This updated version is very similar in content to the older edition. The most noticeable differences are a more contemporary page layout and a reduction in sports-themed headings like “warm-ups” and “pep talks". Other differences include an extra writing activity at the end of each lesson in the student book, but the removal of references to warm-ups, final tests, and bonus words activities. All information and instruction on these activities are now found only in the teacher’s manual. While you can still “get by” using the program without the teacher’s manual, you may want the teacher’s manual to get the most out of the program. Some content has been updated as well, including several new reading/editing passages and a few new word lists. Aside from these differences most of the pages (while they may not match up exactly in page number) look very much the same. The size/length of the books have not changed. Basically, if you’re trying to decide between the editions in your own homeschool, you won’t lose out either way. However, if you are using Spelling Workout in a group/class/co-op situation, you will probably want to pick one edition and stick with it to ensure uniformity of word lists, and for ease of checking work.