Spelling you See Level F: Ancient Achievements Instructor's Handbook

The SpellingYouSee program from Demme Learning is a curriculum designed for homeschoolers that focuses on developing spelling skills naturally and at their own pace with the guidance of an instructor. The program consists of seven levels that correspond to the developmental stages of language development. Dr. Karen Holinga developed this unique, research-based program, which relies on visual memory built through reading and writing, as well as copywork, reading, speaking, and listening exercises for short daily activities. By avoiding rote memorization for weekly tests, students can develop their spelling skills in a holistic way.

The suggested level for students nearing the end of the Skill Development stage is Spelling You See Level F: Ancient Achievements. This level is recommended for students who can write complete paragraphs comfortably. You can find an explanation of each stage by clicking on the Spelling You See Philosophy link above.

The following passage is written at the minimum reading level for Ancient Achievements. Dictate it to your student and then answer the following questions:

Philo was very interested in electronics. When he was a teenager he found a stash of science magazines. He studied them carefully. He learned that scientists were trying to make a new machine. It would use electricity to send and show pictures. He thought about it. He talked with his science teachers. One day he drew a picture on the chalkboard. It showed how a television could work. Philo Farnsworth's plan was the first idea that worked.

After dictation, ask yourself these questions:

• Was my student able to complete the dictation with relative ease?


• Did my student complete the dictation in 10 minutes or less?


• When writing the passage from dictation, did my student correctly spell at least ten of the following words? interested, science, magazines, studied, electricity, pictures, thought, talked, teachers, chalkboard, television, idea

If you answered Yes to all of these questions, your child is ready to begin Ancient Achievements. This level provides continued practice in the Skill Development stage of spelling, with passages of gradually increasing difficulty. At the same time, it introduces students to interesting facts about word roots and more advanced word patterns. It is designed as a bridge to the Word Extension stage of spelling.

Please note that this course relies upon teacher instruction and requires the Ancient Achievements Student Pack (sold separately) and the instructor's handbook. The handbook features the philosophy and overview for the program, frequently asked questions, lesson-by-lesson instructions, and a weekly activity guide. This is followed by passages for dictation. A line-listed highlighted answer key is also provided.

The Ancient Achievements Student Pack cannot be completed without this handbook. The pack includes a student workbook and a set of passages for dictation.

The softcover handbook is 70 pages long and includes a glossary. Its dimensions are 9.25 x 8.