Building Spelling Skills - Evan-Moor

The curriculum supports direct instruction with clear teacher guidance and structured lessons.

Teacher editions include 'instructions, sentences for dictation' and 'parents or teachers need to administer spelling tests and dictate the sentences'

The curriculum incorporates retrieval practice through weekly spelling tests and repeated word practice.

Students 'study and practice writing the words a few times, then take a test at the end of the week'

The program demonstrates strong systematic phonics instruction through organized word patterns.

Words are 'usually grouped by common phonetic elements' and the approach is described as 'phonics-based'

The curriculum includes vocabulary development through word meaning exercises.

Activities 'focus on word meaning' and help children master 'both the spelling and meaning of each word'

The curriculum does not systematically build domain knowledge across subject areas.

Word lists are grouped by phonetic patterns or themes, with occasional inclusion of topical words like 'chocolate' and 'glacier,' but lacks systematic knowledge-building

Writing instruction is limited to dictation sentences and basic editing practice.

Includes 'dictation work' with sentences containing spelling words and 'editing' exercises, but lacks comprehensive writing instruction

Text complexity is not a focus since this is primarily a spelling program rather than a reading curriculum.

The curriculum focuses on spelling words and dictation sentences rather than complex texts for reading comprehension

The curriculum provides basic instructional materials but lacks comprehensive professional development.

Teacher editions include 'instructions' and 'answer keys' but no mention of extensive teacher training or professional development materials

This is a spelling-focused curriculum that does not center on reading whole books or literature.

The curriculum focuses on weekly spelling word lists and practice activities rather than sustained text reading