Individualized Spelling Program
The learning of conventional spelling is developmental and
varies with each individual. My spelling program attempts to meet
the needs of every child while keeping spelling in perspective.
Conventional spelling is a tool for writers and a courtesy for
readers.
In addition to learning spelling rules and patterns, students will be required to select 5 - 7 words to study for each week. These should be words that have high value, meaning that they are words that the child will use frequently in writing.
In addition to learning spelling rules and patterns, students will be required to select 5 - 7 words to study for each week. These should be words that have high value, meaning that they are words that the child will use frequently in writing.
Only 5 - 7 Spelling Words? My
child can learn 20.While that may be true, we are aiming for mastery of these words. The good 'ole "quality over quantity" saying applies here. If you think about traditional spelling lists, the average student already knows how to spell about half of the words on the list. Therefore, the student is really only studying 10 new words. Every word that is selected for study should be a word that the child cannot spell on his/her own. Another thing to consider is the fact that I will be administering all of the tests. That's 18 different spelling tests!
I have to get 100% on my test!Students may feel pressure to do well on their tests. While they should always try their best, the results of the weekly tests only serve as a guide for selecting the following week's words. If a student happens to miss one of his/her words, then that word should be added to the list for next week. However, if the student shows mastery over all the words on his/her list, new words should be selected for the following week. But keep in mind, old words may be added to future lists as needed.
Hmm. Scarves is a winter word...While occasionally adding a thematic word to the spelling list is fine, please do not let these words take precedence over high frequency words. I'd rather a student focus on learning how to spell the word there instead of celebration. Words that are selected for study should have high value. Words of high value are words that your child will use quite frequently in their writing.
**Though I highly recommend that you take advantage of our individualized spelling program, you are more than welcome to follow our first grade master spelling list.
Click here to download it.
Frequently Asked Questions
