Spelling is the study of word-specific knowledge, and knowledge about words is important. Today, many fourth through eighth graders can't write with fluency because they don't have automatic access to basic words and spelling patterns. Yet, sadly, many teachers have had little support in this area. Luckily, evidence-based spelling instruction is…

Argues that knowing the stages of spelling development can help teachers guide students to spelling improvement, consciousness, and competency. Suggests teaching methods. (FL)

Developmental spelling, the pattern resulting from different strategies that children use at various stages of cognitive development, is explained and five instructional activities supported by developmental spelling research are offered, including the importance of an environment emphasizing functional use of language and of opportunities for…

The article views assessing spelling as a cognitive and developmental process. Five developmental levels that may precede readiness for formal spelling instruction are described and illustrated. A word list and directions for assessing children's developmental levels are followed by prescriptive guidelines for cognitive and developmental…

Presents three activities that prepare students for matching up with spelling partners, carrying out partner quizzes, and scoring partner quizzes. A sidebar provides tips for making partner quizzes work. (SM)

Uses the case study reported in "GYNS AT WRK" to illustrate the five stages of development that children go through in learning to spell. Explains what is involved in each stage and what a teacher can do to help. (FL)

Presents three activities for teaching spelling to students in grades 2-6 using individualized weekly spelling lists made up of developmentally appropriate words. (SM)

Three activities use wall charts to teach spelling. Kindergarten students learn the alphabet, sight words, letter-sound correspondence, and word concepts. Grades one and two students learn to check their spelling against reliable sources. Grades two through six students build spelling awareness, master frequently misspelled words, spell…

Spelling centers are useful as elementary students become adept at managing their spelling practice. Teachers can store regularly-used spelling materials at spelling stations. This article presents two spelling-station activities. One helps students become more aware of how to spell well. The other helps students make individual spelling lists and…

Two activities help elementary teachers prove to their students' parents that spelling is a priority. Show Growth with Samples and Glean Useful Information from Student Drafts let teachers get to know students independently as spellers and communicate that knowledge to parents. A tear-out sheet for parents explains how to help children become…

Presents three fun summer spelling activities for elementary school students and their parents. A kindergarten activity teaches children how sounds and letters make words. A second- through sixth-grade activity teaches the spelling of new words through games. A first- through second-grade activity reinforces correct spelling of high frequency…

Intended for parents of K-8 children who want to take an active role in their children's reading, writing, and spelling development, this handbook presents guidelines, tools, and strategies to help children spell better, read better, and write better. The handbook provides developmental guideposts to track children's literacy; tips for helping…

Intended for teachers and parents, this book focuses on demolishing widely held myths about poor spellers and about the process of spelling. "Dear Professor Henderson" (chapter 1) is a dedication to a favorite college professor who remonstrated with the author about his "lazy" spelling. "Kneeling on Rice" (chapter 2)…