Simply Classical Spelling

Name: Simply Classical Spelling
Brand: Memoria Press

by Memoria Press

ElaGrades K–2

Simply Classical Spelling: Multi-Sensory Phonics-Based Program

Simply Classical Spelling is a two-book series from Memoria Press designed for grades K-2 that uses a multi-sensory approach to teach spelling through phonetic patterns. The curriculum combines oral practice, visual analysis, tracing, and writing activities over four to five days per week.

Best for

Students in grades K-2 who benefit from multi-sensory approaches to learning, particularly those with learning difficulties or who struggle with traditional spelling instruction

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 1 concern · 4 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum employs direct, teacher-led instruction with explicit teaching methods.

Lessons are 'directed by the teacher' with structured daily activities including teacher-led discussion, guided practice, and explicit instruction in spelling patterns

Systematic PhonicsStrength

The curriculum demonstrates strong systematic phonics instruction through explicit teaching of phonetic elements.

Book One begins with short-vowel words like 'cat' and 'big,' progresses to long-vowel words like 'dime' and 'robe,' and Book Two continues with systematic phonetic pattern instruction

Writing InstructionConcern

The curriculum includes minimal writing instruction, focusing mainly on spelling practice rather than composition skills.

Book One has 'very low' writing compared to other programs, Book Two includes dictation and sentence work, but no systematic writing instruction for planning, drafting, or revising

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum has limited knowledge-building content beyond spelling patterns.

Lessons focus primarily on phonetic elements and spelling patterns, with some sentence context work but minimal domain knowledge integration

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides detailed lesson instructions but limited background knowledge for teachers.

Books are self-contained with no separate teacher manuals, detailed daily instructions are provided, but minimal background on spelling development or methodology

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum incorporates regular review and assessment but could be stronger in systematic spaced practice.

Includes weekly oral quizzes, flashcard practice for sight words, review weeks (weeks 15, 32, 33), and reteaching of missed words, but limited systematic spaced review

Vocabulary BuildingNeutral

The curriculum includes some vocabulary work but is primarily focused on spelling rather than comprehensive vocabulary building.

Lessons include discussion of word meanings and some sentence creation activities, but the primary focus is on spelling patterns rather than extensive vocabulary development

Text ComplexityInsufficient Evidence

This criterion is not applicable to a spelling-focused curriculum.

The curriculum uses individual words and simple sentences for spelling practice rather than complex texts

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsInsufficient Evidence

This criterion is not applicable to a spelling-focused curriculum.

The curriculum focuses on spelling instruction rather than reading whole texts or excerpts

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com