Does your student struggle with spelling? Have they studied spelling rules over and over, but still misspell words throughout their writing? This class will help!

*Please note — Before taking this class, the learner should take this one-time diagnostic spelling evaluation class: 
https://outschool.com/classes/spelling-skills-assessment-private-diagnostic-testing-Cjj0KQil?sectionUid=d738c2e3-ae86-4bcb-902e-fb25b4a98384&usid=4VWBVjnN&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link  

Instead of attempting to memorize lengthy word lists with a large number of spelling rules and exceptions, a better way to learn spelling is for the learner to master the basic spelling patterns they are “using but confusing.” As they become confident in these patterns, they progress toward more difficult spelling patterns. 

Through explicit and systematic phonics instruction, we will:

1) Learn and apply decoding skills, identify various syllable types, and recognize common spelling patterns.
2) Explore and analyze spelling patterns and word families through structured word study activities.
3) Use multi-sensory techniques to engage different learning pathways and enhance retention of spelling knowledge.
4) Understand and apply explicit spelling rules and strategies to approach spelling with confidence.
5) Utilize mnemonic devices, memory aids, and visual cues to aid in memory and retrieval of spelling information.
6) Develop vocabulary skills by learning the meanings, usages, and relationships of target words.
7) Connect spelling to overall language skills, enhancing understanding of word meanings and usage.

This type of instruction is recommended for students with difficulties related to dyslexia, language processing, working memory, visual processing, and/or other factors that influence accurate spelling and word recognition. I have more than 20 years of experience working with students who have these types of challenges. 

The content of this spelling class varies daily according to each learner's individual needs—particularly, based on their performance on the daily spelling quizzes. Each day will follow the same procedure:

At the beginning of each class, your learner will in turn be given a brief spelling quiz (pretest). (The quizzes we start with will be based on their previous diagnostic spelling evaluation.) Each quiz will feature one specific phoneme (sound) that the learner may be struggling with spelling—for example, the "long e" sound. 

After the learner writes each word, we immediately check it and correct the spelling if needed. When the learner reaches 5-6 misspelled words, we stop the pretest.

Next, I will guide the learner through some activities to practice each misspelled word. For example:

- Breaking the word into separate parts ("phonemes")
- Discussing the meaning of each part of the word
- Color coding different phonemes within the word
- Writing the word
- Using the word in a sentence

We would also do activities to sort words into word families and make a game of identifying words that are “rule breakers.” 

Each day, we will briefly review the previous day’s words.

Here's a schedule showing what to expect each week:

Week of July 10: Spelling word lists 1-5; daily reviews of the words studied the previous day
Week of July 17: Spelling word lists 6-10; daily reviews of the words studied the previous day
Week of July 24: Spelling word lists 11-15; daily reviews of the words studied the previous day
Week of July 31: Spelling word lists 16-20; daily reviews of the words studied the previous day

I will assign daily written and hands-on activities for homework. 

We would focus specifically on the spelling patterns with which they need the most help, and not waste time on patterns that the student already knows well. By focusing on and mastering many specific spelling patterns, your learner will become a more confident speller!

I look forward to helping your learner with spelling!