Spelling You See is a developmental spelling curriculum from Demme Learning that uses copywork, dictation, and color-coded pattern recognition rather than traditional spelling lists and tests.
What is Spelling You See?
Spelling You See is a research-based spelling curriculum developed by Dr. Karen Holinga, a Reading Specialist with a doctorate from Ohio State University. Published by Demme Learning (the same company behind Math-U-See), this program takes a fundamentally different approach to spelling instruction. Instead of weekly word lists and Friday tests, students build spelling skills through copywork, dictation, and marking spelling patterns with colored pencils. The underlying philosophy: spelling is a visual skill that develops through stages, and children learn best by seeing patterns repeatedly rather than memorizing rules.
Key Takeaways
- Uses copywork and dictation instead of spelling tests and word lists
- Students mark spelling patterns with colored pencils (chunking)
- Seven levels (A-G) based on developmental readiness, not grade level
- Takes approximately 10-20 minutes daily
- Aligns well with Charlotte Mason educational philosophy
The Five Developmental Stages
Spelling You See is built on research showing that all children progress through five natural spelling stages. The Preliterate stage involves learning about print and forming letters. In the Phonetic stage, students spell words as they sound (writing "luv" for love). The Skill Development stage is the longest, spanning several elementary years as children learn phonics exceptions. Word Extension focuses on prefixes, suffixes, and syllables. Finally, Derivational Constancy covers Greek and Latin roots. The program emphasizes that these stages cannot be rushed - each child moves through them at their own pace.
How Daily Lessons Work
Each lesson follows a consistent four-part structure that takes about 10-20 minutes. The Daily Huddle is a brief parent-child discussion. During Chunking, students use colored pencils to mark spelling patterns in passages - yellow for vowel chunks, blue for consonant chunks, and other colors for specific patterns. Copywork has students carefully copy passages to build visual memory. On days four and five, Dictation has the parent read the passage aloud while the student writes from memory. This structure keeps lessons short and manageable while building spelling skills through repetition.
Choosing the Right Level
Spelling You See offers seven levels, each containing 36 weeks of instruction. Level A (Listen and Write) is for beginning readers still learning letter sounds. Level B (Jack and Jill) uses nursery rhymes. Level C (Wild Tales) suits students who know letter sounds. Level D (Americana) is for proficient readers at least 8 years old - this is also the recommended starting point for older struggling spellers. Levels E through G progress through American Spirit, Ancient Achievements, and Modern Milestones. A placement tool on the official website helps families choose, and the general advice is: when in doubt, start lower.
Who It Works Best For
This curriculum tends to work particularly well for visual learners who benefit from seeing patterns rather than memorizing rules. Families using Charlotte Mason methods appreciate how it aligns with copywork and dictation traditions. Some parents report success with dyslexic students due to the emphasis on visual memory and repetition. However, families wanting explicit rule instruction may prefer alternatives like All About Spelling. The coloring and repetitive nature can feel tedious for some older students, so buy-in matters. Many families find it works beautifully for younger children but switch to more explicit instruction around middle school.
The Bottom Line
Spelling You See offers a refreshingly different approach to spelling instruction that many homeschool families find effective and low-stress. The short daily lessons, minimal prep time, and emphasis on patterns over rules make it particularly appealing for busy parents. At around $53 per level, it requires some investment, but each level covers a full school year. If your child learns visually and you prefer a gentle, developmental approach over traditional drill-and-test methods, Spelling You See deserves serious consideration.
