I Can Spell! Learn Multi-Sensory Strategies That Work

Spelling is often the most difficult skill for struggling readers to master. The irregularity of English doesn't help any of us!  In these two classes, you will learn:

1. Why both phonemic awareness (we'll define this, don't worry) and visual memory are needed for spelling and how to strengthen each.
2. How to use each sense to nail spelling:  hearing, vision, movement, touch.
4. How the chunks of words (morphemes) are usually put together.
5. Why spelling words correctly on a spelling test may not carry over to writing, and what to do about it.
6. Why spelling matters in the era of spell check, Siri​, twitter, and texting.

I will explain each topic, then you will practice the ideas and strategies in class.  No background knowledge is needed. Less than one hour of homework per week is assigned, to apply the strategies learned that week, then report back.  I am happy to evaluate your progress verbally and/or in writing if requested.

To be clear, my two-session class is not a substitute for a spelling curriculum.  It is intended to provide multi sensory strategies for remembering how to spell words--strategies that will be useful in any spelling curriculum you choose.  One curriculum I recommend is Spellography, https://www.voyagersopris.com/literacy/spellography/overview.   

Nor is my class a list of spelling rules.  The second session will introduce some common spelling patterns, in the context of helping you learn some words you send in to me.  Most spelling rules in English have exceptions, so I prefer to talk about patterns that generally hold true.  The second class discussion of spelling patterns, though useful, is not a full presentation of all the patterns that we need to master.  I hope, though, that it will motivate us all to engage in a comprehensive spelling curriculum that builds vocabulary, knowledge of spelling patterns, the parts of words (prefixes, roots, and suffixes) and helps us answer the question:  "Why is this word spelled the way it is?"