So. . . . .the big question. . . .what's next?

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Permalink Reply by Linda Rose on November 9, 2009 at 6:12pm

We're only halfway through AAS 4 so hopefully level 6 will be out long b/4 we actually need it. my goal for this year is to finish level 4 and get 1/3-1/2 way through level 5 b/4 the end of the school year. We are only able to devote 2-3 days per week on spelling b/c of my work schedule so hopefully we'll be able to accomplish my goal!

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Permalink Reply by Merry on November 9, 2009 at 6:16pm

I noticed in your other comment that you don't do all of the dictations unless your dd's are not understanding something. I think I would start there. The dictations really serve to not only reinforce the current lesson but also to review previously learned words and lessons. They are an important--if not vital--part of cementing the spelling. If my kids miss something in dictation, I make sure the word and phonogram and any applicable key cards go back in the review tabs for awhile.

How does she do with the review box? Can you pull any card out of the mastered tabs and she can spell the word or answer the question easily? If not, then I would move those cards back into the review section.

I do pull words from my kids' writing if they follow patterns they have already learned. I keep a stack of blank word cards in their boxes all the time and add those words.

Another thought--have you done all of the reinforcement words with her? I often include those on blank cards too, unless my kids got them correct the first time. One thing I've noticed is that sometimes a reinforcement word will show up on a dictation weeks later and they will get it wrong--then I make sure to make a card for that word.

HTH some, and great job with your girls, sounds like they have come a long way! Did you do all 5 levels with your dd's since August of 2008? I wonder if that pace was just a little fast for your 9 yo--she may just need more time, more experience with reading and writing, for things to sink in. I think if you go back through some of the lessons & pick up more dictations & reinforcement rules, and give it a bit more time to percolate, that might help too. Do you teach your girls together? I started off with my 2 together, but then realized my dd (younger) needed more time for lessons to set in. Well, just some thoughts!

Merry :-)

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Permalink Reply by Merry on November 9, 2009 at 6:22pm

Marie has also recommended, while people wait for Level 6:

Read, read, read.
Analyze any spelling words or misspelled words that occur in your student’s writing according to the methods presented in AAS.
Work on vocabulary development.

Merry :-)

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Permalink Reply by HeatherH on November 9, 2009 at 7:00pm

Those are great, and very helpful, Merry.

Yes, I do teach them together for simplicity's sake. The 11yo is really doing well, and I have no doubt that she has all the words down cold. I'm going to do exactly what Marie suggested, develop vocabulary (she's doing English from the Roots Up right now, as well), and analyze her writing.

The 9yo does struggle more, and I had wanted to separate her. But - well - I'm maxed out in terms of time. So once we're done with AAS 5, I'm going to use that time slot for review for her. Go back through the sentences, analyze her writing. . . . . . do you all (y'all!) know about spellingcity.com? You can plug in any words, and it creates games and tests for you.

Thanks!

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