Spelling Words

Thanks to Sandy Jacobs for asking me about this spelling letter. I didn't realize I had never sent it out! Always feel free to ask me for something I said I would do. Sometimes things get lost in the shuffle... :o)

In third grade children are taught that writers spell correctly out of respect for their readers. "Dictionary" spelling is much easier to read than invented spelling. Writers want readers to easily read and understand what they're trying to say. There are many ways we teach children to improve their spelling so they can be more respectful of their readers.

Each week the children learn and practice phonetic concepts and skills through the Fundations program. This program presents information through systematic and explicit instruction. At the end of each unit all children will take a test to demonstrate their understanding and facility with the skills and concepts presented. In addition to this, writing will be assessed to see that each child is applying these skills and concepts to their spelling in context.

Third graders are also responsible for spelling "trick words" that were introduced in kindergarten, first and second grade. (Most of these words do not follow phonetic patterns or rules.) Students were given an assessment on their spelling of these words. The words they were not able to spell correctly were placed on a list called "Words to Learn". They will choose 10 words from this list each week to bring home and study. Each Friday they will take a spelling test to demonstrate their mastery of these words. If a child makes an error on a word it will be placed on their list for the following week.

Some children did very well on the pre-assessment and therefore had very few words on their "Words to Learn" sheet. These children will not take very many individualized spelling tests. However, they will engage in other Word Study activities that are appropriate to their ability level.

We are looking forward to continued work with your child to improve their spelling.