Spelling
it Right

dict4
Buying spelling
products
in the UK

Any product
which creates
an interest
in words
is helpful
to someone
who finds
spelling
difficult

Orders you place with Amazon by clicking through from links on this page will earn me a tiny commission (at no extra cost to yourself) and this helps to keep my computer in repair and ensures that I can keep Spelling it Right running!
Roger Smith


Click here for
List of exercises
Advice
HomePage
Contact us
Spelling it Right is part of the National Grid for Learning funded by
the UK Government's Department for Education and Skills
    Buying Spelling Products in the UK
    Here at Spelling it Right I often receive e-mails asking me to recommend a particular book, dictionary, or game which encourages an interest in words and spelling. I'm making several suggestions below, all of them available in the UK at Amazon. I use the company for all my book and software buys and I've found their service efficient and their prices competitive. I especially like to read the reviews by customers who have already bought the item.
    (Do remember that Amazon don't charge for delivery if your order is £15 or over).

    I've broken up the list into three headings: Mainly for adults/parents; Mainly for teachers; Mainly for kids. But, do note that the categories may overlap somewhat.

    Mainly for Adults/Parents

    Basic Spelling starts with a useful self-assessment questionnaire to establish your strengths and weaknesses and guide you to the appropriate chapters. Subsequent chapters tackle types of spelling patterns. Click here >> Basic Spellingfor more details.

    If your child has been diagnosed as Dyslexic you may wish to have Margaret Walton's book Teaching Reading and Spelling to Dyslexic Children. Written for teachers and parents, it is easy to understand and contains helpful games, charts and activities. Recommended by homeschoolers on both sides of the Atlantic. Click here for information >> Teaching Reading and Spelling to Dyslexic Children

    Mainly for Teachers

    The Times Education Supplement regards Mike Torbe's Teaching and Learning Spelling as the "Rolls-Royce of spelling books" .... being "one of the most intelligent examples of its genre, covering identity as a speller, practical classroom organisation, miscue analysis and even school policy on spelling." Every English teacher should have a copy. Click here for a detailed synopsis >> Teaching and Learning Spelling

    How to Detect and Manage Dyslexia is a reference book aimed at learning support co-ordinators, specialist and non-specialist teachers, and all others involved in helping students with dyslexia. Do read the customer reviews. A teacher describes it as “invaluable in providing teaching strategies, information about negotiating the "system" and advice for older students moving into further and higher education, as well as younger pupils.” A parent of a dyslexic son finds it “an incredible resource” offering “wonderful advice”.

    The Spelling for Literacy series comprises five photocopiable resource books for teachers, providing a complete programme of spelling activities. Designed to help teachers with the National Literacy Strategy, each book includes the words recommended for that particular year.
    Click below more details>>
    Years One and Two: Spelling for Literacy Ages 5 - 7
    Year Three:               Spelling for Literacy Ages 7 - 8
    Year Four:                 Spelling for Literacy Ages 8 - 9
    Year Five:                  Spelling for Literacy Ages 9 - 10              
    Year Six:                   Spelling for Literacy Ages 10 - 11

    Mainly for Kids

    Spell It Yourself is aimed at children aged seven and above. It helps them find correct spellings quickly and easily, leading them to over 8,000 root words followed by their different endings. Find out more
    by clicking here >> Spell it Yourself

    Spelling Essentials by Shireen Shuster presents spelling rules and patterns, each followed by a structured practice exercise. Parents will find the glossary especially helpful. Click here for more information >>
    Spelling Essentials: Student's Book

    Spelling Matters: Pupil's Book For Key Stage 3 students (ages 11-14), this resource attempts to identify, target and improve areas of spelling difficulty. Once diagnostic and self-tests have helped students to pinpoint their weaknesses, they can target and improve their skills using lively and structured activities.
    Have a look >> Spelling Matters

    I've heard good reports about two CD Roms:    Excelling at Spelling from the Encyclopoedia Britannica stable covers key stages 1 2 & 3 and Spelling Made Easy from Dorling Kindersley which includes exercises and score charts to monitor children's progress. Read all about them by clicking >> Excelling at Spelling and Spelling Made Easy

    My first impression on opening the Ace Spelling Dictionary: Find Words Quickly and Improve Your Spelling was that it would be too complicated for children to use. However, I was soon proved wrong! They just need a couple of half hour sessions with an adult and then it's full steam ahead. Do read the gushing reviews from parents and teachers by clicking here >> The Ace Spelling Dictionary: Find Words...


    		Remember, orders you place with Amazon by clicking through from any of the links on this page will earn me a tiny commission (at no extra cost to yourself) and this helps to keep my computer in repair and ensures that I can keep the Spelling it Right running!
    Roger Smith