Zaner-Bloser Spelling Connections Grade 6 Home School Bundle (2022)

The 2022 edition of Zaner-Bloser Spelling Connections is a well-constructed, robust spelling program that has two distinct characteristics: word sorts and connections. Word Sorts is a phonics/spelling rule review and reinforcement technique that illustrates patterns in words and their relationship to each other. Connections emphasizes the idea that spelling skills are interrelated to other language arts: word study, vocabulary, reading, proofreading, and writing. The weekly lessons (units) are organized around these connections. Day 1 has a focus on Word Study. Day 2 makes connections to phonics skills. Day 3 connects spelling words to reading skills and the understanding of the words. On day 4 students utilize writing skills with their new words. Finally, day 5 is spent assessing students’ skills and extending their application opportunities. Every sixth lesson reviews the previous five units, with practice exercises, suggested word sorts, games/activities, and applying word patterns to new words.

The Homeschool Bundles include a consum­able student workbook and the teacher edi­tion. Consumable Student Workbooks contain QR codes for online practice that includes word repetition, letter-by-letter spelling, example sentences, and games at the designated level of learners. When the QR Code is scanned it will ask if you are a diamond, circle, or square learner (on level, emerging, challenge learner) see below paragraph on determining this designation. There are 36 Units for a full school year of spelling work. Follow a three- or five-day schedule. Each week there will be 2 days of word study, and 1 day each of phonics, reading, and writing skills. Each unit concludes with a Content Area where students will read a short passage focusing on a specific skill. These readings are science, math, technology, art, or social study themed.

There is a pretest in the Teacher Guide to administer and determine your student’s skill level and which word list to assign (on level, emerging, challenge). This can change from week to week depending on the spelling word list. The differentiated word lists are provided in the Teacher Edition for each Unit. There are a few worksheets of the differentiated lists that individual users will not have access to. However, by using the QR Code, students will still have practice with their words. You may find it beneficial to create your own flash cards to do activities with your differentiated learner. Spiral-bound Teacher Editions provide daily lesson plans, teaching tips, differentiated suggestions with separate word lists, and answers to the student workbook. The referenced Online Portal is not available to homeschool families, but this supplemen­tal material is not necessary to successfully use the program. If you are working with a differentiated learner, there will be more of your time needed in both prep and teaching involvement.  Honestly, unless you feel the need for daily lesson plans, differenti­ated options, or student book answers, you may not need the Teacher Edition. ~Rebecca