Dictation/Spelling questions

[inHistiming]

When we first began homeschooling it was because it had come to our attention that our dd was not able to read like the other children in her K class. This was in some part due to a vision problem that had gone undiagnosed. Upon correcting her vision with glasses and bringing her home for schooling, we really focused on getting her reading. We went through RME, and she did fine, but it took some time for her to actually begin sitting down to read books for her own pleasure. Since she became able to read we have been working on her spelling. It has been a real struggle for her. Spelling lists do not seem to be retained in later writing...only for the test. Dictation has been good for her...she has shown much improvement. However, she is still behind her grade level. The reason I am here now is for advice. My dd began writing a story yesterday, and has actually done quite a bit of writing, all on her own with no instruction from me to do so. She let us all read it last night (her first chapter because she's actually trying to write a book) and she really did a fantastic job. However, it is quite obvious that her spelling ability is way behind. My husband read it and really enjoyed the story as well. However, he did ask me today if she was where she should be in spelling for 5th grade, and I had to say no. He wants me to look into phonics programs and plans to do the same himself. I have no problem with that. If she needs help I want to get it for her. My concern is that whatever he chooses will probably be very 'schoolish' and definitely not Charlotte Mason. That just tends to be the type of things he would pick. So, anyone have advice or suggestions for a remedial spelling/phonics program? We already have quite a few challenges with her during 'school' as it is and I would want something that is going to be beneficial for her but not just something else to fight with her over, if you know what I mean. I've seen great improvement with my dd using dictation, and I told my husband that, but he still wants to look into the programs......

[twoxcell]

I would suggest All About Spelling. It is not recommended by HOD though, so I'm not sure if I'm supposed to.

[inHistiming]

I did forget myself when writing this that we are not supposed to discuss other programs....so Carrie, please feel free to delete this if needed. Really what I want is advice for how to help her more or how to talk to hubby about the benefits of dictation long-term. Maybe Carrie can chime in on that for me? Or anyone else...thanks so much.

[pjdobro]

I don't know about spelling programs or phonics, but one thing I was thinking that might help her while writing is to use some sort of a word processing program on the computer with a spell checker on. That might help her to see the mistakes she is making without you having to bring them to her attention. It would also make it seem like more of a real book to type it in the computer. I know that doesn't solve your problem long term, but just seeing the misspelled words and correcting them in the program might help a little.

[blessedmom]

I would second All About Spelling. I have a friend that started it last year with her then 5th grader and said he has improved greatly.
I also have started it this year with my 2nd grader, who has just really started reading. It has taken her a while to click in her reading.
I have been shocked with what she is able to spell now. At the beginning of the year(five weeks ago), I would not have asked her to spell anything, it would have resulted in tears.
She is actually writing more stories and asking lots less how to spell words.

[my3good&perfectgifts]

Can you explain to your husband that dictation is a slow process. I questioned it in the beginning, but I was reassured by the ladies here that it is worth the wait. I put aside all other spelling programs (believe me, there were many) and my ds has grown leaps and bounds with just dictation. We do it everyday first, so we won't forget it. He is still not up to grade level (that being 5th), but he is finally spelling more words right in his writing. I would stick to just dictation and watch for the payoff. By the way, it took about a year and a half to really see results in my ds.

[inHistiming]

Thanks everyone...I appreciate the words of advice.

Beth, I feel the same way. We have seen progress and I am sold on dictation. But, it does look bad to see all the writing she's doing and how many of the 'easy' words are misspelled. It looks very much like my second grade son's writing, who is just starting spelling this year. Anyway, I did broach the subject with him again and he was very understanding. He knows we've been working on it diligently. He said he didn't want me to stress out over it (which I do!). I think he just wants to help her, as do I , we just have different ideas about that....and he has not done any of the homeschooling or related research so he really doesn't know the differences between traditional spelling programs and dictation. We referred back to her SAT from the spring and Language Arts was actually where she scored the highest even though reading, writing, and spelling have come slowly for her. I think that made him feel a little better. I'm hoping we can just stick with the dictation and see how it has helped her by April. If he does want to implement anything else I will, but we will still continue with the dictation as well. It is helping her to be and feel successful, which she needs.

pjdobro,

I had wondered about the computer myself, but she had actually said she wants to write it by hand then possibly type it in later....she is enjoying the handwritten work. I don't want to give her too much instruction with something that she's doing on her own for fun....so it's tough. We haven't said anything to her about the spelling because we don't want her to give up the writing. She does ask me how to spell some words...I guess she doesn't realize the others are misspelled.

Anyway, I appreciate the input ladies. Thanks again!