A few thoughts about spelling:
Over time, I have come to the conclusion that some people can spell
and some people just can't. I used to think it had a lot to do with
how much reading a person did, but I don't know anymore whether I
believe that. My son (35 years old) is an avid reader and he is about
the worst speller in the world, and I know people who don't read
anything and can spell beautifully.
Spelling is such an interesting school "subject" because we seem to
spend so much time on it, and if my hypothesis is true, then how much
time is being wasted? That said, I do think that a spelling approach
that looks at patterns and chunks and categories of words .... and
gives kids time to play with those word parts.... is probably more
effective than one which seems more random or arbitrary (igh words
this week, ough words next week, etc.)
Me.... I quit giving weekly spelling lists somewhere along the line,
which required a little parent education (yes, we are addressing
spelling in class, but I'm not doing a weekly spelling list because
they just memorize the word for Friday and on Monday they can't spell
it anymore) and freed me to do something else for homework. I have
also done "individualized spelling lists" with contracts and activity
choices, and that was fun. The kids gave each other their spelling
tests.
Spelling is one of those things that I think will never be solved.
Like the pencil issues.
Renee
On Jun 10, 2012, at 5:35 AM, Wendy Robertson wrote:
Words Their Way is a complete spelling program, which complements/
doesn't contradict other reading and literacy programs.
We use it at my school and with great success. it is quite labour
intensive at the start, but gets easier.
Wendy
Public Education:
It's a right, not a race.
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