| Question: |
My daughter has always been ahead in Language Arts. She would age wise be in 3rd grade this year and does most other subjects at this level but just completed a 4th grade spelling book today. Two months ago she came to me bored with spelling since she knew all the words even at the beginning of the week. I pretested her on the rest of the book and had her only do the lessons where she missed 2 or more. She was very happy with this as then felt there was a purpose to her doing the work. I have since gone back and made sure she knows how to spell the very few she missed when it was only one missed per lesson on the pretest. I would like to get her another spelling book and she and I both like the format of CHC. She really likes spelling and wants to be challenged in this area. I am unsure of which level spelling book I should get. If I were to go to the next Level it would be Level D but you recommend this for an advanced 4th grader/average 5th grader. Maybe this is OK? Looking at the words they don't look overly difficult for her. I even showed her the sample pages you have online. Since the format is different than what she has been using and she says it looks fun I am thinking that even if the words aren't challenging at least the format will be a change and will keep her interest? Should I get Level C which would be one grade level above her age but similar in difficulty to what she just finished which was mostly too simple, level D which would be 2 grade levels ahead and possibly still too easy, or Level E which just seems so far ahead grade level that my big concern is not that she can't do the work but what will I do when she finished it and there is only one more book left? |
| Answer: |
Dear Parent,
Thank you for your question!
It sounds as though you are doing a really good job as teacher and in the way you present the material.
When you teach spelling it is important to consider the subject as a whole and how it is integrated into the child's language. CHC's spelling series teaches more than just understanding how to spell a word, but also teaches vocabulary and dictionary skills, how the word is used in the English language, and then how it is used to express oneself orally and in writing.
As such, when you are teaching spelling, it is important to remember that the subject has many dynamics and you are showing your child how English fits into the language as a whole. In the My Catholic Speller program, Book C is intended for a child who is at 4th grade comprehension level. In all the books, the My Catholic Speller series offers activities that your child will enjoy, other than just learning how to spell a word. These activities incorporate the spelling words in ways that the student can see how the word can be used. Book C increases in difficulty about mid-year. In Book D the content becomes more difficult including more advanced vocabulary. The activities might be too much even for an advanced third grader.
My advice is that you try Level C with your daughter and see how that goes. As she is a very bright child, I think she will breeze through it and the various activities will not only catch her interest but also develop her broader Language Art skills. I always enjoy watching the number of homeschoolers that appear on the National Bee Competition. Your daughter obviously has a gift with spelling and I wouldn't be surprised if she some day appears on that program.
God bless you and your family!
Laura Nicholson |
