Spell to Write and Read

Name: Spell to Write and Read
Brand: Back Home IndustriesPO Box

by Back Home IndustriesPO Box

ElaGrades K–6

Spell to Write and Read: Systematic Phonogram-Based Language Arts Program

Spell to Write and Read is a comprehensive K-6 language arts program that uses phonogram instruction as the foundation for teaching spelling, reading, writing, and grammar. Based on Romalda Spalding's methods but reorganized for easier parent implementation, the program emphasizes systematic phonics rules and multi-sensory learning approaches.

Best for

Homeschooling families and teachers seeking systematic phonics instruction, particularly those with rule-oriented learners or students needing detailed, explicit instruction in spelling and phonics

Evaluation Criteria

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

Teacher TrainingStrength

The program provides substantial teacher training resources and professional development.

Offers 'seminars across the country,' 'four-hour instructional DVD,' and reviewer notes the author 'gives practical instruction that really works' with 'confidence in knowledge and ability to teach'

Direct InstructionStrength

The program supports direct, explicit instruction through systematic methodology and teacher guidance.

Program provides 'complete, specific instruction' with 'simple instructions' for teachers and systematic presentation of phonograms and rules

Systematic PhonicsStrength

This is a strength of the program, with highly systematic phonics instruction through phonograms and spelling rules.

Program teaches '99% of the 1000 most-frequently-used English words have rules that apply to them' and uses 'more rules and fewer sight words than most others' with systematic phonogram instruction

Vocabulary BuildingStrength

The program includes vocabulary development through word analysis and enrichment activities.

WISE Guide covers 'antonyms, synonyms, derivatives, etymology' and teaches '2000 basic words (plus hundreds of derivatives)' with systematic word study

Writing InstructionStrength

Writing instruction is integrated throughout with composition activities and student-created materials.

Students 'build their own spelling textbook' and program includes 'creative writing, letter writing, diary work, vivid word selections, descriptive writing, feature writing, and dictation'

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsConcern

The program appears to focus primarily on phonogram instruction and word analysis rather than whole book reading.

Review emphasizes phonograms, spelling words, and sentence examples from literature/quotes rather than complete texts or novels

Knowledge RichNeutral

The program includes some knowledge-building through enrichment activities but is primarily skills-focused.

WISE Guide includes 'literature, etymology, Greek and Latin roots' and uses 'sentences from literature, quotes of famous people' but the core focus remains on phonics and spelling skills

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The program includes practice and reinforcement but specific retrieval practice methods are not clearly detailed.

Review mentions 'warm-up drills' and that students 'practice saying, writing, seeing, and reading' phonograms, plus 'creative ways to reinforce spelling words'

Text ComplexityInsufficient Evidence

Text complexity progression is not clearly addressed in the available information.

Review mentions 'beginning readers' and that 'spelling lists cover up through twelfth grade level' but doesn't detail text complexity progression

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com