Demystifying the Spell to Write and Read Program

How the Spell to Write and Read program works and why it's the best phonics/spelling program available. wp.me/p33xz5-1gX

[@FloelB]

Wow! I don’t know how this came up in my feed. I used SWR to teach my daughter to read about 15 years ago and I can attest to the importance and benefits of putting in the time and effort. I was taught in a similar fashion which is why I was initially drawn to this. I was fortunate to have taken a class with Wanda Sanseri at a homeschool convention during that time and it helped me immensely. Even now, as a college junior, my daughter thanks me for this foundation and we chuckle whenever we see "ch" and do the corresponding arm and hand motions😀 Hang in there parents, be grateful for those willing to share via KZbin, and know that you’ll definitely reap if you do not faint. You’re also creating great memories for your children. Wonderful video!

[@jacquelineochoa8842]

FloelB quick questions: does this program teach English topics like: homophones, and compound words, syllables, contraction, plurals etc. if not, where would these types of concepts be taught? In a supplemental of SWR?

[@shereecemcghie8396]

Hello! Greeting? I see you mentioned having taught your child through the SWR. I have been trying to get the books at a lower cost by purchasing them at second hand. I am really in need of these books and would appreciate getting them at a lower cost.. I await your response. God bless

[@leiryannoni280]

I have used SWR for almost 5 years. I wanted to give up at the beginning but I'm so glad I didn't. I can see the fruit now and we are so used to it.

[@NavigatingHomeschooling]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been looking for a spelling program that really teaches phonics and the WHY behind how a word is spelled. This is exactly what I was looking for.

[@gracelovehope599]

After watching your video I decided on trying out Spell to Write and Read program. It just makes a lot of sense.😊

[@JanelleKnutson]

Yay!

[@jogirl837]

I know this is an older video, but it did a great job helping me get started. I’m still dabbling, but I’m slowly gaining comfort

[@mamajen4jesus]

Soooo helpful, you don't even know! Thank you for taking the time to share this. :)

[@IrynaBoehland]

Thank you! I purchased this program, but had no idea where to start from. Already a new subscriber! You are a blessings, thank you.

[@JanelleKnutson]

Thank you for subscribing! I'm glad to hear this video helped!

[@samarabatts]

Thank you so much for taking the time to put this video together, it is so helpful!

[@JanelleKnutson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@morganfamily514]

Thank you this was so helpful! I was feeling a little overwhelmed today when I unpackaged my core kit! This is our first year teaching formally! My oldest of five is starting soon and looking forward to school.

[@JanelleKnutson]

Yes, opening the Core Kit for the first time is overwhelming! I'm glad to hear the video was helpful for you! Welcome to the SWR "family". 😊 I'm praying your first year of homeschooling is enjoyable!

[@OnceInAGoogolplex]

I opened my kit tonight and started reading the intro. I thought I was going to lose my mind!

[@ashleyallen6479]

I have been looking for something to help my daughter with phonics. Everything I have found seems to easy or I had no idea where to start. I think this is the way to go!

[@77alicia0]

Thank you so much for making this video!!

[@homeschoolingmamaof5boys395]

Because of this video, I researched more & decided to order :-) We've used Veritas Press Phonics Museum, ABEKA, IEW Phonetic Zoo, & Plaid Phonics in the past. I hope to have it by tomorrow or Tues. to start with my 5 littles. Needed something less "daily requirements". Thank you. Have enjoyed watching lots of your videos now :-)

[@elizabethdecontie15]

Thanks so much. This was a great and helpful review.

[@TremainXwritesX]

Thank you so much! this has made me feel at ease as we are planning to enter this program. God bless you!

[@JanelleKnutson]

Yeah!

[@Psalm_27.4]

@Tremain how did SWR turn out for you?

[@10acrefarm5]

Unbelievable helpful! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!

[@andreaharlan9911]

Where is your second video to this one? I can’t seem to find it. This was very informative! Thank you!

[@Michfree1979]

I just got this program and started to get anxiety! LOL! Thank you for your video, it's helped me calm down and just breathe...:D

[@marialuvsdee10]

Shalom as I am currently on my 4th yr in homeschooling and I have 3 boys ages 3,6 and 9 and I want to teach them good spelling and reading and writing and I just read the books and I'm trying to be overwhelmed, so im here hopefully to get and understanding

[@nalanihamby3710]

Thank you so much! I will be starting homeschool with my oldest this year and while I knew I wanted to use this curriculum it was rather confusing! You made it make sense, thank you thank you!

[@JanelleKnutson]

Enjoy your first year of homeschooling!

[@nalanihamby3710]

Thank you!

[@chila9845]

This video helped me in the beginning to get the start that I needed. My daughter is 5. She is in list I-2 and she is doing awesome. I love this program and I appreciate you posting this video more that you know... Thank you

[@JanelleKnutson]

Yeah! SWR is an amazing program! So good to hear that it is working so well for you.

[@michaelagoen4603]

What language arts program do you use with this for 1st grade?

[@chichichhim2672]

Thank you very much

[@cielocedeno7004]

Thanks a lot!! This video was really helpful!!

[@reinab40]

That was extremely helpful! Thank you so much!

[@JanelleKnutson]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful.

[@TotallyTyra]

Thank you soooo much for this!!!

[@JanelleKnutson]

+TotallyTyra Glad it was helpful!

[@craniofamilyvlog1496]

We just started using the Logic of English Foundations program, and this seems to provide a lot of the same original structure. TFS!

[@prettyinplants9580]

I'm about to make a video as well. Thank you for sharing! We had an amazing experience with all five kids. I learned this method in the seventies (Romalda Spalding)

[@srivera6111]

Pretty In Plants I’ve been using the original Writing Road to Reading by Ramalda Spaulding with our six yr old for almost a year now. Do you have suggestions after he’s mastered his sounds & writing his letters?

[@prettyinplants9580]

S Rivera yes! My other channel is Rachel’s Remedies and I just started a series on what to do next

[@rachelluski3166]

Thank you for this! I WAS confused about the curriculum, even after reading descriptions and Cathy Duffy's review! Your video clearly explains the curriculum (thank you for showing the insides of all the books in the core kit!) and has given me confidence to go ahead and purchase it to use with all my children. It cleared up my confusion as to if and how I would use it with multiple ages and grades. I appreciate your time in doing this video for parents like me!

[@JanelleKnutson]

Rachel Luski yay! I’m glad it was helpful for you! 😊

[@codyryanyork]

Thank you for this video! I have been kind of overwhelmed by this program but this definitely helped. Have you ever used the Wise Guide Worksheets that are for sale on the SWR website? I wondered if this would help me follow through with enrichment activities...

[@JanelleKnutson]

I do use the Wise Guide Enrichment worksheets and find them very helpful. I did a review of them on my blog. Here is the link: www.janelleknutson.com/2016/02/10/wise-guide-enrichment-activity-worksheets-review/

[@saraderrer6301]

Thank you! I have the SWR program but have never used it because it has seemed overwhelming, and I just do not understand how it is suppose to work. This was a quite informative and helpful! One question: on an average day, how long does it take to do SWR?

[@JanelleKnutson]

+Sara Derrer I'm pleased to hear that my video was helpful to you! To answer your question, it really depends on the ages/grade of your kids. I spend no more than 10 to 15 minutes each day with a child in kindergarten. No more than 20 minutes a day with a 1st grader. Once they are moving along well in the program and their attention span is better then it is more like 20 minutes a day on review days and then 30 to 45 minutes on the days we dictate new words or learn a new rule and build the reference page in the learning log. I we need to learn new words and have a limited amount of time that day then I just divide the days lesson into 2 days so we are dictating half of the words one day and the other half the next. Hope this helps!

[@amies8203]

Thanks for this helpful video! Would you possibly be able to make a video about what a lesson looks like with your student? I just purchased the kit but feel a little overwhelmed by how the WISE Guide, Spell to Write a Read Guide, and rule cards work together in a lesson. Thanks for sharing this program, we're looking forward to using it.

[@amies8203]

It might be helpful to add I am starting this program with my 6th grader who tested into list S. Our first lesson this week I followed the instructions at the top of list S-1 (which cards/rules to introduce) and dictated the list words. I guess I am wondering if I am using the program correctly? Thanks again :)

[@mamabenzing5872]

Check out EndorsedSWR here on KZbin. That's helped me out a lot. I have 7 ranging all over the lists! Hope that helps you.

[@atarirose5655]

Thanks for the video pls how can I get the book from Nigeria basic in Lagos

[@stlilymov4]

Great video! I attempted to use this program our first year of homeschool and it was very confusing and frustrating. I still own it but we haven't used it since. In addition to finding it confusing, I also found it time consuming. How long does an average lesson take you? I'm looking forward to your video covering the supplemental products but I would also appreciate a video on what a typical lesson or week looks like in your home. Thank you for sharing.

[@JanelleKnutson]

It takes about 30-45 minutes on the day I dictate new words. About 15 to 20 minutes the rest of the week when we are reviewing words using the enrichment activities. Test day is super short! SWR has a KZbin channel that has some helpful videos of a lessons being taught. Hope that helps! kzbin.infovideos

[@michaelagoen4603]

What do you do for each day of the week for SWR? I know you said it in a video but I can’t find it again!

[@amberwadman2023]

Thank you! This video was so helpful and I feel a small ray of hope. How do you do this program with multiple children? Do I need work with each child every day? I'm a mother of 7 but only homeschool 5.

[@JanelleKnutson]

I'm glad the video gave you a little hope! It seems so overwhelming but the results are worth it! SWR should be done every day if possible (except for weekends). You can do phonogram review/quizes and review of spelling rules with all your kids at the same time. Try grouping a few kids into one level so you don't have to do 5 separate lists each week. I wrote more about overcoming the challenges of SWR here: www.janelleknutson.com/2014/07/14/overcoming-the-challenges-of-the-spell-to-write-and-read-program/ Have you joined the Yahoo group? It's a great place to ask questions and find support! Here's the link to join: groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/SpellToWriteAndRead/info

[@stephaniebailor45]

Janelle do you still use this program?

[@jenniferjohnson6385]

thank you so much! What an informative video! One question..I have a kindergartner, but we will be starting 1st grade next school year...with the wise guide spelling lists, do you have them write out the whole list once a week or more often? Or do you take a few words each day?

[@JanelleKnutson]

+Jennifer Johnson Great question! I have my 1st grader do 10 words on Monday, 10 on Tuesday then review on Wednesday and Thursday and test on Friday. If you are just starting the program, you might do one list in 2 weeks so it would look like this: 5 words Monday and another 5 on Tuesday then review the rest of the week. The following week do 5 more words on Monday the last 5 words in the list on Tuesday then review and test on Friday. There is a SWR yahoo group that is SO HELPFUL! I encourage you to join. The author herself will answer your questions along with others more experienced in the program. Here is the link.... groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/SpellToWriteAndRead/info

[@krystent2341]

Thank you for your video. Just the knowledge that I don't have to read the whole book before starting makes me feel better. Do you have any advice for teaching a child that can't write all his letters? Do you wait until they can write before formally starting the program? Do you use Cursive First?

[@JanelleKnutson]

Yeah! I'm so happy the video was helpful to you. I do use Cursive First and find it helps reinforce SWR. You can start SWR even if your child is struggling with using pencil and paper to form letters. Use large motor activities to write words. These videos might be helpful to you as you figure out how to start the program with a younger child. facebook.com/pg/SWRTraining/videos/ And this website has lots of great information as well.swrtraining.com/swr/

[@nwhughes1]

Thank you for this video. I have a 7 yr old that learned to "read" with 100 easy lessons, but now we're stuck. He now has no interest in reading and gets so frustrated trying to figure out how to pronounce certain words. Do you think this program will help us get unstuck and won't confuse him even more? I also should mention that as his mom, English is not my native language so I feel that I need a very easy program for both of us to follow. Thanks again.

[@JanelleKnutson]

Nicholas Hughes I love this program but it is not as easy to implement as other reading programs. This is definitely one to consider but you might also want to look into Logic of English or All About Spelling. I personally think SWR is superior to the others I mentioned but it does take time for the parent to learn how SWR works and how to teach it so you need to be prepared to invest some time into learning the program. There is a very helpful SWR Facebook group you can join if you decide to go with this program. Hope that helps!

[@MommyRaena]

I'm very glad i found your video! We are currently using All About Reading Level 1 but due to cost I was going to switch to The Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading and All About Spelling Lvl 1 along with First Language Lessons and Writing with Ease 1. If I use Spell to Read, what can I cut out? Have you ever used All About Reading and Spelling? How do they compare to Spell to Read? Would this be a good remedial spelling program for a 9th grader Thanks! I'm really enjoying your channel!

[@JanelleKnutson]

Raena B AAS and SWR are based off the same method of teaching spelling but different in how they implement things. SWR is definitely more cost effective and can be used with young children to adults. SWR is much more teacher intensive though and does take time to learn to teach and then time to lesson plan. SWR covers some basic grammar for younger kids but 3rd grade and up would need a formal grammar program in addition to SWR. A SWR is spelling and teaching to read. Hope that helps. 😊

[@jennythomas3985]

My little guy who is 3 1/2 years old wants to spell and read so badly would you suggest the srw program to him? My daughter is 4 1/2 but is more right brain in phonics would you suggest pairing this up with the right brain phonics program that I bought for her this year? What are the supplements for this curriculum you mentioned? This looks like it might be a good fit for at least my little guy.

[@angieholder]

I have been doing Saxon Phonics with my kiddo from the start. We are on Phonics 2 now. I have the Spell to Write and Read that I picked up somewhere when I didn't know much about curriculum. I actually didn't know what a gem I had. My question is - Does this fit in with Saxon Phonics or would it be a good curriculum to start after we finish Phonics 2? I believe Saxon calls some of the Phonics rules by different names so I'm not sure if that's a bad thing or not. I feel like Saxon fulfills the phonics rules, spelling and hand writing all by itself already so I was thinking this might be a good follow up curriculum? Any suggestions ? Thank you

[@JanelleKnutson]

I am not familiar with Saxon phonics so I can't say how similar or different it is to SWR. If Saxon is working for your child and you enjoy using it then stick with what works! SWR is a great program but there isn't a need to switch if what you have is already working well. SWR has spelling lists through high school level so since you have the SWR materials, you can try it out with your child at anytime. It does take some time to figure it out though so if you decide to give it a try, make sure to give yourself lots of grace as you learn how it all works. Hope that helps!

[@elaineknoche]

My son is a kinesthetic learner. Im looking at this program and loe and can’t decide. Cost swr is more appealing but I have read loe is great for kinesthetic learners. Have you ever used loe ? Do you know any people that started loe and switched to swr ?

[@JanelleKnutson]

I have used both. I found that LOE: Foundations worked better for my younger boys as it provides more movement and hands on opportunities. Once you get to the LOE Essentials level, it is almost identical to SWR so it would be fairly easy to switch between the two. They have a few different sounds and rules but I just stick to what we learned first and adapt where needed. Hope that makes sense.

[@faithlersey9138]

On page 14 of the teacher’s manual where it says “a learning log”...it mentions the teacher building a sample of the student made textbook. It would seem that for a parent starting out they would 2 of the learning logs? 1 for the parent sample and 1 for the student?

[@JanelleKnutson]

Correct. You will need to purchase 2 the first year (one for yourself and one for your student). Then each year after that you only need a new one for your student. I just keep adding the new lists into my old logbook but the student needs a fresh one each year to reinforce the rules each year. Hope that makes sense.

[@faithlersey9138]

Ahh, I see. I’ll probably order the one for 3rd grade and up for me, then. I’m curious to see how long it will take me to actually get to using this curriculum with my 1st grader this year. I have started reading through it and it’s a bit overwhelming (and therefore discouraging) at the moment! I’m continuing to press through trusting that it will hopefully gel soon. I really wish the lesson plans were available now!

[@alisongooch3774]

Hi Janelle! Do you have experience making your own primary learning log? I couldn’t find one with so few pages like Wanda suggests, but I did find one with 12 lines per page for the 10 words per column and the weekly original sentence. I’m having the most trouble knowing where to start my reference pages in the back, simply because I want to allow myself enough room for each portion of the log and not run short. Any help would be very much appreciated!

[@JanelleKnutson]

Yes, I made my own for years. Just start in the middle (half way through) and you should have plenty of room. :)

[@ericawinter3553]

Can you please explain to me the Y does not say long /E/ sound issue? And how you would teach words like babied and baby with SWR? I am concerned that this will confuse my kids. I can find explanations from other curriculums on why they do include long /E/ for Y, but I cannot find any explanation from SWR. I am trying to decide on a curriculum. Right now I am looking at SWR and LOE. I want to choose a curriculum with the most accurate information and like you said is compatible with my teaching style so I will actually use it. I am concerned with how confusing everyone seems to think SWR is. I wish I could find more that one example page to review. I feel like if I could read through more lessons I could get a better feel for if it would work for me. Thank you so much!

[@JanelleKnutson]

That is a great question. One I had myself. If you join the SWR Yahoo group they have a long and detailed explanation about it. (You can join the group even if you are still deciding). But when it comes down to picking a curriculum, choose the one that makes the most sense to you. If you are frustrated with it then your kids will be too. If you love it, your kids will enjoy it.... well as much as kids enjoy school work. ;)

[@AhmedalHijazi]

Hi 👋 i follow you from iraq 🇮🇶 I learn English second language How i can read any word with right way How i can spell I struggle with this English language is complicate in spelling Can you help me ?

[@TheNolesBunch]

I am seriously considering this program for my 2 daughters 12 and 10. I'm a Spanish teacher but English is my second language, so I would love to use this curriculum. Last summer I was about to buy it and I was told that in order to use it is necessary to take classes to learn and understand how to use all of it. Is that true and necessary?

[@JanelleKnutson]

Classes are helpful and make it a little easier and quicker to learn but not needed. This SWR Facebook group is really helpful: facebook.com/groups/SWRSupport

[@sddfiddler15]

Hey Janelle, my name is Sabrina. I'm getting ready to start my first child in kindergarten. I've had some experience teaching in schools private and public in elementary grades. I know from this, phonics is so very important! Once starting a specific way/curriculum of phonics, changing can cause confusion for young children. What are your thoughts of "Spell to write and read" phonics vs. "BJU" or others?

[@JanelleKnutson]

I prefer phonics/reading/spelling curriculum that follows the Orton Gillingham approach. That would be curriculum like SWR, Logic of English and All About Learning Press. Hope that helps.

[@sddfiddler15]

@@JanelleKnutson have you heard of Open Court? My mom (teacher) and other family like that one a lot for phonics.

[@jacquelineochoa8842]

Janelle Knutson I’m on the fence. Between all about reading and SWR. Does the SWR teach syllables, compound words, contractions, plurals, etc. if not, where are these English concepts learned?

[@NatashaSon]

Thank you so much for this! I will be homeschooling 3 kids next year, ages 5, 11 and 13. I just need one core kit and the three logs?? I was thinking I needed three core kits! You just saved me a lot of money!

[@JanelleKnutson]

Natasha9336 one core kit and three log books! That’s it! Super affordable! And keep your eye out for lesson plans. They should be coming out soon and will make it easier to use the program. swrtraining.com/swr-lesson-plans/

[@jessicasmith2749]

Starting this for an older child, would we start from the beginning or is it listed in order by grade?

[@JanelleKnutson]

There is a diagnostic test in the back of the SWR book. Just give the test to your older student and it will help you determine where, in the Wise Guide, to start. :)

[@HannahSockwell]

I bought these books about a year ago and just haven't figured out how to get started! 🤦🏼‍♀️ Thank you! Do you know if there is a downloadable option for the sounds, or should I buy the CD?

[@JanelleKnutson]

A long time ago, I purchased a SWR app for my phone with the phonogram sounds but I'm not sure if it is still available or not. Worth doing a search for it.

[@HannahSockwell]

@@JanelleKnutson excellent idea! I searched their website for a download, but didn't think of checking the app store. Thank you!

[@sarahwilson2663]

Would you say Abeka is watered down? Have you ever compared the two?

[@JanelleKnutson]

I wouldn’t say Abeka is watered down. It’s just a slightly different approach to phonics.

[@forrestgump9428]

Is this a good program if you're teaching yourself how to read and write?

[@faithlersey9138]

I understand the black learning log is for older children, while the red one is for the younger’s. When a parent is just starting out and building their own learning log...which color do THEY use? if you have children using black and red logs, which would the parent build?

[@faithlersey9138]

It would be helpful to see what the logs looks like when filled.

[@JanelleKnutson]

You use whatever log your student is working in. If you have kids in different logs then ideally you should be working in both yourself.

[@valleyhavenfamilyschool8951]

Just when I thought I had a good plan for next year for spelling...I have 11 and 12 year olds with learning disabilities and a gifted 5 year old. We were going to use Spelling You See abd Spelling Power because AAS, Verticy, ACE Word Building, and a few others did not work. How does this compare to any of the ones I mentioned? How hard to implement with 3 kids at 3 different levels? How time-consuming? I am intrigued...

[@JanelleKnutson]

SWR is a bit similar to AAS because it uses similar rules and phonograms but they teach it in a different way. Spelling You See is a totally different approach to spelling than SWR and AAS. SWR is harder to implement though. It takes some time upfront to familiarize yourself with the curriculum and does take time each day to teach. It is possible to group several kids into one level. Just depends on where each child is at. SWR has a yahoo group that is filled with information in the program and you an ask questions and the author will usually answer back. groups.yahoo.com/group/SpellToWriteAndRead/

[@valleyhavenfamilyschool8951]

I am going to try to attend one of the trainings here in July. I've been reading/watching whatever I can find online about the SWR. I will definitely sign up for the yahoo group---

[@JanelleKnutson]

Louise O'Neil the trainings are sooooo helpful!

[@valleyhavenfamilyschool8951]

I just signed onto the Yahoo group, and the first file I read was Ms Sanseri's take on copywork...interesting! I am anxious to get my hands on the core kit! :-)

[@funnyshirl06]

Approximately how long do you spend on spelling with each child each day, i.e. if they are working on one spelling list of 20 words? Also, is this curriculum sufficient to cover ALL Language Arts areas for grades K-12 (i.e. spelling, writing, English grammar, etc.)?

[@JanelleKnutson]

It covers everything for kindergarten and 1st grade. Then you would need to start adding in formal grammar and writing.

[@jessikayoung5485]

@@JanelleKnutson what do you recommend? I have 4th and 7th graders as well as my 1st grader

[@Psalm_27.4]

@@jessikayoung5485 once you get into the program, you will get a sense of which enrichment activities to add. There are enrichment activities at the bottom of each spelling list in the Wise Guide. If you join the Facebook Support Group for Spell to Write and Read, you can ask questions for specific books that could be used for writing eland grammar enrichment.Hope this helps.

[@kendraparks3271]

Hi Janelle! I have watched this video before and returned to it today to hear about this program again. Do you feel it would be a good fit for a child who has completed LOE foundations? I want something that's only spelling focused rather than grammar as well, so LOE essentials hasn't been working great here. Thank you!

[@JanelleKnutson]

Yes, I think it would be a good switch. LOE is very similar to SWR so it shouldn't be too hard to transition from one to the other. Note that some of the phonogram sounds and rules might be slightly different but I have found it easy to adapt.

[@kendraparks3271]

@@JanelleKnutson thank you for your input! ❤️

[@JanelleKnutson]

@@kendraparks3271 you’re welcome!

[@sarahs7253]

Is All About Spelling watered down phonics? Cause i have level 1 through 4 or 5..and am only on level one. We dont have a real reading program or writing. We only have trach your child to read in 100 lessons and a other reading book.

[@JanelleKnutson]

AAS is a solid phonics curriculum. Here is a video about my top 3 for phonics and spelling.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXPOfYR9jad0m80si=DVjSmjFnka4qf5Kg

[@cyndiFG8]

Do you know at what age you can start with this curriculum?

[@JanelleKnutson]

They have information in the front part of the book for starting with a preschooler. You dive into the full curriculum in kindergarten.

[@OurDaysTogether]

How do you think this compares to All about Reading and All about Spelling?

[@JanelleKnutson]

They are both excellent programs. They both have their pros and cons but either one will give your kids a good foundation in phonics/reading/spelling.

[@jessicad6106]

I've been using AAR and AAS this past year and I've enjoyed it but there is no word lists or writing. I am learning SWR and it's that is more complete and comprehensive with the writing and spelling list components. Right now with AAR and AAS we never use a pencil and paper. I think that is a major difference.

[@HeatherNations]

Can you do this program without the learning logs and just use plain notebooks?

[@JanelleKnutson]

You could but it would be a lot more work. There are directions in the SWR book on how to set up the learning logs from scratch (if you don't have a newer version that has all the reference pages built for you). You could follow these directions on notebook paper and put them in a binder. Don't skip building the reference pages though. Those really help cement the spelling rules in a child's mind. :)

[@HeatherNations]

Janelle Knutson Well, I don't need to add more work for myself! Lol. I got a new version this school year and didn't realize that the learning log was a part of it. I thought the kit came with all the required books. Would I just need 1 for the schoolyear? Thanks!

[@JanelleKnutson]

Heather Nations 1 Learning Log per child. They build reference/rule pages in them and have their spelling words in the logs.

[@tracymurdock3414]

Can you teach multiple children at one time? How long does it take you to teach all of your kids a lesson a day?

[@RR-wo2ru]

Are the cards laminated when you buy them? Or did you have them laminated after purchase? Thanks so much for your content!!

[@JanelleKnutson]

You have to laminate yourself. I have another set that I did not laminate and they are holding up well. They are a hard cardstock.

[@janetlewis7071]

What's the difference between this and all about spelling?

[@JanelleKnutson]

Great question! There are quite a few differences. They both follow the Orton-Gillingham method but the approach is very different. Personally, I think SWR is a superior method but very teacher intensive. AAS and AAR are more teacher friendly.

[@elizabethbrown504]

is there a morphological or orthographic component?

[@Psalm_27.4]

@ Karen Brown. If by orthography , you mean spelling , yes, there is a heavy orthographic component. The spelling dictation is orthography BASED on phonograms. A child learns the orthography of the English language through the orthography of phonograms, which builds phonemic awareness, and the ability to spell the phonemes of English words via the phonograms.

[@elizabethbrown504]

@@Psalm_27.4 thank you this is helpful. We are not looking for a phonics based program. We were told to avoid phonics based programs (like OG) and instead approach spelling from a morphological stand point (word parts and their meanings like Structured Word Inquiry) due to orthographic weakness (being able to visualize how a word should look). The number of phonograms would be overwhelming and ultimately confusing for our kiddo. Eldest has very strong phonemic awareness and symbol imagery is moderate. Concept imagery and orthography are weak we are told. I was hoping I could find a program, but so far Real Spelling and SWI are just training in a method versus an actual systemic program.

[@lizs4644]

Is this a program for teaching reading or spelling?

[@JanelleKnutson]

Both! It is a complete phonics, reading, and spelling curriculum for preschool through high school level spelling words.

[@buymai4619]

Hi my name is Howard and English is not my first language. I am trying to improve my pronunciation by my self. I bought the " black learning log" and I see that there is an "advanced phonograms" section in side. I was wondering if you can tell me where can I find or purchase flashcards and cd for advanced phonograms.

[@JanelleKnutson]

You can try these two sites. I know there are advanced phonogram cards but I'm not sure about the CD. swrtraining.com/shop/ www.bhibooks.net/home.html

[@buymai4619]

Thank you so much!

[@ange9547]

Where do I buy the program?

[@JanelleKnutson]

You can buy it directly from the publisher at www.bhibooks.net/home.html

[@ange9547]

@@JanelleKnutson Thank you!

[@JanelleKnutson]

@@ange9547 you’re welcome ☺️

[@NattyBirthMama]

Is this a reading AND spelling program or a spelling program?

[@JanelleKnutson]

Stefanie Weber it covers phonics, learning to read and spelling. 😊

[@faithlersey9138]

I see your cards are laminated. The SWR cards do not come laminated. Getting the cards laminated, I can see, would pretty much be a necessary step for the longevity of the materials. Which laminator do you use?

[@JanelleKnutson]

I actually use self-adhesive laminating sheets. I don't laminate that many things so this was a cheaper way to go. Here is an amazon link to the kind I use for everything I need to laminate. {It is an affiliate link} amzn.to/2oVXMon

[@faithlersey9138]

Janelle Knutson Great. I wondered if those worked!

[@amandav3484]

Would you say that this program is comparable to Love to Read Love to Spell?

[@JanelleKnutson]

Hi Amanda! I am not familiar with the program you mentioned. If you have any questions about SWR, though, let me know!