So you're thinking about teaching spelling? I remember when I first picked up All About Spelling Level 1 for my kid. Honestly, I was skeptical. Another curriculum? Really? But let me tell you, after trying three different programs that year, this one actually stuck. It's not perfect – nothing is – but if you're looking for something that actually teaches how to spell instead of just memorizing lists, you're in the right place.
Here's the straight talk: All About Spelling Level 1 (often called AAS Level 1) is designed for beginners or struggling spellers. It uses magnetic tiles and multisensory methods to build foundational skills. The complete kit costs between $50-$65 new, and you'll need about 15-20 minutes per lesson, 4 days a week.
What Exactly Comes in the All About Spelling Level 1 Package?
When that box arrives, here's what you'll actually find inside:
- Teacher's Manual (spiral-bound, 132 pages) – Lesson plans are scripted so you don't need teaching experience
- Student Packet – Flashcards, phonogram cards, and those colorful letter tiles everyone talks about
- Letter Tiles – Plastic magnets stored in a nifty box
- Phonogram Sounds App access – Honestly, we barely used this feature
The tiles are the star honestly. My kid loved moving them around on our whiteboard while I sipped coffee. Way better than worksheets for early learners.
| Component | What It Does | Parent Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Letter Tiles | Color-coded consonants/vowels for hands-on spelling | Store in ziplock bags between lessons (the box wears out) |
| Phonogram Cards | Teaches sounds through visual drills | Use as quick warm-ups before lessons |
| Word Cards | Practice words organized by concept | Make your own bonus cards with family names/pets |
| Progress Chart | Stickers mark completed steps | Kids go nuts for stickers – use as motivation |
How Long Does It Take to Finish?
Here's what nobody tells you upfront: Progress depends entirely on your kid. We blasted through in 4 months with my older child. With my younger? Took nearly 9 months. The program has 24 steps (they call lessons "steps"), each taking 1-3 sessions.
Typical weekly schedule that worked for us:
- Monday: New concept introduction (10 min)
- Tuesday: Tile practice + word cards (15 min)
- Wednesday: Dictation phrases (10 min)
- Thursday: Review trouble spots (5-10 min)
The Good, The Bad, and What I Wish I'd Known
After using All About Spelling Level 1 with two kids, here's my real-talk review:
What Works Incredibly Well
The multisensory approach saved us. When my visual learner struggled with "cat," we built it with tiles. When my kinesthetic kid forgot sounds, we tapped them out. The incremental progression builds confidence – no big leaps that frustrate beginners.
Major wins:
- Open-and-go lesson plans (lifesaver for tired parents)
- Clear correction methods ("Oh, you spelled 'sit' as 'sit'? Let's listen to the sounds...")
- No busywork – every activity has purpose
What Might Frustrate You
Prep time! Those tiles need organizing before each lesson. I spent more time finding missing vowels than actually teaching some days. Also, artistic kids might find the black-and-white materials boring. We solved this by letting my daughter decorate her word cards.
Biggest complaints from homeschool groups:
- Cost: $50-65 feels steep for starter level
- Space: You need dedicated tile storage space
- Pacing: Some kids find early lessons too slow
How All About Spelling Level 1 Compares to Other Programs
Before committing to All About Spelling Level 1, we tried these:
| Program | Cost | Hands-On? | Teacher Prep | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All About Spelling Level 1 | $$$ | Yes (tiles) | Medium | Struggling spellers, multisensory learners |
| Spelling You See | $$ | No | Low | Natural spellers, worksheet lovers |
| Phonetic Zoo | $$$ | Audio-based | Low | Auditory learners, independent workers |
| Sequential Spelling | $ | Minimal | Low | Pattern recognition, quick lessons |
What makes All About Spelling Level 1 stand out? The explicit phonics instruction. While others assume kids intuit patterns, AAS spells out the "why." Seeing my child understand why "hop" becomes "hopping" was worth every penny.
Who Should Use This Program?
Look, it's not for everyone. Based on my experience and talking to dozens of parents:
Perfect fit if your child:
- Hates traditional spelling workbooks
- Often asks "Why is it spelled that way?"
- Learns better by doing than watching
- Needs systematic phonics reinforcement
Might not click if:
- Your child naturally excels at spelling
- You want fully independent work
- Space/tiny pieces are dealbreakers
- Budget is extremely tight
Making It Work in Real Life
Confession time: I almost quit All About Spelling Level 1 during Step 5. The lessons felt repetitive, and my kid started resisting. Then I discovered these game-changers:
Pro Tips From Our Experience
- Tile alternatives: Use bath crayons or sidewalk chalk when you can't find tiles
- Shorten lessons: Split one step over 2 days if attention wanders
- Add movement: Have kids jump for vowels/stomp for consonants
- Real-world spelling: Practice on grocery lists or thank-you notes
Biggest lesson? When frustration hits, put it away for a week. Seriously. We took a "spelling vacation" and returned to amazed progress.
Answers to Burning Questions About All About Spelling Level 1
Can I reuse materials for multiple kids?
Yes, but buy extra student packets ($20 each). The tiles and manual are reusable forever.
What age is appropriate?
Typically 5-7 year olds. Start when child knows letter sounds and blends simple words like "cat."
Is the teacher manual necessary?
Absolutely. Unlike other levels, Level 1 relies heavily on scripted instruction. Don't skip it.
Can I buy used?
Yes, but verify all tiles are present. Missing pieces cripple the program. Check eBay and homeschool swap groups.
Where to Buy and Save Money
Official retailer is All About Learning Press. They offer:
- Complete Level 1 Kit: $63.95 (current price)
- Free shipping over $50
- Lifetime replacement guarantee
But check Rainbow Resource Center for occasional discounts. Sometimes you can find unopened sets in homeschool Facebook groups for 30-40% off. Word of caution: Avoid Amazon third-party sellers – counterfeits have flooded the market.
Final Thoughts After Teaching Level 1 Twice
Would I buy All About Spelling Level 1 again? Yeah, despite the frustrations. Seeing a child go from guessing to understanding spelling rules is magical. But set realistic expectations – it's a marathon, not a sprint. Some days you'll finish a lesson in 10 minutes feeling like a superhero teacher. Other days, you'll find letter tiles in your pasta jar.
The beauty is in the foundation it builds. Both my kids entered Level 2 with actual spelling skills, not just memorized words. That said, if your budget is tight or your kid hates hands-on learning, explore alternatives. But for struggling spellers or phonics-based learners? Hard to beat this system.
Still wondering if it's right for you? Ask yourself: Does my child learn best by doing? Do I have 15 minutes most days for one-on-one teaching? Can I handle small pieces? If yes, All About Spelling Level 1 might just transform spelling from tears to cheers.
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