Teaching Kids to Spell
Did you know that spelling has been the most researched subject in the school
curriculum?
This year in second grade we will be using an approach to teach spelling that is based on solid research and “best practice” for teaching this subject. While spelling is not "graded" on the report, children are expected to master the second grade word list (which comprises 60% of written material for young students) and spell these words correctly in daily assignments.
We’re excited about personalizing spelling to better meet your child’s spelling needs.
curriculum?
This year in second grade we will be using an approach to teach spelling that is based on solid research and “best practice” for teaching this subject. While spelling is not "graded" on the report, children are expected to master the second grade word list (which comprises 60% of written material for young students) and spell these words correctly in daily assignments.
We’re excited about personalizing spelling to better meet your child’s spelling needs.
How to Study assigned Spelling Words
Based on the Horn Method (1954)
1. Pronounce each word carefully.
2. Look carefully at each part of the words as you pronounce it.
3. Say the letters in sequence.
4. Attempt to recall how the word looks, then spell the word.
5. Check this attempt to recall.
6. Write the word.
7. Check this spelling attempt.
8. Repeat the above steps if necessary.
Taken from The Science of Spelling by Richard Gentry, Ph.D., 2004.
How to Make Spelling Fun!
- Use magnetic letters on your refrigerator or cake pan to spell words
- Cut out letters from newspapers or magazines to spell words
- Make spelling flash cards-write words on index cards and cut the letters apart to spell them
- Call out spelling words while traveling in the car
- Use Mnemonic Devices- Think of a saying that will help your child remember a "tricky" spelling: could = c-oh-you-lucky-duck or tail=The apple is light.
- Use scrapbook foam letters as a fun tool to study with.
- Use ABC cookie cutters and play-dough to cut out letters to spell words
- Use shaving cream to write spelling words on Formica-type surface.
- Write words in sand
- Use letter beads from a craft store to string spelling words
- Put letters on Popsicle sticks, bottle caps, etc., to spell words.
- Use a Magna Doodle to write your spelling words.
- Use Scrabble Tiles and add up the points for each word.