I have been using Sequential Spelling with my second grader this school year. Sequential Spelling teaches spelling according to patterns rather than rules.
After the first 40 days I was a little apprehensive about the program. My child had scored a 70% on the 40 day evaluation. While 70% isn’t poor, it isn’t great either. So I decided to measure progress instead. Before starting day 41 of the program I gave my kid the test that is given after 80 days. Below is a comparison of the test given before instruction and after instruction. Incorrectly spelled words are bolded.
| Pretest | Posttest |
| shoving | shoving |
| show | show |
| drove | drove |
| blowing | blowing |
| robe | robe |
| exploded | exploded |
| engoy | enjoy |
| delaid | delayed |
| loned | loned (supposed to be loaned) |
| soacking | soaking |
| crime | crime |
| ungourded | unguarded |
| starring | starring |
| marching | marching |
| home | home |
| soap | soap |
| understanding | understanding |
| depends | depends |
| demanded | demanded |
| exiting | exiting (supposed to be exciting) |
| 70% correct | 90% correct |
I am pleased with the results. The test took a look at many of the patterns learned over the past 40 days of instruction. I’ve already given my kid the pretest for the 120 day test. She scored only 60% so it will be interesting to see her progress. So far, Sequential Spelling appears to be working for us.
We love Sequential Spelling too! I have had two terriable spellers improve considerably using it…perhaps I should try it on myself. 🙂
-Phyllis