I've taught Slingerland on the first and second grade level for 26 yrs. Some of these classes were screened. It is an excellent reading, writing and spelling program. It was the backbone of my reading, writing and spelling program. We started with learning key words/sound. We learned how to decode words for reading. Spelling tests progressed from single words to whole sentences that included punctuations. Sentences were dictated on Fridays. This program also included handwriting. I will never regret using this method!