What's included
2 live meetings
1 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
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?"
Other Details
Supply List
BEFORE THE FIRST CLASS Students should each send me a list of 10-20 words they would like to learn how to spell, along with how they misspell each word. A printed description will be provided of 1. the underlying principles of the strategies 2. the strategies themselves and 3. how to implement them
5 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I believe spelling matters because it helps others understand you and take you and your ideas seriously.
I'm trained in Lindamood Bell Phoneme Sequencing Program for Reading, Spelling, and Speech(LIPS), Lindamood Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing Program, Phonographix, Read Naturally, Take Aim, Unlocking Literacy, and have a comprehensive training, from Dr. William Stixrud, (a leading neuropsychologist in the Washington, D.C. area and author of The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives), to work with students of all ages who have language-based learning disabilities. One of my two graduate degrees is in writing. I subsequently helped Dr. Stixrud train tutors, parents, and teachers in these strategies that work, for six years. I've taught thousands of students and can troubleshoot individual challenges with sensitivity and skill based on over 40 years experience teaching.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$30
for 2 classes1x per week, 2 weeks
45 min
Completed by 34 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
4-9 learners per class