Are you just starting out, and need more information? Have you heard about the amazing results of SWR, but want to do a little research yourself? Would you like to read what others say about this amazing program? Or would do you want to compare SWR with other programs? Feel free to browse here, and email me if you have any other questions.
Spell to Write and Read, or SWR, has received great reviews from many of the public and private schools, homeschoolers, and
magazines whih have used or reviewed it.
Most
spelling or phonics programs are based on simply what's been used
before. This unique program starts with the student writing and
spelling, and moves to reading. Based on solid physiological research
and historical precedent, Spell to Write and Read will amaze you with
its simplicity, conciseness, and completeness. A time-proven method
with over 50 years of success throughout the States!
What classical education has to say:
"The
spelling program with results! That's how I would begin to describe
this very comprehensive, very complete set of materials. I know from
first hand experience that this program works and the results are
impressive to say the least." Review by Heidi Shaw... read the next link
Review by the HomeSchool Magazine http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Homeschool_Reviews/reviews.php?rid=598
Compare SWR with the Writing Road to Reading, 5th edition
Wanda's Speech to the Oregon State Senate: The comparison between phoney phonics, fickle phonics, and pokey phonics with true phonics. www.bhibooks.net/HomeInstructor.html
Teaching preschoolers: http://www.morningstarlearning.com/SWR_and_Preschoolers.html
Blog of a lady afraid to start www.morningstarlearning.com/SWR_gettingstarted.html
Does SWR work for Wiggly Willies? http://www.morningstarlearning.com/SWR_helps_Wiggly.html
A rave review from a happy user
** Thoughts about SWR's other features from a newbie
I'm
neither an expert nor a long-time user of SWR. And I'm certainly not
qualified to tell you why SWR is superior. But, I researched quite a
bit before I went with SWR and I can share why I chose and have stayed
with SWR.
What
Saxon has and SWR does not have is scripted lessons. In some ways, SWR
appears to be too simple because it doesn't come with all the extras,
like readers and grammar worksheets! And in other ways it appears to be
too difficult because it doesn't have a year by year defined scope and
sequence. And when I was comparing and contrasting language arts
curriculums, there came a point when I was quite certain that I was
going to choose a program live Saxon or A Beka. (I did use A Beka's
preschool materials). I liked Saxon and A Beka, not because of their
superiority in teaching my child to read and spell, but because of the
comfort they would provide me. I wanted (and at times still do desire)
for someone to hold my hand.
For
a number of reasons I took the plunge and decided to give SWR a try.
However, if I had not had the opportunity to take a seminar or at least
meet with a trainer for a crash course I'm not sure I could have stuck
with it. Somewhere between meeting with a trainer for a crash course
and attending a seminar I came to the realization that
SWR is not about doing a daily lesson and checking it off my list.
It is about learning, both me learning my child and my child learning the English language.
I
have been using the program consistently since September and believe
the scripted lessons and workbooks I initially viewed as a necessity
are actually a hindrance in the teaching process. Imho, the scripted
lessons bind you into following a very specific program. What SWR lets
you do is teach your child in the manner he or she best learns. I think
SWR lets you be freer to do what your dc needs to do and sets you free
of the busyness of a canned curriculum. And in time, I believe SWR is
more likely to engage your
child in creative expression of the English language.
When
I look at curriculums one of the biggest questions I ask is, is this
program merely training a child to read and produce answers for a test?
Or will this program help me train my child to think, reason, and
analyze? When my child has completed this program will they have
internalized the information and be changed by it? My dc are too young
and my hsing experience has been too short for me to have wisdom of
hindsight. But, when I talk to people who have
experience in both Saxon and SWR I find I want my dc to know English more like those who have used SWR than those who
have not.
Heidi in AK
3/3/06