Spelling
Spelling is forming words using the correct letters in the correct order. Spelling supports reading development because it requires applying phonics knowledge.
HELP Spelling
What is Spelling?
Spelling is forming words using the correct letters in the correct order. Spelling supports reading development because it requires applying phonics knowledge.
HELP Spelling Instruction Goals
- Spelling as Encoding. Teach spelling using phonics and common onset/rime combinations.
- Spelling Patterns. Teach common spelling patterns and rules related to morphology such as prefixes and suffixes.
- Irregular Spellings. Teach how to spell words with irregular spellings.
HELP K3 Literacy is the most effective way to teach spelling because it combines systematic direct instruction, guided practice, spelling games, and environmental literacy supports. HELP Spelling Lessons feature targeted direct instruction to teach spelling using phonics, spelling patterns and rules, and how to spell words with irregular spellings. Words with common patterns are presented and studied in sets.
I didn't realize that writing was turning speech into print.
Spelling and the Science of Literacy
Spelling Stages
Early writing and spelling skills develop in stages:
- Drawing and scribbling
- Letter like forms/shapes drawn from left to right
- "Invented" spelling using letters to represent beginning consonant sounds
- "Invented" spelling using letters to represent ending consonant sounds
- Adding spaces between words
- "Invented" spelling using letters to represent middle letter short vowel sounds
- Increasingly conventional spelling including common spelling patterns, consonant blends, digraphs, and long vowels
Spelling Instruction Best Practices
Accurate spelling requires the integration of phonological (speech sounds)
orthographic (letter order) and morphological knowledge (prefixes, roots, and suffixes). Spelling research supports the following instructional approaches:
- Connect spelling instruction with reading instruction because decoding and encoding are mutually supportive literacy learning activities.
- Use targeted word lists that emphasize spelling patterns or can be used to sort words by spelling pattern.
- Teach spelling rules related to morphology.
HELP Spelling Strategies
1. Say & Spell
Say a word. Invite the learner to help you write/spell the word.
2. Oops Spelling
Write a short sentence that includes at least one misspelled word. Invite the learner to find and correct any misspelled words.
3. Missing Letter
Use letter cards to create a word with one letter missing. Use a blank card to show where the missing letter belongs. Say the word. Invite the learner to insert a letter to make the word.
4. Word Pointing
Use letter cards to create a word with the letters out of order. Say the word. Invite the learner to put the letters in the correct order to spell the word.
5. Word Maker
Create a word ending (rime) using letter cards. Invite the learner to create as many words as possible using the given ending.