Do Spelling You See and Math-U-See Share the Same DNA?
Can a user of Math-U-See expect a similar experience with Spelling You See? Read on to find out.
“Oh, my! You look just like your mother!” Inevitably, that is the response my youngest daughter receives anytime someone encounters the two of us together for the first time. Not only do we carry many of the same facial features, but there are some similarities in our personalities as well. Since we are part of the same family and she carries some of my DNA, it makes sense that people would see the resemblance.
Does the same hold true for curricula? Math-U-See and Spelling You See are both part of the Demme Learning product family.
Similarities Between Math-U-See and Spelling You See
1) Placement by Readiness
Both programs place students according to their readiness rather than grade level. The completion of each lesson varies upon the skill of the student. Placing students according to readiness level helps ensure that the student has the foundation necessary to experience success. This results in decreased frustration and increased confidence.
2) Based on Successful Teaching Practices
While Math-U-See and Spelling You See were developed by different people (Steve Demme and Dr. Karen Holinga, respectively), both were designed based on their experiences with real students as to what is effective, and both programs are supported by research.
3) Grade Levels are Not Emphasized
Both Math-U-See and Spelling You See meet your child right where he is at, developmentally and academically, regardless of age or grade level.
4) Short Lessons
Experts indicate that our brains will typically remain engaged in an activity for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time. (This can be influenced by factors such as age, hunger, tiredness, and stress.) Brief activities within each lesson help maintain focus and don’t add frustrations for the student.
5) Reinforces Learning with Different Senses
Both programs contain print, auditory, and hands-on components. Research shows that multisensory learning serves to strengthen the learning experience and makes it more likely that the student will actually retain what is being learned over time.
6) Parental Engagement is Critical
Whether it is having your student teach back a math concept or providing encouragement while completing a passage diction with her, parental engagement is an integral part of both the Math-U-See and Spelling You See programs.
7) Video Instruction
Math-U-See’s lesson-by-lesson videos enable parents to see the teaching of the concepts in action. Videos provided as part of the online access for Spelling You See provide an overview for the level, demonstrations of core activities, and additional helpful videos.
8) Presentation of the Material
The material is presented in a way that engages, encourages, and motivates the student, giving him increased confidence as his skill grows. Colorful and fun manipulatives, high-interest passages, positive presentations – these elements and more allow students to explore learning in a non-threatening, low-stress manner.