil. I see him making much more progress at this point with AAS than with another popular Spalding program (which I have also used with my four older children). My son and I are thrilled every day to sit down with your materials—if only you could have heard him squeal with delight when he figured out how to make "big" into "bin"! Standing ovation, Marie! - Ann Voskamp
Author of A Child's Geography
I am currently using your book with my seven-year-old, who is in public school, and with my four-year-old. I wish I had started using this program with my older child when he was four or five! This has been a very straightforward and easy-to-use system. Thanks! - Christine Sawyer
I love your program—what a blessing! I taught elementary school for more than six years before my oldest was born and I became a stay-at-home mom. You'd think after all that time I would have some idea of how to teach spelling! But none of the programs were appropriate for my daughter. She's a visual-spatial learner with some auditory processing deficits and has really resisted the physical act of writing. Though she is a gifted little artist and quite the storyteller, the act of handwriting has really been a struggle for her. Your program is a perfect match for her, and us.
Though she has such weaknesses in some areas, she is also highly intelligent, probably bordering on the gifted range, if not gifted. She gets bored so easily if we can't move fast enough. I love that I can use so many of these techniques (many the same techniques the Reading Specialists used in the schools where I taught) at my daughter's pace. PLUS, you never put on the books what "grade level" or "age level" the material is for—THANK YOU! - Kari Murphy
I continue to tell everyone I can about your product. I can't thank you enough for giving us this program. My son would beg not to do lessons before. With AAS, he asks to do it and we have a lot of fun with it! Even my three-year-old is learning along with us. She reviews the phonogram cards and plays the games with us. My sixteen-year-old even likes to listen in. She can frequently be heard saying, "Oh, that makes sense...I always wondered why it was spelled like that." Thank you for making a teacher-friendly program! - Polly Owens
It is such a relief to have a simple, effective spelling program. I have tried so many approaches over the past twelve years of homeschooling. My first three guinea pigs learned to spell enough to get by just through sheer repetition as we struggled along! Now, instead of numerous lists for "easy" memorization, we have a method with reason and a pattern. I don't dread spelling anymore. I know that everything they need to know will be covered one logical step at a time. Thanks again! - Jennifer Carmichael
I could give you a whole list of spelling programs that I have used with my daughter. She retained nothing. She was feeling awful and I was getting worried. I didn't think that I needed to buy one more program. I finally decided to order All About Spelling Level One and I am so glad I did. We have been using it for several weeks and my daughter is already retaining. She enjoys the hands-on aspects of the program and the fact that we do it together. As a mom, I like the All About Spelling program because it is very organized and well laid out for the teacher. I feel like all of the work has been done for me. When it’s time for spelling, all I do is pick up the Spelling Review Box and my teacher's book and I am good to go. - Cathy
Parent in North Carolina
What a breath of fresh air to work with such a user-friendly program. Many thanks! - Liz Gomez
Educational Specialist
Golden Valley Charter School
I'm very impressed with your spelling program. I teach at a small school in Missouri and it's just what I need to help my struggling spelling students. - Pamela C.
Teacher
My eight-year-old son, who is zooming through the lessons, actually blurted out today, "I like this curriculum." WOW! He used to HATE spelling, and though he reads at middle school level, he has had immense difficulty with spelling—until now. My son is a very active, pencil-tapping, chair-spinning, "let me play now, please" kind of boy. Spelling has always been the worst kind of torture for him. Even when he had a good attitude, he couldn't see the point of the worksheets we were doing. I was just blown away when he offered his comment today. Yippee! - Sandy Ramlet
Homeschooler
I just have to tell you the wonderful change that has come over our homeschool day. My son no longer cries over spelling. He LOVES getting out the tiles and working with them. It is so wonderful to see him excel. Since getting through Step 1, which took a fun two weeks, he has been going through a step a day! Amazing! All About Spelling has unlocked doors for him and given him confidence. Praise the Lord and thank you for this program. - Beth Taylor
Homeschooler
I almost feel like crying—for joy—I am so HAPPY! I have truly struggled to find a spelling curriculum to use with my two boys, ages eight and ten. I have tried several and was going to buy another for this year, but now I realize that I was going about it all wrong and that my struggle was in vain. I feel like a load has been lifted and I truly appreciate what you have done. What a huge blessing! Thank you so much—you have given me new hope in teaching spelling! - Shannon
Parent in Oregon
I wanted to tell you how much my ten-year-old is enjoying All About Spelling. He loves the flashcards, the bright colors, the feeling of progress he gets from seeing each card put down (instead of a list, which can seem interminable), and the feeling of victory when I place a card in the "mastered" pile. I love how easy it is for me to see and remember how he is progressing. Another help has been teaching him about the six different syllable types, particularly the open and closed syllables and the effect of closure on the vowels. This has made a big difference for J., who is ready for Level Two and not dreading it—which is amazing. Thank you for making all this possible, Marie. It is such a joy to see my son excited about spelling! - Suzanne Lichtenstein
Homeschooler
My son was two years behind in spelling and reading at school and was falling even more behind. My husband and I brought him home for his schooling and started over. But even then we had trouble. Even though I have a bachelor's degree and some additional college studies, I found out that I did not even know all of the rules of spelling. Marie Rippel's All About Spelling guide has been such a blessing for us. Its lessons incorporate the three basic forms of learning (auditory, visual, and kinesthetic), are well organized, and are easy to follow. My son and I are having fun learning together and he is finally beginning to read and spell with confidence. - Patty Gallip
Parent in Washington
My son would guess wildly at every word he tried to spell. He knew that there was a right way and a wrong way to write a word, but he couldn’t remember the correct spelling. I thought I had tried everything, but then I learned about All About Spelling. After we started the All About Spelling program, I realized the root of the problem my son was having with spelling: he didn’t listen to the word and hear the individual sounds. The hands-on exercises on segmenting words helped a lot with this. Secondly, he didn’t know the phonograms. Without knowing the sounds that different letters make, he couldn’t spell. So we worked on the phonograms and within a week he knew the first thirty. Since then, we’ve followed the steps you laid out in the book. We still have two more lessons to go. The transformation in my son has been amazing. He "gets it" now. He doesn’t fight me when it comes time for spelling class. He is actually eager to learn the next list of words—and he can actually spell all of the dictated phrases! So anyway, I am writing to see if you can send me the next level in the All About Spelling series! - Hanna in Hawaii
Parent to ten-year-old boy
What an awesome website! I homeschool two grade schoolers and so far we have not had any "formal" spelling lessons. I think that is because I never found an organized way to teach spelling, and that makes me uncomfortable. That is, until now! - Julie C.
Rochester, NY
One of my boys, the one I most hoped this program would help with spelling (and reading), really likes working with the letter tiles! We were doing the step where you have them start with one word, then ask them to change out a letter to make the next word. He had so much fun that he started making up his own progressions. He just kept exchanging tile after tile to make more and more words! It was cool! He is also ADHD/ODD and very much a kinesthetic learner, so anything that gets him having fun and learning is good! Read Cindy's full review. - Cindy Kee
Mom to eight-year-old twins
Nevada
The letter tiles just came and they look great. I can't wait to get started! - Angelina W.
Arizona
I am thoroughly impressed with the materials and lesson layout of All About Spelling! I have seen many spelling programs, most of which are word family lists or look-say-spell methods that unfortunately do not work for many children. All About Spelling has step-by-step lessons with the gradual introduction of phonograms, uses multisensory learning (visual, auditory, kinesthetic), teaches phonemic awareness, blending, segmenting, and irregular words (a.k.a. Rule Breakers), uses dictation of words, phrases, and sentences for reinforcement, and more. Level Two then begins to move into teaching syllable types and syllable division. This is one of the first "spelling-focused" programs I've seen that is based solidly on Orton Gillingham principles.
I also got the optional Phonogram CD-ROM. It is a super-neat tool for reviewing phonograms and a must-have if you are unsure of some of the sounds yourself! You can click the phonograms right on the screen and it gives you all the sounds for that phonogram.
Every once in a while I come across something that I really believe in sharing. This is one of those times! All About Spelling is an excellent resource. I am confident that many families will benefit by using it. - Tina Burnell
Heart of Reading
I can’t believe it! I’ve finally found a spelling program we will stick with! - Karen
Homeschooling mom to two
My kids hated spelling and fought me daily. The spelling list had no rhyme or reason, so they failed most of the weekly spelling tests. I found All About Spelling and now my kids beg to do it first. They are having fun!
And no wonder my nine-year-old couldn't spell—he didn't know the 26 basic phonograms. He is a fabulous decoder and reader—he just couldn't encode and figure out the sounds that are in the words. I have started both of my kids at the beginning and will go at the pace they set and can learn at. I look forward to many less-stressful lessons ahead. Thanks for making such a fun product. - Kristie Richardson
Homeschooler
Marie, I opened up the package and I can hardly believe what I am holding. This is a dream come true and a real answer to my prayer. The program has EVERY component I could ever want—comprehensive lesson plans, activities based on research, and clear explanations and graphics. You have a real gift—thank you for sharing it. - Peggy S.
Director of Illinois homeschooling group
I just wanted to let you know that this program is just what we needed—and incredibly well thought out. I'm going to be letting my homeschooling friends know about this. - K.C. in California
I have been homeschooling my first grade granddaughter. She loves All About Spelling and is doing very well. At six years old we are amazed at how well she spells and reads. Some of the work she is doing is the same as my third-grade grandson who attends a public school. - Barbara Roy
Homeschooler
I've just finished reading the Level One lesson book and I can hardly believe what I've read. At last here is the answer to my son's spelling problem—a program that teaches and reinforces the sounds. We've tried several spelling schemes but he was retaining only 10%-20% of the words "learned." I needed a solution fast, so I put Google to work again (without much hope, I may add) and there, right at the top of page 1, was your link—and you accepted international orders!
Your customer service is brilliant. My order was sent promptly and arrived in perfect condition. Everything is set up for our lessons and we're raring to go. Many thanks for this awesome program and for making it available overseas. - Joy Felton
Parent in United Kingdom
I have your books and I have to tell you I'm gob-smacked! (That's a good thing!) All About Spelling demystifies spelling for both teachers and children. - Audrey Owen
Primary teacher since 1977
Canada
My oldest son hated spelling and was falling behind his middle brother. Now he thinks spelling is fun—and it’s become one of his favorite subjects! I wish I had used AAS from the beginning. Keep up the great work! - Cheryl Bastarache
Homeschooler
We started Level Two today. Very fun! I am looking forward to this and my nine-year-old third grader is still enthusiastic about the program. I like the additional dictation sentences you have included. - Sandy Ramlet
Last year I purchased your spelling materials for Level One. My daughter and I both loved the program. Long story short...I was lured away by yet another program. We switched to that program. I am SORRY now! My daughter and I both want to go back to your program! Here is my order. - Carol W. in Missouri
We love your spelling program. My daughter, M., is really enjoying being able to use rules to spell. She is a good speller but had no confidence before. She refused to write because she wants her writing to be error free. We'll be through Level One soon. It was worth doing before Level Two. - Dominique Guerin
It is very nice to finally have a spelling program that I can recommend to parents. - Gina Snyder
Orton Gillingham tutor
We are ready to begin the next level and are eagerly anticipating it! We love All About Spelling! - Kristin Petersen
Thank you for your wonderful spelling program. I have a ten-year-old daughter with mild dyslexia. As is typical for dyslexic children, she is a HORRIBLE speller by nature. Spelling was a daily battle and a source of endless frustration for her. In an attempt to find something to help her, we tried four different spelling curricula before I found yours. This added to the frustration because we had to keep returning to the "beginning." In frustration she would say, "But WHY is it spelled that way?" to which I had no answer (I am a natural speller so I only know a few of the rules). I finally decided she was just going to have to learn the "rules" of spelling, which led me to your program. We went back to the "beginning" one last time. All I can say is thank you. We both actually look forward to spelling each day—so easy for me because you have everything laid out so clearly and no lesson preparation is required—and my daughter even asked me if she could do two lessons a day. The ultimate compliment came yesterday when she wrote on our spelling white board during her lesson, "I love spelling!" My hat is off to you. Thank you! - Lori Smith
Alabama
We love Level One and are looking forward to Level Two! Great program—thank you. - Jen Anderson
Thanks for all the hard work that has gone into this curriculum. My children beg to do spelling every day. My oldest child's spelling skills have jumped two grade levels. All About Spelling has been the only thing that has turned on that lightbulb for him. My daughter's reading is improving as she is learning spelling, too! - Kristie Richardson
Grateful mom
Thank you so much for this comprehensive spelling program. I am a second grade teacher in the public schools and have one student who has missed out on the last two years of spelling strategies and letter sounds. He struggles so much that I've taken him under my wing and have determined to work with him one-on-one for a little while every day to get him caught up. I can't thank you enough. - Maria Buckner
Teacher
I am LOVING this curriculum. The kids enjoy it, too. Thank you for making it easy to remember to review and so LOGICAL that they can figure a word out even if it's not one they have specifically learned or practiced.
This is the first year I've used a formal spelling program and I have all three of my kids using it, ages 8, 6, and 5. Granted, they are all very bright (I don't mean to be boasting, but they really are). The youngest has been reading for over a year and loves to write, though she's not ready for penmanship practice yet! What really got me looking is that I believe my oldest has dysgraphia, so I was searching for something that would minimize the amount of writing he would have to do. The other two popular programs I looked at (Spelling Power and Sequential Spelling) had problems as both rely heavily on memorization and, like so many programs, are based on writing the words multiple times. The letter tiles help a lot with the dysgraphia and your system uses logic and analysis, teaching an understanding of spelling rather than just memorization. It's even helped me! - Dawn Marmor
Thanks so much for putting this program together. I feel like I am finally teaching spelling. - Gina Butterfield
I have been using your All About Spelling curriculum to teach my three children spelling this year. It is a wonderful program, and is so easy to use. - Becky Young
A quick note to let you know that Level Three arrived today. We've been getting along with Level One like a house on fire and are more than halfway through. This is the first spelling program that we haven't abandoned after the first few pages because it's really working—John's making so much more effort now that he can see the results for himself.
- Joy Felton
United Kingdom
Okay, I'm hooked! I just ordered another Level Two packet and the Level Three materials. As soon as we're done with Level One, I'm passing it on to my daughter and grandson. She'll love it, too! Everything is laid out so well and so simply. - Vicki Covington
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