Yes, spelling is important for literacy. The two kinds of knowledge that predict reading success are knowledge of the alphabet and phonemic awareness. This means focusing instructionally on spelling is important. Spelling and word study cut across the curriculum to make important contributions to reading, writing, and spoken language development, as well as vocabulary and concept development in the content areas.
Realities of Spelling Instruction:
- Children need opportunities to experiment with words during word work and writing.
- Copying words and focusing on mechanics don’t ensure the development of correct spelling.
- Expert spellers develop a memory capacity for visual images of words.
- Purposeful writing is the key to learning to spell.
- Spelling proficiency develops within progressive steps.
- Learning to spell is a conceptual process that involves thinking about and making connections with words, not rote memorization.
- Children initially learn to spell by inventing spelling.
"Inventing a spelling for an unfamiliar word --also frequently referred to as temporary spelling, sound spelling, constructed spelling, phonic spelling, or developmental spelling --is natural. We all do it. And kids do it all the time. However, contrary to what a lot of people think, invented spelling doesn't hurt kids; our failure to teach word-specific knowledge and correct spelling does..." ~Richard Gentry
Good spellers:
- Look for patterns
- Look for word parts
- Try several ways to write a word
- Write sounds in words
- Write a vowel in each word and in each syllable
- Think about words that sound the same
- Think about words that look the same
- Check to see if words look right
- Think about what words mean
- Practice words
- Use a dictionary to check
- Use a computer spell check
- Look for words in the classroom
Learn more about spelling at: http://www.teacher2teacherhelp.com/spelling/
Coming soon: Word Work and Working on Writing
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