Apples Daily Spelling Drills for Secondary Students

ElaGrades 5–12

About This Curriculum

<cite index="2-1,2-2">Apples is designed for the older student who needs basic phonics review, with a new spelling rule introduced each day, after which it is applied by using Bible verses, sentences, and puzzles.</cite>

What makes it unique: <cite index="8-3">Apples is different than any other spelling program out there, taking into consideration the unique needs of poor spellers.</cite>

Apples Daily Spelling Drills: Targeted Phonics Remediation for Older Students

Apples Daily Spelling Drills for Secondary Students is a specialized spelling curriculum designed for grades 5-12 students who need phonics review and spelling rule instruction. The program uses daily 10-minute lessons that teach specific spelling rules through Bible verses, sentences, and puzzle exercises.

Best for

Secondary students (grades 5-12) who need remedial phonics and spelling instruction, particularly those who struggle with traditional spelling programs or have learning differences affecting spelling retention

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 5 concerns · 1 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum uses direct instruction with explicit presentation of spelling rules followed by guided practice.

Reviews describe lessons that 'begin with presentation of a single spelling rule' followed by exercises, and rules are 'restated at the beginning of subsequent lessons' showing explicit instruction model

Retrieval PracticeStrength

The curriculum incorporates built-in review and spaced practice of spelling rules across multiple lessons.

Reviews note 'Periodic review lessons are included' and 'Rules are restated at the beginning of subsequent lessons that continue work on the same concept' showing spaced review

Systematic PhonicsStrength

The curriculum provides systematic phonics instruction through daily spelling rule presentation and application.

Reviews describe 'basic phonics review, with a new spelling rule introduced each day' and 'Rules are restated at the beginning of subsequent lessons' showing sequential, systematic approach

Knowledge RichConcern

The curriculum is narrowly focused on spelling rules and does not systematically build domain knowledge across subjects.

Cathy Duffy notes 'This is not a comprehensive book covering all spelling rules. Rather, it focuses on those that cause the most problems for older students' with no mention of content knowledge building

Text ComplexityConcern

The curriculum uses primarily Bible verses and short sentences rather than grade-appropriate complex texts.

Materials consist of 'Bible verses, sentences, and puzzles' and 'one-page exercises' rather than sustained engagement with complex literature or informational texts

Vocabulary BuildingConcern

The curriculum does not appear to include explicit vocabulary instruction beyond spelling patterns.

Reviews focus exclusively on spelling rules and phonics patterns without mentioning vocabulary development, word meanings, or morphological analysis

Writing InstructionConcern

The curriculum includes minimal writing instruction, primarily limited to check-writing and envelope addressing exercises.

Cathy Duffy mentions 'check-writing activities and envelope exercises that help students learn how to write out numbers (as on checks) and the correct format for addresses' but no broader writing instruction

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsConcern

The curriculum uses Bible verses and sentences rather than whole books or complete texts.

Reviews describe exercises using 'Bible verses, sentences, and puzzles' and 'Scripture verses and Christian references' rather than sustained reading of complete works

Teacher TrainingInsufficient Evidence

The reviews do not mention any teacher training or professional development materials included with the curriculum.

No reviewer mentions teacher guides, background information, or professional development resources accompanying the materials

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com