All About Spelling
http://www.all-about-spelling.com/
The people who have brought All About Spelling, the well known spelling program, to families everywhere are in the midst of launching a reading program that looks to be just as wonderful. The Beehive Reader 1 was just the beginning. A new website will be up soon. www.all-about-reading.com will be the place to get all of the forthcoming readers and teacher’s manual(s). I would love to see the teacher’s manual to get a feel for how this works as a program. For now, we are just using this for free reading.
We loved the first reader, soon to be renamed Cobweb the Cat. We were thrilled to learn we were on the list for the latest offering, What Am I?. Being a member of the TOS Crew usually means we are given something free for the review–something that is currently available. We received an advance copy of What Am I?, a sneak peek. It will be available on the website soon at the same price as the first, $19.95.
This little book is big on great features. Just like the first book, the quality of the book itself is amazing. Hardcover, heavy pages and durable binding will allow this book to last. With beautiful illustrations and engaging stories and poems you will want it to. The first thing I noticed was the color of the cover. This green is just like the green of AAS Level 2. (I noticed that the first reader was color coordinated back when we did that review, but I thought it was coincidental.) This reader is the first volume of the second level. Just as we saw before, these stories go along with the first lessons of AAS Level 2. Again, you do not need to be using All About Spelling to get the full use from the readers. It is just a little bonus how they coordinate–skill wise and color wise.
The stories require a little more thinking–just as you would expect from a higher level. I was excited to see poems included. We have read poems right along with stories throughout our homeschooling. I have been wanting to focus in on poetry with my girls. Since April is National Poetry Month, this provides us the perfect opportunity. My only disappointment in What Am I? is that some of the language of the stories seems forced. My children didn’t mind–if they even noticed. It doesn’t detract from the story, just makes it obvious that the story was written for a reason other than enjoyment. What are the stories found within the 10 chapters?
- The Bench
- An Elf in the Alps
- Broken Robot
- The Bake Sale
- Matt the Musk Ox
- Skunk Hotel
- Champ
- Pine Tree Pet Shop
- Just for You: Poems for Fun
- What Am I?
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This collection will delight both boys and girls. Just like in many books for children, there are talking animals. I know some families like to avoid that, so that is why it is mentioned. Most of these stories are fun and silly, though a few will touch your heart, too. I have heard that the second volume of Level 2 was available at a recent homeschool convention. I hope this means that it, Queen Bee, should be available online soon. We will be adding these to our shelves. Will you?
Check out other reviews on the Crew blog http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/772308/
Be sure to check out fellow Crew member, Jolanthe’s giveaway for this sweet, little reader.