Addressing issues, concerns, and practices surrounding how children use spelling and become competent, confident spellers and writers, this booklet provides practical information, personal stories of practicing North Carolina teachers, strategies, and helpful suggestions for transitioning from textbook spelling to spelling in use. Sections of the booklet are Spelling: What's All the Fuss?; Transitions: From Spelling Textbooks to Spelling in Use; Assessment First: Planning for a Wise Writing Curriculum That Deals Responsibly with Spelling; Structures and Routines: Classroom Possibilities; More Ideas for Teaching Spelling; Involving Parents; and Assessment of Spelling Program within a Balanced Writing Program. A 32-item professional bibliography, a description of the phases of spelling development, and a list of grade-level (K-5) benchmarks in reading and writing for communication skills proficiencies are attached. (RS)