Building Spelling Skills 5 Teacher 2ED

Based on two fundamental premises of developing excellent spelling skills, this worktext series incorporates spelling/phonics rules but likewise utilizes exercises that employ word writing repetition. Our English language has many spelling irregularities so developing skill in recognizing the arrangement of letters and/or syllables in selected list words is targeted by various word games and puzzles. Since this series is from Christian Liberty, you can also count on two things: the content is biblically based, and the books are a good value for the money.

Weekly lists of twenty words are covered in a series of daily lessons. Lesson activities are varied but include writing/identifying list words in sentences, reinforcing phonics rules, supplying endings, beginnings, etc., writing list words, taking pre and final tests. There is plenty of room to write answers and books are pleasing in appearance with occasional graphics and an accent color. Books 1 & 2 are primarily concerned with phonetic concepts and simple prefixes and suffixes. Starting in Book 3 there is an increased emphasis on vocabulary development with activities involving the identifying and/or supplying list word definitions. Book 5 is more than a spelling book; it's a mini-encyclopedia of spelling. The first six units feature the names of major countries and cities of the world. The next two units focus on American states and capitals. Then follows units featuring the terms used in a wide variety of favorite subjects such as health, food, trees, arts, entertainment, travel, and transportation, etc. Lessons in this book also require the alphabetizing of the list words. Book 6 is an examination of the great diversity and variety in spelling the rich sounds of the English language. Book 7 & 8 are basic studies in etymology with Book 7 devoted to word-building with prefixes and suffixes while Book 8 is dedicated to word roots. Both books require considerable dictionary work and are designed to help the student develop an ability to recognize meaning and spellings, based on word analysis techniques. The series is gradually being revised with second editions featuring nicer page layout and type, but very similar content. ~ Janice