All About Spelling (AAS) is a multisensory, mastery-based spelling program that uses letter tiles and systematic phonics instruction to teach encoding skills through visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning.
What is All About Spelling?
All About Spelling is an award-winning homeschool curriculum that teaches spelling through the Orton-Gillingham approach—engaging auditory, visual, and kinesthetic pathways simultaneously. Rather than relying on memorization, AAS teaches students the rules and patterns behind English spelling. Students manipulate physical letter tiles to build words, use flashcards for phonogram review, and work through systematic lessons that build on previous concepts. The program spans seven levels and takes about 20 minutes daily.
Key Takeaways
- Multisensory approach using letter tiles, sound cards, and word cards engages all learning styles
- Mastery-based progression ensures students fully understand concepts before moving forward
- Seven levels cover all major spelling rules and patterns through high school level content
- Fully scripted lessons require no teacher preparation beyond initial card organization
- Uses the same letter tiles as All About Reading, making the programs easy to pair
How Lessons Work
Each AAS lesson follows a five-part structure: a quick overview, flashcard review of previous phonograms, new concept instruction using tiles and activities, application practice with multisyllabic words, and progress tracking. Lessons aren't meant to be completed in one sitting—some concepts take several days or even a week to master. The instructor's manual includes everything a parent needs to teach effectively, with scripts and troubleshooting tips built right in. Most families complete each level in about a year, though pacing is entirely flexible.
The Multisensory Advantage
Students learning to spell through AAS see the letters, hear the sounds, and physically move tiles to construct words. This triple reinforcement helps concepts stick in ways that traditional spelling lists often fail to achieve. The program teaches 72 phonograms across all levels—sound-letter combinations that cover the vast majority of English words. Students learn syllabification rules and spelling patterns rather than memorizing words in isolation, giving them tools to tackle unfamiliar words independently.
What to Expect
AAS focuses exclusively on spelling. It doesn't cover reading, writing composition, or grammar—you'll need separate programs for those subjects. The curriculum requires parent involvement during lessons; this isn't independent work for students. Initial setup takes time as you organize the various card sets, but once established, daily lessons are truly open-and-go. At $69.95 per level plus a one-time Interactive Kit purchase, the investment adds up but materials are fully reusable for additional children.
The Bottom Line
All About Spelling works particularly well for students who've struggled with traditional spelling instruction. The systematic, multisensory approach gives children a framework for understanding English spelling rather than just memorizing word lists. Parents appreciate the scripted lessons and minimal prep, while students often find the tile manipulation more engaging than workbook pages. If your child needs help understanding why words are spelled the way they are, AAS provides the tools to get there.
