Sequential Spelling is a multi-sensory spelling curriculum from AVKO Educational Research Foundation that teaches spelling through word families rather than memorization, originally designed for students with dyslexia but effective for all learners.
What is Sequential Spelling?
Sequential Spelling is a multi-sensory spelling curriculum developed by the AVKO Educational Research Foundation that teaches spelling through word families rather than traditional memorization methods. The program uses the Orton-Gillingham approach, engaging auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and oral learning channels—AVKO stands for Audio-Visual-Kinesthetic-Oral. Originally designed by Don McCabe, who himself struggled with dyslexia, the program helps students discover spelling patterns naturally rather than memorizing rules. Daily lessons take just 10-15 minutes, with no pre-testing and immediate self-correction of errors.
Key Takeaways
- Teaches spelling through word families, building connections between related words
- No pre-testing or memorization—students attempt words first, then correct immediately
- Multi-sensory approach works well for dyslexia and learning differences
- 7 levels covering grades 2-8 (or adult learners), each with 180 daily lessons
How the Program Works
Each daily lesson takes 10-15 minutes and follows a consistent pattern. A word is given verbally and used in a sentence (auditory). The student attempts to spell it without prior study (kinesthetic). The correct spelling is shown using colored markers to differentiate word families (visual). The student immediately corrects any mistakes (kinesthetic again). Words are taught through vertical development (adding letters to word families: in → pin → spin → spinning) and horizontal development (connecting roots to prefixes and suffixes). There are no weekly word lists and no "study for the test" approach—the daily reinforcement and immediate correction prevent incorrect spellings from becoming ingrained.
Program Structure
Sequential Spelling vs. Other Programs
Unlike programs that explicitly teach spelling rules (like All About Spelling), Sequential Spelling uses inductive learning—students discover patterns themselves through repeated exposure. This makes it faster (10-15 vs. 20 minutes daily) and requires less prep time and fewer materials. It's also more affordable, with books around $30 per level compared to multi-component programs with manipulatives. The trade-off: if your child needs explicit rule instruction with clear explanations, a program like All About Spelling may be more effective. Sequential Spelling works best for students who learn through pattern recognition and benefit from the multi-sensory, immediate-correction approach.
The Bottom Line
Sequential Spelling offers a refreshingly simple approach: short daily lessons, no memorization pressure, and natural pattern discovery through word families. It's particularly valuable for students with dyslexia or those who've struggled with traditional spelling programs, but its efficient, multi-sensory method works well for all types of learners. The key is starting at Level 1 regardless of age—each level builds on the previous one, and the method requires understanding earlier patterns.
