CurriculumResearcher

Skill Sharpeners: Spell & Write

by Evan-Moor Educational Publishers

ElaGrades K–6

Skill Sharpeners: Spell & Write: Theme-Based Spelling Workbooks

Skill Sharpeners: Spell & Write is a series of colorful workbooks for grades K-6 that combines spelling instruction with writing activities through 12 themed units per grade. The curriculum focuses on spelling lists tied to thematic content rather than phonics patterns, with varied activities including writing prompts, punctuation practice, and vocabulary exercises.

Best for

Elementary teachers seeking supplemental spelling and writing practice materials with engaging, colorful formats for individual student workbooks

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 2 concerns · 4 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Writing InstructionStrength

The curriculum includes writing activities and instruction in mechanics like capitalization and punctuation.

Units 'always include at least one writing activity' and students practice 'capitalization and punctuation,' 'write a paragraph in response to a prompt,' and 'punctuate sentences correctly'

Systematic PhonicsConcern

The kindergarten level includes phonics instruction, but grades 1-6 focus on thematic spelling rather than systematic phonics patterns.

The kindergarten book 'spends more time on phonics,' but spelling lists for grades 1-6 are 'tied to unit themes rather than phonics or spelling rules'

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsConcern

The curriculum uses brief stories or scenarios to introduce each unit's theme but does not center on reading whole books.

Units begin with 'a story or scenario to introduce the theme' but the focus is on workbook activities rather than sustained reading

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum organizes content around themes but does not systematically build domain knowledge across subjects.

Uses '12 themed units' but spelling lists are 'tied to unit themes rather than phonics or spelling rules,' suggesting surface-level thematic connections

Direct InstructionNeutral

The workbook format suggests structured practice but limited evidence of explicit instructional guidance.

The curriculum follows a consistent unit structure with 'about nine pages' per unit and concludes with tests, suggesting systematic practice

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes spelling tests and review activities that provide some retrieval practice.

Units 'conclude with a spelling test, a set of multiple-choice questions' which provides regular retrieval opportunities

Vocabulary BuildingNeutral

The curriculum includes some vocabulary development through varied activities like crossword puzzles.

Students 'learn vocabulary via a crossword puzzle' among other varied activities

Text ComplexityInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence about the complexity level of texts used in the curriculum.

No specific information provided about text complexity or reading levels

Teacher TrainingInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of teacher training materials or professional development resources.

Review focuses on student workbook content with no mention of teacher guides or training materials

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

Read full review →
Key Facts
GradesGrades K–6
SubjectEla
PedagogyTraditional
Faith-BasedNo
Pricing$6.39 at Christianbook.com | $7.15 at Rainbowresource.com | $6.59 at Amazon.com | $1.68 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $1.68 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $6.58 at Christianbook.com | $7.15 at Rainbowresource.com | $7.14 at Amazon.com | $2.51 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $2.51 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $8.46 at Christianbook.com | $7.15 at Rainbowresource.com | $7.14 at Christianbook.com | $7.15 at Rainbowresource.com | $7.14 at Amazon.com | $2.74 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $2.74 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $7.14 at Christianbook.com | $7.15 at Rainbowresource.com | $7.14 at Amazon.com | $1.90 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $1.90 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $6.99 at Christianbook.com | $7.15 at Rainbowresource.com
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Data sources: cathyduffy