Spelling for Life

Synopsis

There is a myth that English spelling is unnecessarily complex, and it is spread by those who don't understand the writing system. Spelling for Life offers lucid, accessible tools which help to reveal that, when explicitly and systematically taught, spelling is scientific, law-abiding and even elegant.

Using a synthesis of theory, research and teaching experience, the fascinating nature of English spelling is systematically teased out. The examples and exercises throughout offer an encouraging, accessible way to implement the program of study and strive to reveal the beauty of spelling. Spelling for Life enables teachers and students to:

 learn what the common spelling coping strategies are;

 gain insights into undoing poor spelling habits;

 work together to reveal patterns not only in regular spelling, but also in words which on the surface seem to break the spelling rules;

 practise successful spelling strategies, progressing from simple to complex words rapidly and with confidence.

This new and improved edition includes updated spelling techniques as well as new chapters on orthographic mapping, spelling assessment, teaching consonant clusters well and suffixing rules. Aided by example lessons, formative assessments, unique tools, a scope and sequence, and extensive practice lists, this highly acclaimed overview of spelling succeeds in developing theory and practice in the writing system for teacher and student alike.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Spelling Myth

* Summary: Challenges the traditional view of spelling as a set of arbitrary rules and argues that English spelling is largely phonetic.
* Example: The word "cat" follows the phonetic principle of C = /k/, A = /a/, and T = /t/.

Chapter 2: Phonological Awareness

* Summary: Emphasizes the importance of developing children's ability to understand and manipulate the sounds of language.
* Example: Word games like "I Spy" foster phonological awareness by helping children focus on individual sounds within words.

Chapter 3: The Invented Spelling Stage

* Summary: Describes the stage where children naturally attempt to spell words based on their understanding of spoken language.
* Example: A child might initially spell "dog" as "dogg" to represent the final /g/ sound.

Chapter 4: The Transitional Spelling Stage

* Summary: Explores the gradual process where children refine their invented spellings by incorporating knowledge of conventional spelling patterns.
* Example: The child who spelled "dogg" might later start using "dog" as they encounter the written word.

Chapter 5: The Derivational Stage

* Summary: Explains how children learn to spell words by understanding their derivations from root words and affixes.
* Example: A child who knows how to spell "play" can use the root word and suffix to spell "playing."

Chapter 6: The Analogical Stage

* Summary: Describes the stage where children develop strategies for spelling new words by analogizing them to known words with similar patterns.
* Example: A child who knows how to spell "see" can use the analogy to spell "fee."

Chapter 7: Spelling in Context

* Summary: Highlights the importance of teaching spelling within meaningful contexts, such as reading and writing.
* Example: Having students write stories or poems encourages them to apply their spelling skills in natural settings.

Chapter 8: Assessment and Instruction

* Summary: Provides guidelines for assessing spelling progress and tailoring instruction to meet individual needs.
* Example: Using spelling tests that include a variety of word types and encourage students to justify their spellings.