Spelling

Traditional spelling instruction has relied 
heavily on memorizing what a word looks like versus more strategic 
instruction, which allows for the understanding of how words are 
constructed.  I will be teaching the children strategies for learning how to 
learn words versus just trying to memorize a list of words.

We must think a new way:  The goal is to learn how to spell not what to 
spell.  At school the students will work with a few key words that will 
become tools for learning effective strategies for problem solving on 
words.  The list of words will not be sent home for memorization.  Instead 
we will be learning these words in class in many different ways.  Please ask 
your child to tell you about spelling class.  Our first spelling strategy is:

1. Say the word slowly and write what you hear.

We have now added:

2. Think of the way the word looks.

3. Write the word in parts.

If your child is writing at home and asks you how to spell something, please 

use this prompt!!