For all regular and special education teachers in grades 4 and up, here is a ready-to-use activities program combining whole language concepts and phonics strategies to teach students with spelling difficulties how to spell by recognizing patterns and consistencies rather than memorizing hundreds of isolated words. Included are step-by-step instructions for utilizing the program followed by 40 sequential lessons covering Sounds, Syllables, Word Building, Rules and Generalizations accompanied by diagnostic tools, word lists, and 200 reproducible activity sheets.
For easy use, all program materials are printed in a big 8 1/4 * 11" lay-flat binding that folds flat for photocopying and all lessons follow the same familiar format: Getting Started: To begin the lesson, students draw on their prior knowledge, discuss what they've learned in previous lessons, and write their observations in a notebook. Introducing New Information: The teacher creates situations in which students actively acquire new information. Practicing with Individual Words: After reviewing word lists demonstrating a new pattern, rule or generalization, students write individual words and self-correct any mistakes. Practicing Spelling in Context: Using the new patterns they've learned to spell, students begin to write meaningful sentences. Reinforcing Activities: Students select any activity, such as "Syllable Rummy" or working with a popular literature selection that reinforces the lesson. Extra Interesting Facts: Little-known facts about words and expressions, such as the origin of hamburger and "It's Raining cats and dogs," spark students' curiosity about our language. Plus 5 Ready-to-Use Worksheets: Including&*Finish It! An exercise in which students select the right words to complete 10 sentences. *Categories Game: A game that builds students' confidence and logical thinking skills as they locate the correct categories for newly learned words. *Look It Up! A dictionary usage activity in which students look up common and uncommon words working at their own pace. *List It! An easy, enjoyable exercise that prepares students for "real" writing. *Write On! A writing activity featuring tall tales, poetry, TV ads and more that develops students' expository and creative writing and spelling skills. In short, Spelling Smart! Gives you a unique and proven program to develop competency in students who have experienced repeated failure in learning to spell. Once you guide them through the first lessons of this program, they will gain confidence, begin to succeed, and demand more challenge!