Spelling Power

Subject: Spelling

Grade level: 3-12

Publisher: Castlemoyle Books

Website: http://www.spellingpower.com/

Description:  This one-volume spelling resource, recommended in earlier editions of The Well-Trained Mind, is designed for use in any grade (third and after). Rather than taking a workbook approach to spelling, Spelling Power is list-focused; it divides a list of 5,000 words (“most frequently used and misspelled by children and adults”) into eleven levels, based on frequency of use, and then further separates those levels into groups by phonetic principles. Students are taught to visualize and trace words in the air before writing them; a selection of games and activities expand the method to include the other senses. The parent needs to spend preparation time on the lesson before teaching it.

Pros: Affordable, multi-sensory.

Cons: Requires more preparation time than Spelling Workout but provides less detailed instruction than All About Spelling or Sequential Spelling.

Why it’s not in the book: Spelling Power is still a good resource, but All About Spelling and Sequential Spelling are more complete programs for dyslexic and spelling-challenged students, while Spelling Workout is simpler to use for students who don’t struggle with spelling. Spelling Power “falls in the middle.”

What parents say: Visit these legacy forum threads to find out more, or register as a forum member to ask your own questions and get more up-to-date responses.  

https://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/618731-need-a-break-from-aas-spelling-power-vs-spelling-plus-vs/

https://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/452897-spelling-power/

https://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/88612-spelling-workout-vs-spelling-power/