My fave: All About Spelling. {review and giveaway}

by Rachel Marie Martin

***GIVEAWAY CLOSED***

Shall we talk spelling? I’m serious. I think today, we need to talk about spelling. And, I will share with you a spelling program that I absolutely, completely, and totally love.

It’s All About Spelling from All About Learning Press.

Spelling? Fun and educational? Without the struggle? {using their fabulous line} Absolutely yes. Let me tell you — not all spelling programs are created equal. I know. I’ve homeschooled for over eleven years and have tried my fare share of spelling programs. Today, I’m telling you that I love All About Spelling. Seriously. It’s changed how I teach spelling – and grin – I’ve become a better and more aware speller in the process. My kids no longer dread spelling with the groans and grumbles that I’ve grown used to.

Instead, get this, my kids love spelling.

Brennan, who is eight, has been working through the program since early January. Even though he’s already had some spelling lessons, we simply started at the beginning just to make sure that we cover all the bases. His spelling skills have increased dramatically in this time frame. As part of our review, we received both Level 1 and Level 2. Currently we’re working through level 2 after finishing level 1- and I can assure you that he is a significantly better and more confident speller. In fact, I’ve started Caleb, who is six,  in Level 1 and am excited to see how he progresses as the years pass.

What makes this program one that I can rave about it? It teaches why things are spelled the way they are. And for those of you with children who love the word why this will come as a much needed and sigh of relief answer. No longer is spelling simply a list of words to memorize, but now spelling is broken down in a way that makes sense. The letters are introduced in the beginning as well as all of the correct sounds for them – it’s just a bit of phonics wrapped into spelling. Needed – and answering the why with solid rules and solutions.

This program combines all three learning styles – visual, auditory, and kinesthetic – in an every day approach. It includes letter tiles {very sturdy} that can be used as magnets. {We’ve used the door leading into our garage}. When we work through a lesson it involves my student, Brennan, repeating back and memorizing rules and correct letter sounds {based on the Orton-Gillingham method}, then he’ll see the way words are formed using the one inch tiles, and then he’ll work with the tiles and form words, and then we’ll work together on dictation where he’ll write simple phrases and sentences that utilize the rules that he’s just learned.

Watch this video by All About Learning. It’s brilliant and explains the method way better than I can. And, I’m going to let you know that I’ve gotten a tad bit misty-eyed watching it {I know, a spelling video}, but it’s because I can relate to the confusing world of rules and spelling not making sense. All About Spelling makes spelling understandable – it makes it make sense. And, I’m partial to it because the little boy in the video is named Sam — and grin — I’ve got a Sam.

Love that video. I love it because it’s true. We haven’t struggled this year with spelling, and in fact, spelling has become the sought after let’s do this first subject. Thank you, Marie. You’ve blessed us!

*****

Some details. There are currently seven levels of All About Spelling. We reviewed Level 1 and Level 2 – the  levels retail for $29.95. You can purchase an additional student supplement for $14.95. The Deluxe Spelling Interactive Kit Retails for $49.95.  I really recommend purchasing the deluxe kit because it includes the bag {pictured above} and the box for the key cards. Get the bag – as a homeschool mom that is very busy I’ll tell you I love having everything always together. 🙂 And:

has generously offered to give away to one of you: 
All About Spelling Level 1 Materials 
and 
the Deluxe Spelling Interactive Kit!! 

There’s a rafflecopter entry form below — just follow the directions and enter to win your own copy of All About Spelling. And more cool details. First of all when you’re done entering the giveaway here for All About Spelling I’d like to encourage you to hop over to HipHomeschool Moms {where I am a Team Member} as I was also was given the opportunity to review All About Reading {also produced by All About Learning Press}.  I loved this just as much – you can read my review {which is glowing}, peek at some pics, and watch an adorable video of my son Caleb reading some of his favorite stories. And, to make it even more fun:

is also offering a giveaway for 
All About Reading Level 1!!

To visit the All About Learning website to learn more simply click All About Learning Press.

Thank you All About Learning Press for your dedication to learning and your fabulous programs – All About Spelling and All About Reading. You have made our homeschool mornings much less stressful – and I am truly grateful. I highly recommend this product, my homeschool friends!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

disclosure: I received All About Spelling to review here on Finding Joy. All opinions are my own. All images {except for the last two banner ads} are my own and may be used with permission. No other compensation was given. I am also an affiliate for All About Learning Press and receive affiliate compensation for any transaction. For further details please read my disclosure policy. Thank you.

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121 comments

Kathy May 19, 2012 - 11:05 am

Hmmm, that rafflecopter thingy confuses me! LOL I think I entered a comment, but not really sure … in case I did it wrong I wanted to say I learned that it incorporates all 3 learning styles – which I LOVE because my daughter is definitely more of a visual learner and we’ve been struggling through spelling for a while now so I think this program might be just what she needs to succeed. Thanks for offering this awesome giveaway!! =)

Kathy K

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So You Call Yourself A Homeschooler May 19, 2012 - 11:07 am

I learned that AAS combines all 3 learning styles!

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April May 19, 2012 - 11:21 am

I learned that kids seem to enjoy All About Spelling! That would be great in our house.

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becken May 19, 2012 - 11:42 am

I learned that All About Spelling uses all three types of Learning styles in the program.

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Stephanie May 19, 2012 - 11:48 am

I love that it teaches the WHY of how words are spelled, because, if my kids are anything like their daddy, they will want to know the why of EVERYTHING.

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Wendy Hayden, Farmer's Daughter-in-law May 19, 2012 - 12:00 pm

This sounds like a great program. I hated spelling in school and never felt like I mastered it as well as I would have liked. Maybe this will help me too!

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Wendy Hayden, Farmer's Daughter-in-law May 19, 2012 - 12:08 pm

Just looked at your blog more and saw that your family has celiac disease too. My family does as well. I’ve subscribed to your blog. Can’t wait to read more.

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Sarah B May 19, 2012 - 12:20 pm

I have never used AAS, but have only hood good things and have been wanting to try it.

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Chris May 19, 2012 - 12:58 pm

I love the way it explains the rules. very simple!

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Lisa B...The Tadey May 19, 2012 - 1:00 pm

I left you a question on twitter 🙂

I really like the sound “teams” and the magnets. I’d love to find a spelling program that worked for us!

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MamaBearPing May 19, 2012 - 1:12 pm

I’ve been reviewing phonics and spelling programs until my head started spinning (several times). All About Spelling was highly recommended and at at the top of the list. Winning this giveaway would just make my decision for me! 🙂 I have a 2nd grader who happily read books by herself, but her decoding and spelling skills are horrendous (we used teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons – which was great but left some gaps). I also have one who is ready to read/write/spell, but just needs a good program to get her started. And then they have a younger sister who will be ready in a few years.

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Samantha Kelley May 19, 2012 - 1:13 pm

Fabulous giveaway!

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Samantha Kelley May 19, 2012 - 1:14 pm

I learned that it incorporates all three learning styles. 🙂

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Amie May 19, 2012 - 2:39 pm

I love that it uses all three learning styles making it the perfect choice of both of my boys

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Lisa May 19, 2012 - 2:51 pm

I did not know that All About Spelling taught the “why” of spelling, or that it was taught with various learning styles!

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Erica May 19, 2012 - 2:52 pm

I like that it incorporates various styles of learning as opposed to word memorization. I’ve heard great this about this program and it would be such a blessing if we won!

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Unknown May 19, 2012 - 3:06 pm

I like that it could work with all children because the learning styles are all a part of the curriculum.

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Rachel May 19, 2012 - 3:34 pm

I learned that we’re not the only ones who love AAS! 🙂

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KB May 19, 2012 - 4:16 pm

I would LOVE To win this!

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Pat May 19, 2012 - 4:45 pm

Anything that really makes spelling fun would be welcome here 🙂

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Christie May 19, 2012 - 8:24 pm

It will use all three learning stlyes. SOOO excited about that as could benefit all my kids!

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kristina-mom May 19, 2012 - 10:48 pm

This was so interesting. I love that it uses the different learning styles. This would be very helpful. One program for all three children. Thank you for the opportunity to win this wonderful program.

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Amy Beth May 20, 2012 - 1:35 am

We love All About Spelling.

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Amy Beth May 20, 2012 - 1:37 am

We love All About Spelling.

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Kim May 20, 2012 - 1:40 am

I learned that it can be done in 15-20 minutes a day/

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forkerfarm May 20, 2012 - 1:42 am

I love that this program teaches rules explaining why we spell words the way we do. That is something I never learned much of.

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christina May 20, 2012 - 2:43 am

So excited to try this program next fall! I had no idea it had levels all the way up to 7, many great years to work on!

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Megalamode May 20, 2012 - 2:53 am

The 3 learning styles! I love the manipulatives!

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The Owens May 20, 2012 - 3:34 am

I had no idea that it used so many avenues to teach kids where THEY are at! It really doesn’t matter what method your child prefers because this will work for anyone! Can’t wait!

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learning table May 20, 2012 - 4:10 am

Thanks for the chance to win. I’d love to try this out with my struggling speller.

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ProjectHope7 May 20, 2012 - 4:35 am

like how they explain the different learning levels on spelling.. the ins and outs and confusing rules sometimes… with 7 levels they offer a very thorough program. It looks like it would be good for children at different stages of learning as well. this is a great help for homeschooling.
Cathy B pbprojecthope at yahoodotcom

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Mandy May 20, 2012 - 10:21 am

This is such a great giveaway! I have never been a great speller and really would love for my kids to be. I love that it teaches why words are spelled the way they are! I am hoping that I can learn new strategies for spelling as well. 🙂

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Alicia May 20, 2012 - 3:23 pm

i’ve looked at this before and i’m so glad you did the review! thank yoU!!!

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Caroline May 20, 2012 - 5:34 pm

I’ve heard so many good things about this program. I appreciate how you point out that the program explains the WHY behind spelling rules. In school, I just memorized these rules… I think it’ll be good for both my kids *and* me to understand the why!

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Steve and Amy Lou May 20, 2012 - 6:38 pm

This looks like a fantastic spelling program…right now we use explode the code and rod and staff penmanship. This looks like a really fun way to learn how to spell!

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Sarah May 20, 2012 - 6:58 pm

I have actually been looking into this for my daugher, so this is great information!

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♥ Amy May 20, 2012 - 10:02 pm

First time I’ve heard of this program. I love the fact that it uses fun manipulatives, and as a homeschool mom who has taught for 16 years, I love the fact that it is so organized. Who doesn’t love a fancy bag to contain the tiles and a sharp looking box with the cards all in order?

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amanda May 21, 2012 - 12:25 am

i love the “ease” of use. and the non-typical way of teaching (not school like) FUN!

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Lisa May 21, 2012 - 2:04 am

I would absolutely love this program! My son will just be starting to read soon and I would love to use the activities to help him learn!

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Brandee May 21, 2012 - 3:22 am

I learned that I really need this!

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whitlow6 May 21, 2012 - 3:28 am

Learned lots of things about this curriculum since it wasn’t one I was that familiar with. Sounds fantastic though and like it would be the perfect thing for my 8 yr old! Thanks for the giveaway.

Tyra

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Amber Dawn May 21, 2012 - 5:21 am

We are just starting to research options for our upcoming reader and anything that a 6 year old actually likes seems like a great option!

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Amber Dawn May 21, 2012 - 5:21 am

We are just starting to research options for our upcoming reader and anything that a 6 year old actually likes seems like a great option!

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Lynn May 21, 2012 - 5:37 am

Loved the video on youtube with Caleb reading.
Continuing to pray!
Psalms 130:1-2, 5-7 Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications (5-7) I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
My email address

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Heather May 21, 2012 - 12:42 pm

I love that it explains the rules

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momof4innh May 21, 2012 - 12:53 pm

IAm very impressed with this program. It is great to find one that is complete, fun to do, and created for multisensory children. Now if she could make an “All about reading” I’d be her life long friend

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Misty May 21, 2012 - 1:14 pm

This program looks amazing!!

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Melissa May 21, 2012 - 1:16 pm

I love that AAS incorporates different learning styles.

BTW, you have a typo in your second paragraph. It should be fair not fare. No one’s perfect, right 🙂

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Caterina May 21, 2012 - 1:45 pm

I like how it explains the spelling rules.
Thanks for the chance to win,
Caterina

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Kristin and Jason May 21, 2012 - 1:46 pm

I learned that it incorporates all three learning styles. 🙂

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Anonymous May 21, 2012 - 1:52 pm

Love that it incorporates all the learning styles. I have a 5 and 7 yr olds who have completely different styles.
I am new to homeschooling and would LOVE to win this!Thanks for the awesome review!

Liz D

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Anonymous May 21, 2012 - 1:57 pm

I also learned about the three learning styles. I would love to try this with my soon to be 2nd grader!

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Sarah L. May 21, 2012 - 2:21 pm

I am looking forward to using this program. I like the incorporated learning styles. I also think I will use your idea of setting it up on a door.

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Michele May 21, 2012 - 2:24 pm

I am dying to try this, I love working with the phonetic sounds to learn spelling. This program looks wonderful.

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Allison Dobbins May 21, 2012 - 2:44 pm

It includes three major learning styles AND explains the why’s. Love it! I’m hoping to begin it with my daughter this fall.

allison_dobbins@yahoo.com

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TheBugBlog May 21, 2012 - 2:48 pm

I love how interactive it is! My son needs interactive and I, well I still need to learn how to spell :(. I love to write and have done fine in the day and age of computers and spell check, but I’m embarrassed at what I don’t know for sure how to spell when I’m writing stuff done with a pencil. I think it would be great for both of us!

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Marci May 21, 2012 - 2:50 pm

I can’t wait to try this program out next year. I would love to win.

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Jamie May 21, 2012 - 3:18 pm

This looks like a great program for my struggling speller! Wonderful post!

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Jill May 21, 2012 - 4:58 pm

I love all about reading. Great stuff!

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Anonymous May 21, 2012 - 5:12 pm

I would love to try this!

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tiarastantrums May 21, 2012 - 5:27 pm

I LOVE this curriculum. I have this for my Kinder and she is a superstar in it! I love it so much – I am going to use it over the summer for my 2nd grader who detests spelling and can not spell to save her life!

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BeechemBrightSpots May 21, 2012 - 5:43 pm

I would love to win! I want to use this for my kindergarten son this fall!

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Des May 21, 2012 - 5:46 pm

I have been searching for a different spelling program and I like that this program teaches the “why” to spelling.

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Romina May 21, 2012 - 6:01 pm

Been reading a lot about All About Reading & Spelling. I’m excited to learn more and be able to teach it t my kids soon.

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christy May 21, 2012 - 6:24 pm

I’ve been interested in this spelling program and wasn’t sure where to start because my boys are 7 and 8 but now I know just to start at level 1 and work are way through .:)

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Allison May 21, 2012 - 7:07 pm

I learned the price, LOL. I didn’t before realize how reasonable the program is.

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Michelle - Blessed Mom of 4 May 21, 2012 - 9:53 pm

I learned this is not the usual list, pretest, test type of spelling program and my son would LOVE it because he hates his spelling tests!

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Pamela May 22, 2012 - 12:57 am

I’ve been reading about this program and looking into potentially using it with my daughter! Thanks for the giveaway!

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Pamela May 22, 2012 - 1:03 am

I just realized I didn’t answer the question… I didn’t realize that it taught the “why” behind spelling and I really appreciate the photos of the cards and magnets to get a sense of how it works in everyday life!

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Becky May 22, 2012 - 3:51 am

I love that there are all three learning styles worked with, I need this for my girls.

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Sharon May 22, 2012 - 3:54 pm

I’m unfamiliar w/ the rafflecopter, too. LOL

I love that this program teaches the phonograms. Seems like a lost art on the teaching of Reading. So important! The hand-on aspect, too, is wonderful. I’m a mom of all boys, and hands-on is our way to go! 🙂

Thank you!

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Krista May 22, 2012 - 4:09 pm

I learned spelling can be fun with all of the hands on activities and games.

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Rachael May 22, 2012 - 5:20 pm

I learned that using spelling test each week may not work for some children. They need hands on activities to engage them.

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Amanda @ The Pelsers May 22, 2012 - 8:32 pm

I love that it teaches the why behind spelling.

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Carolynn May 22, 2012 - 9:54 pm

I LOVE AAS and believe me I own a lot of spelling programs, this one really works!!

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Jennifer Lambert May 22, 2012 - 10:46 pm

Orton-Gillingham method… awesome…love those technical terms!

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Leslie May 22, 2012 - 11:03 pm

We just started level 1 but I don’t have the deluxe kit. I learned I need it. Lol.

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Mississippi Rose May 23, 2012 - 3:26 am

Excited to learn that it is Orton-Gillingham based, as I’ve looked into products I can use to help our dyslexic daughter with reading and spelling.

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Brooke May 23, 2012 - 11:43 am

This program combines all three learning styles which is GREAT because I have two kids who learn VERY differently! I’m excited!

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Sheramy May 23, 2012 - 1:44 pm

We would love to win this! This is on my curriculum list for next year and winning it would mean I could buy All about Reading to go with it!

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Heidi May 23, 2012 - 1:53 pm

Would love to try this!

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CandaceJL May 23, 2012 - 11:09 pm

Been looking into All About Spelling this past week for my soon to be 2nd graders. Love your review! Thanks!

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Amy May 24, 2012 - 5:46 pm

I learned that it uses the Orton- Gillingham method, which I love!

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Erin May 24, 2012 - 6:18 pm

I learned (and love) that it explains the WHY behind the spelling rules. Thanks for the review!

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The Popes May 24, 2012 - 6:45 pm

I’ve heard nothing but good things about this. What a fun review!

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Anonymous May 24, 2012 - 8:10 pm

I didn’t know all about spelling used three learning types. My daughter is very tactile. I have heard this is a great program. jenjoym@hotmail.com (rileighthom)

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Laurie May 24, 2012 - 8:26 pm

I learned that AAS involves 3 different learning styles. It looks like a great, well-organized program.

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chicknsmom May 24, 2012 - 9:13 pm

This looks like an amazing spelling prgram. We would love to try it in our schooling.

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chicknsmom May 24, 2012 - 9:15 pm

I have learned that this program incorporates techinques to help a struggling speller and a more accomplished speller and will work with either because it incorporates 3 different learning styles.

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Melissa May 25, 2012 - 5:01 am

I haven’t ever seen a program that incorporates tactile learning into spelling, only with reading. how smart. those tiles? fun and multisensory. i like it.
mkaymclaughlin at yahoo dot com

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Becky May 25, 2012 - 12:50 pm

I so need to try this program with one of my sons, it is something that would benefit him.

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Ruth May 25, 2012 - 12:53 pm

I love that AAS is so easy to use! The letter tiles are fun.

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Ruth May 25, 2012 - 12:54 pm

I love that AAS is so easy to use! The letter tiles are fun.

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Susan A. May 25, 2012 - 12:56 pm

My son who just graduated from homeschool kindergarten is super excited about spelling. I’ve been looking for a spelling program for him and would love the opportunity to check “All About Spelling” out. Thank you for contest!

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Susan A. May 25, 2012 - 12:58 pm

I love how everything is in one kit with this program. I especially like how the letters have magnets on them to be used on a white board.

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Sarah May 25, 2012 - 1:02 pm

My son is a visual learner and this would be perfect for him.

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Christine May 25, 2012 - 1:03 pm

I’ve been using AAS for the last 2 years and we love it so much. I’ve learned that spelling doesn’t have to be difficult and that one-on-one teaching doesn’t have to be hard. A workbook approach might be easier for mom in some ways, but I am so glad that we’re using this program! I can’t wait to get started with AAR!

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Make it Simple 2 You May 25, 2012 - 1:05 pm

It incorporates 3 different styles and my favorite thing is that it has a lot of hands-on (cards, magnets, etc) for the boys to handle. I would love to have the program. i have been contemplating to get it for a long time, maybe I can win it instead. 😉

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Carrie May 25, 2012 - 1:13 pm

I learned it is a multi-sensory program

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JenniferB May 25, 2012 - 1:13 pm

I am excited to try AAS. I used a very simple reading program with my 5 year old daughter, and she is reading fluently… I don’t want to frustrate her by putting her in another reading program to learn phonics rules. With AAS, she is learning to spell better (something she’s asking for!) and she will be getting the phonics rules at the same time!

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Steph @ MomKaboodle May 25, 2012 - 1:19 pm

I learned that it was created by a Mom (woohoo!) and that it uses multi-sensory learning.

This looks fantastic!

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Amy May 25, 2012 - 1:52 pm

Would love to win

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FiremansWife99 May 25, 2012 - 1:52 pm

I Love the way the so simlpy explain the rules!! Very simple for my kids which is something they need.

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Onduli (Judy) May 25, 2012 - 1:55 pm

I love the use of the interactive letter tiles! Some kids just need to touch and see!

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jeffreymwhite1 May 25, 2012 - 2:17 pm

I am so excited about this giveaway. I have not heard one, NOT ONE, negative thing about this program. I want to start my daughter off on a strong note, and I think this is the right one!

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JJs Momma May 25, 2012 - 2:25 pm

I am so excited to try this program out! Thanks for the chance to win!

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Kristin Duncan May 25, 2012 - 2:33 pm

I have been wanting to get All About Spelling for a while. I will be homeschooling my 5.5 year old son starting this August and I was wanting to get this for him to use either this year or next. I know that he would love to use the colorful magnets, and honestly anytime you can sneak real learning in… WIN.

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C. Felan May 25, 2012 - 2:36 pm

As new homeschooling mom I think this would perfect. I think the whole could benefit from being better spellers. I would love to not have to depend on spell check for everything.

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Alana May 25, 2012 - 3:35 pm

There are 7 levels of AAS!

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Dawn May 25, 2012 - 3:39 pm

All About Spelling looks like a wonderful program. We can’t wait to start it.

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Tara @ Creole Paperie May 25, 2012 - 3:57 pm

Thank you for the opportunity to win! We want to start AAS this year and it looks like a wonderful program!

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Madonna May 25, 2012 - 4:35 pm

Would love to try this program! Thanks for the opportunity.

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2plustwinsmom May 25, 2012 - 5:19 pm

What a great product and a great giveaway! I can’t wait to use it for my children!

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Amanda May 25, 2012 - 5:44 pm

Learned it uses the sounds based on the Orton-Gillingham method and it incorporates 3 different learning styles.

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Anonymous May 25, 2012 - 5:54 pm

I love how it addresses 3 styles of learning.

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mrspilot May 25, 2012 - 7:02 pm

Very impressed that AAS has a kinesthetic component – I have a very hands-on learning little boy 🙂

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Rebekah K May 25, 2012 - 7:39 pm

So glad to hear your excitement about AAS. I can’t wait to try it myself. Ive hope my kids are as eager to do spelling as the many I’ve read about. Thanks for your review.

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Katie W. May 25, 2012 - 10:51 pm

Thank you for the glowing review…I’ve had my eye on AAS for over a year and am excited to start using it this fall as part of our curriculum. I like that it incorporates all 3 different learning styles.

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Sonja May 26, 2012 - 1:06 am

I’ve been reading the AAS blog and I love the simplicity of the lessons. As a new homeschool mom, I need all the help I can get with easy to explain directions!

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Krystle May 26, 2012 - 2:34 am

I am planning to use AAS this fall. Your blog post has me even more excited! Thanks for explaining in detail the three ways it teaches spelling 🙂

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Terri May 26, 2012 - 2:38 am

From your post, I learned that I really, really, really want AAS! And I probably do need a magnetic whiteboard, too.

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