Spelling for Writers

 

October, 2006

 

Dear Families,

 

We are very excited about the spelling program our first through fifth grade classes are using this year called Spelling for Writers.   First grade will be trying it for the first time this year while second through fifth grade will be following it for a second year.  Unlike traditional programs which involve the memorization of a list of words for a Friday test, this program promotes the study of words “from the inside out” and the reinforcement of spelling patterns.  Thus the goal is not to see how difficult a list of words a student might memorize but rather the goal is to transfer knowledge of word patterns from their spelling lists to their writing.  Weekly spelling words are chosen to model more common spelling patterns and rules so that students use them to spell other words with similar patterns. A frequent criticism of spelling programs is that the words may appear too easy for a student.  Please note sometimes easier words provide the best models for noticing patterns.  However, each lesson includes a “shopping list” of words, varying in difficulty, from which students may choose other words to replace those words they have correctly spelled on their pre-test.

 

Another unique feature of this program is the weekly note to families that explains the spelling/word study focus of the week along with four suggested ways you might help your child learn the words.  Activities vary from week to week and offer fun creative ways to study the words so that patterns are easily noticed.

 

 Students also learn proofreading techniques that are applicable to all writing. In addition, each lesson includes a word story which helps students understand where words come from and why they are spelled the way they are.

 

What does a typical week look like?

   

Day 1 - Pretest, students choose words from the shopping list to replace correctly spelled words on pretest, students copy words onto to take home list.  Included with this  “refrigerator list” (so named because this is often where it is placed for the week) is the letter to families explaining the spelling focus and suggested activities. Sudbury district essential spelling words are also included in the weekly lists.

 

Day 2 - Word Sorting  Students make word cards using the spelling words and sort them with a partner or small group.  They then write a generalization that explains how the words are the same or different.  The whole class shares what they noticed about these words.  Often students begin to notice a variety of letter patterns which demonstrates the strength of the program.  No longer are they memorizing each word separately. They are learning to search and recognize patterns or parts they know.  This helps students with their spelling as well reading new words.  Struggling readers might be reminded of a weekly spelling pattern if they are having difficulty reading a word that contains one they have studied.  The main point is that they should look for parts they know when reading and apply these parts when spelling words.

 

Day 3 - Prove it!  Students find more words from their books that prove the generalization they wrote.

 

Day 4 - Spelling for Writing  Students are given a topic to write about using as many spelling words as they can.  Proofreading techniques are practiced.  Word stories are read from the workbook.

 

Day 5 -   Posttest and Word Play   Students take a posttest using a variety of words that follow the spelling focus of the week.  This may be given by a partner or by the teacher to the whole class.  A word play activity that reinforces the pattern through crossword puzzles, word hunts, etc. is then completed.

 

Vocabulary development may also be included as an additional challenge.  Students may be asked to choose or be given words that they need to provide a synonym, antonym, part of speech, a sketch showing its meaning and a sentence modeling its definition.

 

The program is published by Great Source which gives lots of information about the research it is based on, its scope and sequence and program details on its website - www.greatsource.com .

    

Questions?  Ask your classroom teacher, literacy specialist - Kathy Zito (ext. 4208).

Have fun with the new home activities!