Watch students take a big step toward spelling independence
Teachers answer questions - all day, every day. It’s what we do. And it’s what we should do. After all, we teach because we want to inspire and encourage students, sharing knowledge and helping them learn important concepts and skills. Questions are a natural and vital part of learning.
However…
There’s one question that every teacher answers at least 20 times a day every day.
No, I don’t mean, “Is it almost time for lunch?” or “Can we have extra recess?”
The question I’m talking about is, “How do you spell…?”
Students who are not confident, independent spellers often turn to the most convenient of dictionaries - you. If you’re ready to retire from your role as a human dictionary (or at least greatly reduce your hours), keep reading. I want to share some resources with you that will help your students take an active role in their own spelling.
First, let’s talk about Spelling Fluency
A big step toward spelling independence for students is to build up a roster of words they have learned to spell with confidence. This is especially true for tricky sight words and words that don’t follow the rules or follow rules students have not yet learned.
I found a practice within Orton Gillingham to be incredibly effective for my students. Spelling Fluency is a multisensory practice. Multiple parts of the brain are engaged, allowing students to make stronger connections and experience learning more deeply. Click here to learn more about why Spelling Fluency is the key to increasing the effectiveness of any spelling program.
Ready to try Spelling Fluency practice with your students? Click here to learn more about how you can put it to work in your classroom - with little to no ongoing time and effort from you! I have a resource in my TPT store that has everything you need to get started with Spelling Fluency right away!
Now’s the time for a new kind of dictionary
We can all agree that “teacher as dictionary” is not a long-term solution for student spelling. We also know sending them into thick, overwhelming paper dictionaries with too many words on the page in tiny print is not an ideal solution either. So what is?
A personal spelling dictionary is the perfect go-to reference for elementary students. They are able to write with a greater level of confidence and independence with this tool by their sides.
The personal spelling dictionary is a student’s own copy of sight words and other words they use often in their writing. These dictionaries help keep your students accountable for the words they learn throughout the year - no more forgetting how to spell a word five minutes after the weekly spelling test has ended!
I created two personal spelling resources - one for K-2nd grade and one for 3rd-6th grades. The dictionaries come complete with grade-appropriate sight words. Students are then responsible for adding to their dictionaries and keeping them current by including words from spelling lists, rule breakers, and other important words learned during the year (e.g., subject-specific vocabulary). Students personalize their dictionaries with words they need help remembering how to spell.
Each of the dictionaries is broken into two main sections - alphabet pages and theme pages that include words students use regularly in their writing.
Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
Alphabet pages listing five levels of sight words and sight word nouns.
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8 theme pages (e.g., abbreviations, months and days, colors, animals)
3rd - 6th Grade
Alphabet pages listing leveled, grade-appropriate words
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19 theme pages (e.g., holidays, states, countries, character traits, adjectives)
These personal spelling dictionaries come in two formats - printed or digital - to best meet the needs of your students. If virtual instruction is part of your year, the digital version is a great solution! My favorite thing about this resource - other than watching students become more independent, confident, and capable spellers - is that it can be used with any spelling curriculum or program. That’s by design!
Closing note…
Now you have one more tool to use with your students to help them move toward being confident, independent spellers. You’ll be amazed at how excited some of your students will be to have their own personal dictionaries filled with words they can use in their writing - without having to stop and ask, “How do you spell?” I also hope you consider giving Spelling Fluency practice a try in your classroom as part of your spelling program.
As the new school year gets under way, remember to look for ways to lessen your load by organizing, planning, or simplifying. I support teachers just like you with courses, resources, tips, and strategies that help you achieve balance. You can be a great teacher without sacrificing your personal life. Check out my collection of blog posts and resources.
