Natural Speller

Name: Natural Speller
Brand: Design-A-Studyhttps://www.designastudy.com/

by Design-A-Studyhttps://www.designastudy.com/

ElaGrades 1–8

Natural Speller: Teacher Resource for Pattern-Based Spelling Instruction

Natural Speller is a 78-page teacher resource book that provides spelling instruction materials for grades 1-8. It emphasizes systematic phonics patterns, spelling rules, and morphological awareness through organized word lists and activities focused on Greek and Latin roots.

Best for

Homeschool families and teachers seeking a systematic, pattern-based spelling curriculum for grades 1-8 who prefer to design their own lessons using organized word lists and spelling rules

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 4 neutral · 3 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum supports direct instruction with clear teaching guidelines and systematic presentation of spelling rules and patterns.

Instructions are provided for teaching spelling and for studying words, with systematic organization of rules and patterns

Systematic PhonicsStrength

Natural Speller demonstrates strong systematic phonics instruction with organized spelling patterns and phonetic rules. Words with similar patterns are grouped together to reinforce learning.

Basic word lists group words containing similar patterns together, and spelling rules are provided with charts including phonic rules

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum builds morphological knowledge through Greek and Latin roots, which supports vocabulary development. However, it appears limited to spelling and word study rather than broader domain knowledge.

Includes Greek and Latin roots and activities for grades 6-8 as an aid to vocabulary development

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides teacher guidance through instructions for teaching spelling and studying words, though the depth of professional development support is unclear.

Described as a parent/teacher resource book with instructions provided for teaching spelling and studying words

Vocabulary BuildingNeutral

The curriculum includes vocabulary development through Greek and Latin roots for upper grades. Special word lists also support vocabulary expansion.

Greek and Latin roots activities for grades 6-8 aid vocabulary development, plus special word lists including measurements and other categories

Writing InstructionNeutral

The curriculum includes writing rules as part of spelling instruction but appears to focus primarily on spelling rather than comprehensive writing instruction.

Charts include writing rules along with phonic rules, but the focus is on spelling rather than broader writing skills

Text ComplexityInsufficient Evidence

Not applicable as this is a spelling curriculum rather than a reading comprehension program.

Focus is on word lists and spelling patterns rather than connected text reading

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

Limited evidence of built-in retrieval practice or spaced review mechanisms in the curriculum structure.

No specific mention of review cycles or retrieval practice activities in the available description

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsInsufficient Evidence

This criterion is not applicable as Natural Speller is a spelling curriculum focused on word study rather than reading literature.

The curriculum provides word lists and spelling patterns rather than texts for reading

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com