Apples and pears

[souperb]

I'm thinking about doing this with DD, as her spelling is pretty dire. Has anyone else used it? Do I need the "teachers notes" books as well as the workbooks?

Thanks

Yes, I really recommend them. Yes you need the teachers notes too

It's fab :)

It's not bad. It depends how dire her spelling is and why her spelling is that dire.

You do need the teachers book as well.

The teachers notes give you the instructions for each page, so you will need them as well.

Thanks - I will get the teacher notes as well then. I don't know why her spelling is bad, but she hasn't had a teacher this year and probably won't get one next year either (both teachers on maternity leave - yr2 having another baby in Sept, so unlikely to be back next year). School have failed to get maternity cover for either this year, so it is a hodgepodge of regularly changing supplies. As well as reading, we've been doing 10 minutes of maths a day and this has had a big impact, so I'm hoping apples and pears will help with spelling. It is very "phonically plausible", but inconsistent. Like the teaching!

Thanks for feedback.

We did it with DD in I think the summer after y4. The placing tests meant we had to start he on page 1 book 1. It helped a lot and she did improve but we couldn't keep it up once she started back at school.

Teenandtween How long did it take per day? I was thinking 10-15 minutes a day, but is it actually longer?

I think it started at around 10mins, but later on some of the exercises were a bit longer, but certainly not over 30mins. You could do them over 2 days if you wanted anyway.

There was a bit of variety to keep the interest up.

I really like it. DD less so, but she does it and it makes her aware of her progress as there are tests throughout and she is pleased that she is getting better.
DH does it with her a lot and likes the fact its simple for him to set up.
DD is Y3, dyslexic and well behind. We started on lesson 10 - currently on 38. I use a 12 min timer with it and she can usually get through a lesson in that time.

I think the guidance suggests 10 mins a day 5 times a week IIRC.

It's excellent. I use it with dyslexic pupils. You definitely need the Teacher's Book. It has the script that tells you what to say, etc. On their website, there are free downloadable examples of pages working the book as well as a placement test to help you to know where to start with it.