CurriculumResearcher

Traditional Spelling

by Memoria Press

ElaGrades 1–6

Traditional Spelling: Classical Phonics-Based Spelling Curriculum

Traditional Spelling is a classical, phonics-based spelling program from Memoria Press for grades 1-6. It emphasizes explicit phonics instruction, systematic word study, and traditional teaching methods while building vocabulary and spelling skills through phonetic patterns.

Best for

Homeschool families seeking a classical, phonics-based spelling program with strong teacher support, particularly those using other Memoria Press curricula or preferring traditional instructional methods

Evaluation Criteria

6 strengths · 2 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Knowledge RichStrength

The curriculum builds systematic knowledge of phonetic patterns, word roots, and vocabulary, particularly emphasizing Latin word roots in upper levels.

Traditional Spelling IV introduces Latin word roots, and vocabulary instruction receives increasing attention across levels

Text ComplexityStrength

Words progress appropriately in complexity across grade levels with challenging vocabulary introduced systematically.

Traditional Spelling I covers basic words like 'weather' and 'knife,' while upper levels include challenging words like 'intercept' and 'fungi'

Teacher TrainingStrength

Comprehensive teacher support with detailed manuals, phonics overviews, and instructional videos.

Teacher manuals include Phonics Overview covering rules and concepts, detailed lesson plans, and Memoria Press offers instructional videos for all courses

Direct InstructionStrength

Highly structured with explicit teacher-led instruction and detailed daily lesson plans.

Lessons designed to be presented by teacher/parent with detailed lesson plans, explicit teaching of phonics rules, and teacher-directed activities

Systematic PhonicsStrength

Strong systematic phonics foundation with explicit teaching of phonograms, phonics rules, and spelling patterns.

Courses reinforce phonics while grouping spelling words by phonetic concepts, teach seven phonics rules explicitly, and reference Classical Phonics materials

Vocabulary BuildingStrength

Vocabulary instruction increases across grade levels with words taught through definitions and contextual sentences.

Words are taught with definitions and in context of sentences and short stories, with vocabulary instruction receiving more attention in upper levels

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

Uses oral dictation and traditional spelling practice but limited systematic retrieval practice.

Oral dictation is used once students learn spelling words, and students practice with repetition, but no mention of spaced review systems

Writing InstructionNeutral

Limited writing instruction focused primarily on dictation and sentence writing.

Students take complete sentences from dictation and practice cursive models in Traditional Spelling II and above

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsInsufficient Evidence

Not applicable to spelling curriculum design.

This is a spelling-focused program that does not emphasize reading whole books or excerpts

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

Read full review →
Key Facts
GradesGrades 1–6
SubjectEla
PedagogyClassical
Faith-BasedNo
Pricing$29.95 at Amazon.com | $24.99 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $14.32 at Christianbook.com | $15.25 at Rainbowresource.com | $7.17 at Amazon.com | $3.20 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $16.04 at Christianbook.com | $17.25 at Rainbowresource.com | $7.61 at Amazon.com | $7.61 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $4.96 at Christianbook.com | $5.25 at Rainbowresource.com | $14.78 at Amazon.com | $14.78 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $14.32 at Christianbook.com | $15.25 at Rainbowresource.com | $4.89 at Amazon.com | $4.89 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $16.04 at Christianbook.com | $17.25 at Rainbowresource.com | $2.19 at Amazon.com | $2.19 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $4.96 at Christianbook.com | $5.25 at Rainbowresource.com | $25.00 at Amazon.com | $25.00 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $14.32 at Christianbook.com | $15.25 at Rainbowresource.com | $4.96 at Christianbook.com | $5.25 at Rainbowresource.com | $3.19 at Amazon.com | $3.00 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $7.89 at Christianbook.com | $7.90 at Rainbowresource.com | $4.00 at Amazon.com | $4.00 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $7.40 at Christianbook.com | $7.90 at Rainbowresource.com | $41.49 at Amazon.com | $41.49 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $7.89 at Christianbook.com | $7.90 at Rainbowresource.com | $5.69 at Amazon.com | $5.69 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $7.89 at Christianbook.com | $7.90 at Rainbowresource.com | $16.04 at Christianbook.com | $17.25 at Rainbowresource.com
Visit Publisher Website →

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy