Spelling Strategies That Work

Based on the active and innovative approach of making words that teachers and their students have grown to love from Cunningham, "What Really Matters in Spelling" presents teachers in grades kindergarten through eighth grade with a clear approach to what really matters in spelling.

Guiding Thinking for Effective Spelling 2E explains practical ways to assess students' spelling needs and implement a consistent, supportive spelling approach across the whole school at all primary levels. The chapters include ideas for developing a word-conscious classroom, guiding students' strategic thinking about spelling, and actively recording students' learning through the use of Word Study Notebooks.

Many pupils with dyslexia have poor spelling and handwriting, even when their reading is adequate. This practical yet evidence-based book shows teachers who work with pupils with dyslexia how they can effectively address these areas of weakness. Diane Montgomery introduces her popular Cognitive Process Strategies for Spelling (CPSS) and provides guidance on how this direct action can be successfully used in both primary and secondary contexts. The book describes dyslexia-friendly approaches in Logographic, Alphabetic and Orthographic phases – ‘the three faces’ of dyslexia. Best literacy practice for all children is illustrated in a developmental reading and spelling approach, handwriting as a support to literacy teaching is explained and strategies for overcoming handwriting difficulties are detailed from Reception onwards. Dyslexia-friendly Strategies for Reading, Spelling and Handwriting is full of new research, case examples and practical methods that have been tried and tested in the classroom. This is a must-read guide for all teachers and SENCOs in primary and secondary settings working with pupils with dyslexia.

A recent survey of 200 teachers asking the question ‘spelling is...?’ resulted in the following adjectives: ‘difficult’, ‘complex’, ‘confusing’, ‘random’, ‘confounding’. 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. It explains that spelling is the manipulation of symbols according to agreed-upon patterns that produce predictable results. Spelling errors also fall into sets of predictable patterns. Success in spelling is not a product of intelligence. Many people struggle to spell due to coping strategies developed in place of explicit instruction. What gives spelling its ‘complex’ veneer is the fact that different ways of thinking are required at different levels from word to word. Some words can be spelt as they sound, others have to be visually memorised and some rely on knowledge of core rules about word-structure. A lot of words require more than one strand of knowledge. This book makes clear which strand needs to be applied in different situations. Often pupils who can read and express themselves competently nevertheless find spelling difficult. False assumptions about spelling, such as believing the English language is complex and/or irregular, damage confidence and lead to reluctance to even attempt to spell correctly. Spelling For Life enables teachers and pupils to: learn what the common spelling coping strategies are gain insights into undoing poor spelling habits work together to notice 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. Using a synthesis of theory, research and teaching experience, the fascinating nature of English spelling is systematically teased out. The examples and exercises offer an encouraging, accessible way to implement the programme of study and strive to reveal the beauty of spelling. Aided by example lessons, progressive assessments, unique tools and extensive practice lists, this highly acclaimed overview of spelling succeeds in developing critical thinking and confidence when reading and spelling. It can be used in conjunction with any established phonics programme.

"Words Their Way" is a hands-on, developmentally driven approach to word study that illustrates how to integrate and teach children phonics, vocabulary, and spelling skills. This fifth edition features updated activities, expanded coverage of English learners, and emphasis on progress monitoring.

Sixty-five lessons to help children become more proficient spellers.

The Boost Spelling Skills series provides strategies to improve primary school pupils' spelling skills, making them more confident readers and writers. Teaching children to spell is essential if we want them to become confident writers. Good spellers can write more fluently, as they donʼt have to pause to consider how each word should be spelt. Furthermore, children with good spelling skills are more likely to make adventurous vocabulary choices and be better at reading. The books will boost childrenʼs spelling skills by providing them with strategies to help them spell and read unfamiliar words, including breaking down words by syllables, memory joggers and using rhyming patterns. Targeted dictation exercises provide opportunity for reinforcement and consolidation. This book, Boost Spelling Skills Book 2 will help teachers to introduce and reinforce spelling skills needed to successfully learn and use the words in the National Curriculum spelling list for Years 3 and 4. It is designed for use in lower Key Stage 2 but can also be used by older pupils who find spelling challenging.