Learners who struggle with reading or spelling need a structured and explicit approach to these subjects, such as defining and ensuring understanding of syllable types. Learning the 6 syllable types helps students determine how to spell a word based on the sounds the vowel has in each type of syllable. It also helps when reading so that students can divide a long word into its syllables and know what the vowel sounds are in each syllable. This helps students become more efficient readers & spellers, creating the strong foundation needed for spelling & reading multisyllabic and more challenging words. 

This class is a safe space for learners who don't find spelling or reading intuitive to start to make sense of these subjects as we learn the reasons behind spelling patterns and sounds. Learners can participate in class at their comfort level and often appreciate being able to commiserate with others about how tricky spelling or reading can be! 

Class is taught in a multi-sensory format, based on the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading and spelling, including visual tools to help the learner visualize what each syllable type is, short custom-made videos, and verbal, visual, & written methods to apply the syllable types to spelling and reading words. A positive and encouraging environment will be maintained throughout our class. Learners will become more confident in their spelling and reading abilities when they are able to notice and understand syllable types. 

The first class in the cycle starts with ensuring learners know what a syllable is and how to divide a word into syllables, using vocal & visual strategies. We will then learn the first syllable type and how to identify its spelling pattern. Proceeding classes will include a review of the syllable types learned before, followed by learning a new syllable type and how to spell it when heard in a word. All 6 syllable types will be taught: closed, open, silent-e, vowel team, r-controlled, & consonant-le. We will discover what the vowel says in each of these syllable types and why it is important when we read and spell words. 

A short homework assignment and extra challenge activity will be posted after each class, giving learners a chance to practice spelling and reading the syllable types learned in class. If submitted to the teacher she will reply, usually within 24 hours, with detailed feedback, encouragement, and spelling tips to remember. 

Please make sure to have a few supplies with you when you log into class:
•	pencil & paper OR dry-erase board, marker, & eraser
•	something to keep track of each syllable type we learn - index cards to create flashcards OR one sheet of paper where you can list them all

Note that there are 6 lessons in this class cycle (for each of the 6 syllable types). Learners are welcome to join anytime during the cycle as there is a short review of each syllable type before learning about the current week’s syllable type. Learners will get the most benefit from the class if they complete all 6 lessons. See schedule below for specific lessons taught each week. 

Weekly Lessons:
Week of Oct. 23rd - 1st Syllable Type: Closed Syllable
Week of Oct. 30th - 2nd Syllable Type: Open Syllable
Week of Nov. 6th - 3rd Syllable Type: Vowel-Consonant-e Syllable
Week of Nov. 13th - 4th Syllable Type: Vowel Team Syllable
Week of Nov. 20th - No Class
Week of Nov. 27th - 5th Syllable Type: r-Controlled Syllable
Week of Dec. 4th - 6th Syllable Type: Consonant-le Syllable
WINTER BREAK 

This class cycle will repeat every 6 weeks. 

**Ongoing Class Format Notice** After the initial subscription payment, you will be billed weekly for this class on Sunday mornings. If you plan to miss a class and do not want to be charged, you must pause or stop your subscription before Sunday. Note that your spot in the class is not held in this situation though. For full information about Ongoing classes, please see this link: https://support.outschool.com/en/articles/2272596-ongoing-classes-for-learners

This class is also available in the Flex format: https://outschool.com/classes/boost-your-spelling-and-reading-skills-by-learning-the-6-syllable-types-flex-yOCw6BNY#usxh5ZPB1D 

See reviews from families who have taken this class in the multi-day format:

"Excellent class. I’d highly recommend any of the classes from Allison Woolley. My daughter has taken this as well as several other spelling classes she offers, and I’ve seen real improvement in her spelling. Allison is a wonderful teacher, who really knows her material and has a great way of explaining it to her class. This class would be good to help reinforce skills already learned, or to help a struggling reader/speller. This class in conjunction with her other spelling rules classes gives a pretty comprehensive foundation for spelling and reading. Highly recommend!" - PG

"Great course. Interactive, fun, and the teacher is really thorough. We appreciated the homework assignments and class summaries so we could practice after each class. The teacher reviews all the homework and gives helpful tips and comments. Great course!!" - KE