Writing Road to Reading 5th Rev Ed: The Spalding Method for Teaching Speech, Spelling, Writing, and Reading (Harperresource Book) [Paperback]

Romalda Bishop Spalding (Author), Mary Elizabeth North (Author)

Book Description

Release date: February 4, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0060520108 | ISBN-13: 978-0060520106 | Edition: 5 Revised

The Spalding Method is a total language arts approach that has been used by teachers and parents for nearly fifty years to teach millions of students to spell, write, and read. Now fully updated to reflect the latest research on how children learn language, this newest edition is easier to use than ever.

The Spalding Method helps train the right and left sides of the brain as children see, hear, read, and write. It is cost-effective and efficient; students use pencils, paper, and their minds. The results are stunning: Children learn to connect speech sounds to print and begin to write and read almost magically. Spalding students perform well in the classroom and on tests -- and most important, they love to read and write.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Romalda Bishop Spalding, a graduate of Columbia University, developed her method using principles learned from the eminent neurologist Dr. Samuel T. Orton and her experiences teaching children with language problems at Harvard Children's Hospital and public and private schools.

Product Details

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Collins Reference; 5 Revised edition (February 4, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060520108
• ISBN-13: 978-0060520106
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,784 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

129 of 129 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good system, somewhat difficult to use August 13, 2005

By ReadNReVu

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

When I first heard about this system, I kept hearing and reading that "flashcards are in the book". NOT in this 5th edition.

They are in the EARLIER editions (little 3 1/2" squares that you can either cut out and laminate or make copies and paste onto 3x5 index cards if you don't want to ruin the book). The info on the cards is in the book, but not in the flashcard format--they hope that you will buy a set from them.

Also missing from this 5th edition but present in earlier editions (via one of those floppy 33 1/3 speed records) is a recording of the phonograms--why they didn't include a CD with this new edition and raise the price a tad is beyond me. You have to go to their site to buy a recording.

As to whether the 5th edition is an improvement over the previous editions, I have mixed feelings. Yes, there is more "teaching info", such as the dialogues the teacher should use (which you may not bother with if you homeschool), but in some ways it makes it more difficult to actually get to the lessons per se. The word list is extended. It still uses their "clock method" of teaching handwriting, which makes for that very round, old-fashioned "school" look. Many schools now teach D'Nealian, which supposedly is easier to transition to cursive handwriting later (imho, they should teach Italic calligraphy instead). It still has samples of the notebook pages, but in a different part of the book than where the teaching dialogues are (again, they assume that this book/system is being used in a classroom, and you have the laminated posters, as well as laminated flashcards for everyone). The earlier editions have the full-size sample pages right next to the actual lesson.

I actually felt it necessary, after buying the 5th edition AND after borrowing an earlier edition from my library, to buy one of the earlier editions (4th) used on Amazon in order to get the flashcards and the recording, as well as to more easily understand the lessons, because in the earlier editions the information is more or less presented and you move on, as opposed to being discussed at length as it is in the 5th edition.

Also, I was disappointed that the 5th edition, unlike previous editions, is printed on newsprint (it resembles a smaller phonebook both in heft and feel when you turn the pages) and not on better quality paper--I'm skeptical as to how long it will last over time, and with what is essentially a reference textbook, you want something that will last for more than one child.

Bottom line: the system is great. However, this 5th edition seems to really be written for classroom teaching--I feel that for homeschooling parents and someone learning on his own, that they would be well-advised to get an earlier edition (4th or 3rd) with the floppy record if you have access to a record player. The 5th does have an extended "parts of speech" writing portion, that the earlier editions don't have, but there are more interesting grammar books out there, for example, some of Karen Gordon's books.

42 of 43 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hands down, the best reading program money can buy! March 27, 2003

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

We have tried several reading programs, but this is by far the best. Your child will learn handwriting, phonics, spelling, and most of all, reading! After just a few months of using the program my children's reading took off. My first grader can read on a fourth grade level, and my third grader can read on a sixth grade level. Do not confuse this all new book with its predecessor (4th edition). This book is twice the size of the old version and includes step by step instructions for implementing the program as intended by its creator, Romalda Spalding. You can't beat the price either.

Other guide books exist to use with the WRTR, but it would be a waste of your money to purchase them. Stick with the original and best! Although the program may seem difficult to implement at first, it is worth the time and effort and will repay your diligence many times over - stick with it and enjoy the benefits.

I can't say enough good things about this program. If you're looking for an effective and lasting program to teach your children to read (and spell and write), do yourself a favor and purchase The Writing Road to Reading.

For more information on this program, including detailed sample lesson plans, visit www.spalding.org

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars teacher-tested! Excellent approach February 7, 2004

By S. Weinstein

Format:Paperback

I am a first grade teacher in a public school and am currently taking a 45-hour class on this book! I can't imagine just picking the book up, reading it, and being able to implement it. I started this method with my first graders after the first two classes I took. I, too, thought the "marking system" to be ridiculous AT FIRST. But, I am totally amazed by how quickly a 6-year old can pick it up. What might seem totally confusing to adults is actually fairly simple to a child. The marking system enables the child to thoroughly analyze the words they write, and eventually they will internalize the rules of our language. In just 4 weeks, I have really seen remarkable results in my students. This is a fantastic book for any educator! If you can't take a class offered by Spalding trainers, then take your time reading and implementing it.